Leviticus 21:14

Amharic New Standard Translation (አማርኛ አዲሱ መደበኛ ትርጉም) 2005

ባልዋ የሞተባትን ወይም አግብታ የተፋታችውን ወይም ክብረ ንጽሕናዋ የተደፈረውን፥ ወይም አመንዝራ የነበረችውን ሴት አያግባ፤ ድንግል የሆነችውን ብቻ ወገኑ ከሆኑ ሕዝብ መካከል መርጦ ያግባ።

What Does This Mean?

This verse tells us that the high priest can only marry a virgin from his own people. He cannot marry a widow, a divorced woman, or someone who is not a virgin. The speaker is God, through Moses, and the key message is about the purity and special status of the high priest.

Explained for Children

Imagine a special job in your class where only certain kids can be chosen. This verse is like that, but for the high priest. The high priest is like a special helper for God, and he can only marry a girl who has never been married before and who is from the same family as him. It's like picking a special friend who fits all the right rules.

Historical Background

This verse was written by Moses around 1200 B.C. for the Israelites, while they were wandering in the desert. It reflects the cultural norms of that time and highlights the purity and special role of the high priest in Israel's religious practices.

Living It Out Today

In a modern context, this verse can be applied to leadership roles where integrity and adherence to strict standards are essential. For example, a CEO might choose to hire only from within the company to maintain a high standard of professionalism and loyalty.

Topics

• purity
• marriage
• leadership
• integrity
• priesthood
• standards

Related Verses

• Exodus 30:28
• Ezekiel 44:22
• 1 Kings 15:12
• Malachi 2:6
• Hebrews 7:26

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the high priest have to marry a virgin?

The high priest represents God's holiness and purity. Marrying a virgin reinforces this purity, as it reflects the unblemished relationship God wants with His people.

How does this apply to modern leaders?

Leaders today can apply this principle by ensuring they uphold high standards of integrity and choosing associates who are trustworthy and aligned with their values.

What would happen if a high priest didn't follow this rule?

Disobeying this rule would lead to defiling the sacred role of the high priest, which could result in divine punishment or loss of his position.

Are there any exceptions to this rule?

No exceptions are explicitly stated in the text, indicating the absolute importance of maintaining the high standards for the high priest's marriage.