Old Testament

Leviticus 21:3

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Leviticus 21:3, the text addresses the responsibilities of a priest regarding family relationships, particularly concerning his unmarried sister.

Author
Traditionally attributed to Moses
Written
Around 1400 BC
Genre
Law (Pentateuch)
Original Audience
The Israelites in the wilderness
CBTClear Bible Translation

He may also become unclean for his unmarried sister who is close to him and has had no husband.

KJVKing James Version

And for his sister a virgin, that is nigh unto him, which hath had no husband; for her may he be defiled.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Leviticus 21:3, the text addresses the responsibilities of a priest regarding family relationships, particularly concerning his unmarried sister. If she is close to him and has not been married, he is allowed to become ceremonially unclean for her sake. This means that if she is in distress or needs support, he can set aside his priestly duties temporarily to care for her. The emphasis here is on the importance of familial bonds and the responsibilities that come with them, even for those in sacred positions. The priest's role is not only to serve God but also to maintain strong family ties, showing that compassion and care for loved ones are vital, even in the context of religious duties. This verse highlights the balance between spiritual obligations and personal relationships, reminding us that love and support for family members are essential aspects of life.

How to apply Leviticus 21:3 to your life

This verse encourages us to prioritize our family relationships, even when we have responsibilities that may seem more pressing. It reminds us that caring for our loved ones is a vital part of our lives and that we can find ways to balance our commitments while still being there for those who need us.

Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Leviticus 21:3 say about a priest's family obligations?

Leviticus 21:3 states that a priest may become ceremonially unclean for his unmarried sister who is close to him. This indicates that he can set aside his priestly duties to care for her if she is in need, emphasizing the importance of family relationships even for those in sacred roles.

Why is ceremonial uncleanness significant in this verse?

Ceremonial uncleanness in Leviticus 21:3 signifies a temporary suspension of a priest's duties to attend to family needs. It highlights the balance between spiritual responsibilities and personal relationships, showing that compassion for family members is a priority, even for those serving in religious capacities.

How can we apply Leviticus 21:3 to modern family life?

Leviticus 21:3 encourages us to prioritize our family relationships, reminding us that caring for loved ones is essential. In modern life, this could mean making time for family during busy periods or being present for family members in distress, balancing work and personal commitments.

What does this verse teach about compassion?

This verse teaches that compassion for family is crucial, even for those with significant responsibilities. It shows that love and support for family members should take precedence, reinforcing the idea that our spiritual duties should not overshadow our obligations to care for those we love.

The Book of Leviticus
Book Summary

The Book of Leviticus

Leviticus 1: The Burnt Offering

The LORD calls to Moses from the tabernacle and gives instructions for the burnt offering. A man who brings a burnt offering from the herd presents a male without blemish at the door of the tabernacle. He lays his hand on the head of the offering, kills it, and Aaron's sons the priests sprinkle the blood around the altar. The animal is flayed and cut into pieces, and the whole is burned on the altar as a sweet savor to the LORD.

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