King James Version

What Does Leviticus 21:7 Mean?

Leviticus 21:7 in the King James Version says “They shall not take a wife that is a whore, or profane; neither shall they take a woman put away from her husband: for h...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“They shall not take a wife that is a whore, or profane; neither shall they take a woman put away from her husband: for he is holy unto his God.”

Leviticus 21:7 · KJV

Context

5

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.

6

They shall be holy unto their God, and not profane the name of their God: for the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and the bread of their God, they do offer: therefore they shall be holy.

7

They shall not take a wife that is a whore, or profane; neither shall they take a woman put away from her husband: for he is holy unto his God.

8

Thou shalt sanctify him therefore; for he offereth the bread of thy God: he shall be holy unto thee: for I the LORD, which sanctify you, am holy.

9

And the daughter of any priest, if she profane herself by playing the whore, she profaneth her father: she shall be burnt with fire.

Read Leviticus 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They shall not take a wife that is a whore, or profane; neither shall they take a woman put away from her husband: for he is holy unto his God.

This verse falls within the section on Priestly Holiness. Higher standards for priests due to their sacred role, including restrictions on mourning practices and marriage.

The central theme of Leviticus is God's holiness and the call for His people to be holy. The Hebrew word qadosh (קָדוֹשׁ) means 'set apart' or 'sacred,' emphasizing both separation from sin and consecration to God's purposes.
The holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Higher standards for priests due to their sacred role, including restrictions on mourning practices and marriage. Chapters 17-27, often called the 'Holiness Code,' expand covenant obligations beyond ritual to encompass all of life—sexuality, economics, justice, and relationships. The repeated refrain 'I am the LORD' grounds these laws in God's character and covenant relationship with Israel. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. The tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's holiness, as revealed in this verse, shape your understanding of worship, obedience, and daily living?
  2. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  3. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְאִשָּׁ֛ה1 of 14

“a wife”

H802

a woman

זֹנָ֤ה2 of 14

“that is a whore”

H2181

to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (

וַֽחֲלָלָה֙3 of 14

“or profane”

H2491

pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted

לֹ֣א4 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִקָּ֑חוּ5 of 14

“They shall not take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

וְאִשָּׁ֛ה6 of 14

“a wife”

H802

a woman

גְּרוּשָׁ֥ה7 of 14

“put away”

H1644

to drive out from a possession; especially to expatriate or divorce

מֵֽאִישָׁ֖הּ8 of 14

“from her husband”

H376

a 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)

לֹ֣א9 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִקָּ֑חוּ10 of 14

“They shall not take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

כִּֽי11 of 14
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

קָדֹ֥שׁ12 of 14

“for he is holy”

H6918

sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

ה֖וּא13 of 14
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

לֵֽאלֹהָֽיו׃14 of 14

“unto his God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

Study Guide

Historical Context

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.

Theological Significance

Leviticus 21:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Leviticus 21:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 21:13-14Ezekiel 44:221 Timothy 3:11Leviticus 21:8Isaiah 50:1Deuteronomy 24:1-4

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 21 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Leviticus 21 with CommentaryAll Leviticus ChaptersComplete Leviticus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes