King James Version
Leviticus 21:3 in the King James Version says “And for his sister a virgin, that is nigh unto him, which hath had no husband; for her may he be defiled.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“And for his sister a virgin, that is nigh unto him, which hath had no husband; for her may he be defiled.”
Leviticus 21:3 · KJV
And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto the priests the sons of Aaron, and say unto them, There shall none be defiled for the dead among his people:
But for his kin, that is near unto him, that is, for his mother, and for his father, and for his son, and for his daughter, and for his brother,
And for his sister a virgin, that is nigh unto him, which hath had no husband; for her may he be defiled.
But he shall not defile himself, being a chief man among his people, to profane himself. he: or, being an husband among his people, he shall not defile himself for his wife, etc
They shall not make baldness upon their head, neither shall they shave off the corner of their beard, nor make any cuttings in their flesh.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“And for his sister”
H269a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)
“a virgin”
H1330a virgin (from her privacy); sometimes (by continuation) a bride; also (figuratively) a city or state
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
“unto him which hath had no husband”
H376a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
“for her may he be defiled”
H2930to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
This verse is found in the book of Leviticus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Leviticus 21:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.