Leviticus 21:13

KJV

And he shall take a wife in her virginity.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he shall take {H3947} a wife {H802} in her virginity {H1331}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'He is to marry a virgin;

Berean Standard Bible

The woman he marries must be a virgin.

American Standard Version

And he shall take a wife in her virginity.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 21:13 establishes a precise and non-negotiable marital requirement for the Israelite High Priest, mandating that he "shall take a wife in her virginity." This divine decree underscores the unparalleled sanctity, purity, and moral integrity demanded of the nation's chief spiritual leader. His life, including his most intimate relationships, had to meticulously reflect an unblemished holiness commensurate with his sacred office and his unique mediatorial role between a holy God and His covenant people, ensuring that his household served as a pure extension of his consecrated service.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of Leviticus meticulously details the laws and rituals governing Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh, with a significant portion dedicated to the priesthood. Chapters 21 and 22 specifically delineate the stringent requirements for priests, emphasizing their personal conduct, physical integrity, and ritual purity. While verses 1-9 address the regulations for ordinary priests, the subsequent verses (10-15) impose even more exacting standards upon the High Priest. As the pinnacle of the priestly order, the High Priest bore the unique responsibility of entering the [Most Holy Place](/leviticus/16-2 "Leviticus 16:2 - Entering the Most Holy Place") once a year on the [Day of Atonement](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement") to make atonement for the sins of the entire nation. Given this singular mediatorial role, every facet of his life, including his choice of spouse, had to be beyond reproach, reflecting the absolute holiness of the God he served. This verse, therefore, is a critical component of the High Priest's personal sanctification, ensuring his fitness for his unparalleled duties and the integrity of the sacred space he entered.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, religious leaders often adhered to certain purity codes, but Israel's demands for its priesthood, particularly the High Priest, were unparalleled in their rigor and theological depth. The High Priest served as the living embodiment of Israel's covenant purity before God, and his personal life was inextricably linked to the spiritual well-being of the nation. Marriage, in ancient Israelite society, was not merely a personal union but a foundational institution for family, lineage, and community. The requirement for the High Priest to marry a virgin ensured the purity of his household and, by extension, the integrity of the priestly line. This was crucial, as priestly office was hereditary, and any blemish in the High Priest's lineage or household could be seen as defiling the sacred institution itself. This law also protected against potential accusations of impropriety or moral laxity that could undermine the High Priest's authority and the people's trust in his mediatorial role, particularly when considering the broader prohibitions against priests marrying [prostitutes or divorced women](/leviticus/21-7 "Leviticus 21:7 - Priestly Marriage Restrictions") that applied even to ordinary priests.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Holiness**, emphasizing that God's presence demands absolute purity from those who serve Him, especially His chief representative. The High Priest's unblemished life, including his marriage, was a tangible expression of the divine standard of holiness that Israel was called to embody as a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" ([Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - Israel as a Kingdom of Priests")). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Purity and Separation**, distinguishing the High Priest from ordinary priests and the general populace through more stringent regulations, symbolizing his unique set-apartness for God's service. This separation was not merely ceremonial but also moral, ensuring the integrity of the sacred office. Finally, the verse speaks to the theme of **Mediatorial Integrity**. The High Priest's effectiveness as a mediator relied on his blamelessness, as any personal defilement could compromise his ability to represent a sinful people before a holy God, thus jeopardizing the nation's atonement and access to God's presence, as seen in the detailed rituals for cleansing the sanctuary in [Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **take (Hebrew, _lâqach'_):** This primitive root signifies a deliberate, formal act of acquiring or receiving, encompassing a wide variety of applications from fetching to seizing. In Leviticus 21:13, it emphasizes the High Priest's active and intentional role in choosing a spouse who meets the divine criteria. This was not a passive acceptance but a conscious decision to uphold the sanctity of his office through his domestic life, ensuring that his choice of wife contributed to, rather than detracted from, his ritual and moral purity. The verb highlights the solemnity and covenantal significance of the marital union for the High Priest.
* **wife (Hebrew, _ʼishshâh'_):** This feminine noun refers to a woman, often used in the context of marriage. In this verse, it specifically denotes the High Priest's spouse. The choice of "a wife" implies a singular, permanent union, foundational to the establishment of his household and the continuation of his priestly lineage. The specification of her status (virginity) directly modifies and defines the type of woman permissible for this sacred union, underscoring that the High Priest's choice of partner was not a private matter but one with profound public and theological implications for the purity of the priestly line.
* **virginity (Hebrew, _bᵉthûwlîym'_):** This masculine plural noun refers to the state of being a virgin, denoting the intactness and unblemished sexual purity of a woman. By implication and concretely, it refers to the tokens of this state. For the High Priest, marrying a woman in this state was paramount, as it guaranteed that his household, and potentially his priestly offspring, would be free from any past defilement or questionable lineage. This requirement ensured the ritual and moral purity of his domestic sphere, directly reflecting the unblemished holiness demanded of his sacred office and his role as the nation's chief intercessor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he shall take a wife":** This opening clause establishes the High Priest's active responsibility in choosing a spouse. The verb "take" (לָקַח, _lâqach_) signifies a deliberate and formal acquisition, not merely a casual union. It underscores that the High Priest's marriage was not a private affair but a matter of public and divine concern, directly impacting his sacred office and the spiritual integrity of the nation. The choice of "a wife" (אִשָּׁה, _ʼishshâh_) indicates a singular, permanent union, foundational to the establishment of his household and the continuation of the priestly line.
* **"in her virginity":** This crucial phrase specifies the non-negotiable condition for the High Priest's bride. The Hebrew term "virginity" (בְּתוּלִים, _bᵉthûwlîym_) denotes a woman who has never had sexual relations, signifying her unblemished purity and untainted status. This requirement ensured that the High Priest's household would be ritually clean and morally pure, reflecting the absolute holiness of his office. It also safeguarded the legitimacy and purity of any potential priestly lineage, as the High Priest's descendants would inherit his sacred responsibilities. This stipulation set the High Priest apart even from ordinary priests, who were permitted to marry widows under certain circumstances, as detailed in [Leviticus 21:7-8](/leviticus/21-7-8 "Leviticus 21:7-8 - Marriage Rules for Ordinary Priests").

