King James Version

What Does Leviticus 22:12 Mean?

Leviticus 22:12 in the King James Version says “If the priest's daughter also be married unto a stranger , she may not eat of an offering of the holy things. a stranger...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“If the priest's daughter also be married unto a stranger , she may not eat of an offering of the holy things. a stranger: Heb. a man a stranger”

Leviticus 22:12 · KJV

Context

10

There shall no stranger eat of the holy thing: a sojourner of the priest, or an hired servant, shall not eat of the holy thing.

11

But if the priest buy any soul with his money, he shall eat of it, and he that is born in his house: they shall eat of his meat. with: Heb. with the purchase of his money

12

If the priest's daughter also be married unto a stranger , she may not eat of an offering of the holy things. a stranger: Heb. a man a stranger

13

But if the priest's daughter be a widow, or divorced, and have no child, and is returned unto her father's house, as in her youth, she shall eat of her father's meat: but there shall no stranger eat thereof.

14

And if a man eat of the holy thing unwittingly, then he shall put the fifth part thereof unto it, and shall give it unto the priest with the holy thing.

Read Leviticus 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If the priest's daughter also be married unto a stranger, she may not eat of an offering of the holy things.

This verse falls within the section on Acceptable Sacrifices. Requirements for acceptable sacrifices and those who may eat sacred offerings, maintaining sacrifice quality.

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 Aaronic priesthood mediated between God and Israel, offering sacrifices and maintaining the tabernacle. This prefigured Christ's superior priesthood after the order of Melchizedek. The five main offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt) addressed different aspects of relationship with God, all fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive sacrifice.
The New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Requirements for acceptable sacrifices and those who may eat sacred offerings, maintaining sacrifice quality. 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. Ancient texts like the Code of Hammurabi show that law codes were common in the ancient Near East, but biblical law uniquely grounded ethics in God's character rather than merely social convention.

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 Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  3. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וּבַת1 of 11

“daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

כֹּהֵ֔ן2 of 11

“If the priest's”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

כִּ֥י3 of 11
H3588

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

תִֽהְיֶ֖ה4 of 11
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְאִ֣ישׁ5 of 11

“also be married unto a stranger”

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)

זָ֑ר6 of 11
H2114

to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery

הִ֕וא7 of 11
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

בִּתְרוּמַ֥ת8 of 11

“of an offering”

H8641

a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute

הַקֳּדָשִׁ֖ים9 of 11

“of the holy things”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

לֹ֥א10 of 11
H3808

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

תֹאכֵֽל׃11 of 11

“she may not eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

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 22:12 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 22:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 21:3Isaiah 40:13

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 22 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Leviticus 22 with CommentaryAll Leviticus ChaptersComplete Leviticus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes