Leviticus 21:13

Afrikaans Bible (ABA) 2007 (Bybel vir almal)

“Die hoëpriester mag net trou met 'n meisie wat 'n maagd is.

What Does This Mean?

This verse tells us that a priest should marry a woman who has never been married before. The speaker is God, giving rules for priests. The key message is about the purity and sanctity of marriage for priests.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a special job that requires you to keep things really clean and neat. This verse is like saying you should only use new, clean paper for that job. It's about keeping things pure and special, just like how a priest's marriage should be.

Historical Background

Leviticus was written by Moses around 1446-1406 BC. The audience was the Israelites, and this was part of the Law given to guide their religious practices. The cultural setting emphasized purity and specific guidelines for priests to follow.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, this could be like a doctor choosing to work only in sterile environments to prevent contamination. For someone in a leadership role, it means maintaining high standards of personal conduct to uphold the integrity of their position.

Topics

• purity
• marriage
• leadership
• sanctity
• priesthood
• integrity

Related Verses

• Exodus 20:14
• Deuteronomy 22:20
• 1 Corinthians 7:36
• Malachi 2:15
• Ephesians 5:25

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is virginity important in this verse?

Virginity symbolizes purity, and for a priest, it was a way to ensure that his marriage reflected the high standards of holiness expected of him in his role.

Does this apply to all men or just priests?

This specific command was for priests, as they had a special role in maintaining the sanctity and purity required by their religious duties.

How do we see this principle applied today?

Today, the principle can be seen in maintaining high standards of integrity and purity in leadership roles, ensuring that personal conduct aligns with professional responsibilities.

What other purity laws are in the Bible?

Other purity laws can be found throughout Leviticus and Deuteronomy, covering various aspects of life from diet to personal hygiene, designed to keep the community pure.