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs **Legal Prescription** as its primary literary device, clearly articulating a divine command with no room for ambiguity. This prescriptive language emphasizes the absolute authority of the law and the non-negotiable nature of the High Priest's marital requirements, highlighting the divine origin and mandatory observance of these statutes. Furthermore, there is significant **Symbolism** at play. The virginity of the High Priest's wife symbolizes the unblemished purity and holiness required of the High Priest himself and, by extension, the entire priestly institution. Her untainted status reflects the ideal state of ritual and moral cleanness necessary for one who mediates between a holy God and an imperfect people. This purity also serves as a **Type** or foreshadowing, pointing forward to the ultimate, perfect High Priest, Jesus Christ, and the unblemished nature of His relationship with His church. The stringent nature of this law highlights the profound separation and sanctity demanded of those who serve in God's immediate presence, underscoring the gravity of approaching the divine.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological significance of Leviticus 21:13 extends far beyond a mere marital regulation; it profoundly articulates the themes of holiness, purity, and the integrity of sacred leadership. The High Priest, as the chief mediator between God and Israel, was to embody Yahweh's own unblemished character. His personal life, including his marriage, was not a private matter but a public testament to the sanctity of his office. The requirement for a virgin bride underscored the need for absolute purity in his household, ensuring that his lineage would be untainted and that his domestic life would reflect the divine standard of holiness he represented. This meticulous attention to purity signifies that God demands nothing less than perfection from those who draw near to Him in service, setting a precedent for all who would lead His people. It highlights the principle that spiritual authority is intrinsically linked to moral and ritual integrity, demonstrating God's unwavering demand for those who represent Him to mirror His own set-apart nature.

