Ezekiel 44:22

Neither shall they take for their wives a widow, nor her that is put away: but they shall take maidens of the seed of the house of Israel, or a widow that had a priest before.

Neither shall they take {H3947} for their wives {H802} a widow {H490}, nor her that is put away {H1644}: but they shall take {H3947} maidens {H1330} of the seed {H2233} of the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478}, or a widow {H490} that had a priest {H3548} before.

They may not marry a widow or a divorcee but must marry virgins descended from the house of Isra'el or a widow whose deceased husband was a cohen.

And they shall not marry a widow or a divorced woman, but must marry a virgin of the descendants of the house of Israel, or a widow of a priest.

Neither shall they take for their wives a widow, nor her that is put away; but they shall take virgins of the seed of the house of Israel, or a widow that is the widow of a priest.

Context of Ezekiel 44:22

Ezekiel 44:22 is part of a detailed vision given to the prophet Ezekiel concerning the future temple and its regulations. This vision, found in chapters 40-48, describes the architectural layout, sacrificial system, and, critically, the laws governing the priests who would serve within this holy sanctuary. Following the return from Babylonian exile, these instructions emphasized the absolute necessity of holiness and purity for those who ministered directly to God. The specific regulations regarding priestly marriage in this verse underscore the high standard of conduct and spiritual integrity required of the sons of Zadok, who were to be the primary ministers in this renewed temple.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Priestly Purity and Holiness: The central theme is the consecrated life required of priests. Their service in the temple, which was God's dwelling place, demanded an elevated state of purity in all aspects of their lives, including their marital relationships. This reflected God's own holiness and ensured the integrity of their mediation between God and the people.
  • Marital Integrity: The specific prohibitions against marrying a divorced woman ("her that is put away") or most widows (unless previously married to a priest) highlight the sanctity of marriage and the importance of a priest's household reflecting order and spiritual integrity. The purity of the priestly line and their commitment was paramount.
  • Distinction Between Holy and Profane: These regulations served to clearly distinguish the sacred from the common. By setting strict standards for priestly marriage, God emphasized the unique and set-apart nature of the priesthood, ensuring they would not be defiled by associations that compromised their holy office. This principle is echoed in earlier priestly laws, such as those found in Leviticus 21:7.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "her that is put away" translates a Hebrew term that refers to a divorced woman. In ancient Israel, divorce, while permitted under certain conditions (Deuteronomy 24:1), often carried social implications and was seen as a breaking of a covenantal bond. For priests, whose lives were to exemplify perfect devotion and order, marrying a divorced woman was prohibited. The allowance for a "widow that had a priest before" is a notable exception, indicating that the purity of the priestly lineage was maintained even through a second marriage, provided the first marriage was also to a priest.

Practical Application

While these specific marital laws applied to the Levitical priests in a particular dispensational context, the underlying principles hold enduring relevance. For believers today, especially those in spiritual leadership, this verse underscores the importance of:

  • Maintaining High Standards: Those who serve God, whether in formal ministry or daily life, are called to a life of holiness and integrity. Our personal choices, including marital ones, can reflect on our witness and service.
  • Purity in Relationships: The emphasis on purity in marriage for priests serves as a reminder of the sanctity of the marriage covenant and the importance of honoring it in a way that glorifies God.
  • Consecration to God: All believers are part of a "royal priesthood" in Christ. This calls us to live lives set apart for God's purposes, striving for holiness in all areas, as God Himself is holy (1 Peter 1:16).
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Leviticus 21:7

    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.

  • Leviticus 21:13

    And he shall take a wife in her virginity.

  • Leviticus 21:14

    A widow, or a divorced woman, or profane, [or] an harlot, these shall he not take: but he shall take a virgin of his own people to wife.

  • Titus 1:6

    ¶ If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.

  • 1 Timothy 3:4

    One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;

  • 1 Timothy 3:5

    (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

  • 1 Timothy 3:2

    A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
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