* [Exodus 28:36](/exodus/28-36 "Exodus 28:36 - 'Holiness to the Lord' on the High Priest's Turban")
* [Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")
* [Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ's Pure and Spotless Church")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific ceremonial law of Leviticus 21:13 does not directly apply to believers in the New Covenant, the profound principles it enshrines remain eternally relevant for all who follow Christ, especially those in spiritual leadership. This verse challenges us to consider the depth of holiness God desires in every aspect of our lives, recognizing that our personal integrity impacts our witness and effectiveness for His kingdom. For those called to lead in the church, the High Priest's stringent requirements serve as a powerful reminder of the elevated standard of character, purity, and devotion expected. Our lives, including our relationships, should reflect the beauty and sanctity of Christ, avoiding anything that would bring reproach upon His name or His church. This passage calls us to a life of intentional purity, recognizing that our walk with God is not compartmentalized but encompasses every sphere of our existence, striving to be "holy as He is holy" ([1 Peter 1:16](/1_peter/1-16 "1 Peter 1:16 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")). It compels us to examine our choices, knowing that our private lives are never truly private in the eyes of a holy God and that our example profoundly influences those we lead and those we seek to reach with the Gospel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the High Priest's call to purity challenge my understanding of personal holiness in my own life and relationships?**
* **In what ways might my personal choices, including my relationships, impact my witness for Christ or my ability to serve Him effectively within my sphere of influence?**
* **For those in leadership, how can we cultivate a deeper, more intentional commitment to integrity and purity that genuinely reflects the sanctity of our calling and glorifies God?**

### FAQ
**Does this law apply to Christian leaders today?**

Answer: No, the specific ceremonial law in Leviticus 21:13, which mandated that the Israelite High Priest marry a virgin, does not directly apply to Christian leaders or believers under the New Covenant. This law was part of the Mosaic Covenant's unique regulations for the Levitical priesthood, which has been superseded by the perfect priesthood of Jesus Christ. However, the underlying principles of holiness, integrity, and purity that this law emphasized remain profoundly relevant for all believers, especially those in spiritual leadership. While Christian leaders are not bound by the literal requirement of marrying a virgin, they are called to live exemplary lives that reflect Christ's character, uphold the sanctity of marriage, and maintain a blameless reputation, as outlined in New Testament passages like [1 Timothy 3:2](/1_timothy/3-2 "1 Timothy 3:2 - Qualifications for Overseers") and [Titus 1:6](/titus/1-6 "Titus 1:6 - Qualifications for Elders"). The New Testament emphasizes internal purity and moral blamelessness as qualifications for leadership, rather than specific marital status requirements from the Old Covenant.

**Why was this specific requirement so important for the High Priest?**

Answer: This requirement was crucial for the High Priest due to his unique and unparalleled role as the chief mediator between God and the nation of Israel. The High Priest was the one individual permitted to enter the [Most Holy Place](/exodus/26-34 "Exodus 26:34 - The Most Holy Place") once a year on the Day of Atonement to make intercession for the people. His personal life, including his marriage, had to reflect an unblemished purity commensurate with the absolute holiness of God. Marrying a virgin ensured the ritual purity of his household, the integrity of his lineage (as the priesthood was hereditary), and prevented any potential scandal or defilement that could undermine his sacred office. It symbolized the complete set-apartness and moral integrity demanded of the one who stood in God's immediate presence on behalf of the entire community, ensuring that his domestic life did not compromise his sacred duties or the spiritual well-being of the nation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 21:13, with its stringent requirement for the High Priest to marry a virgin, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, our perfect and eternal High Priest. While the earthly High Priest needed an unblemished human bride to symbolize his purity, Christ, being intrinsically sinless and holy, requires no such earthly validation. He perfectly embodies the purity and set-apartness that the Levitical High Priest could only aspire to, having been "holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, exalted above the heavens" ([Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Jesus, Our Perfect High Priest")). Furthermore, the symbolic bride of the High Priest foreshadows Christ's relationship with His Church. The Church, as the "bride of Christ," is presented in the New Testament as being purified and sanctified by Him, to be presented "without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless" ([Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ's Pure and Spotless Church")). Just as the Old Testament High Priest's bride was to be pure, so Christ is preparing a pure and holy people for Himself, a spiritual lineage untainted by sin, destined for a glorious union. He is the one who perfectly fulfills all the requirements of the Law, not by adherence to its letter in every detail, but by embodying its spirit of absolute holiness and by providing the means for His people to share in His perfect purity through His atoning sacrifice, culminating in the joyous [marriage supper of the Lamb](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 14:4

These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, [being] the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.

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.

2 Corinthians 11:2

For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present [you as] a chaste virgin to Christ.

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.