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and for his sister a virgin, that is near to him, that has had no husband; for her may he defile himself.

Verse Takeaways

1

A Duty of Compassion

Commentators like Ellicott and Gill stress that a priest defiling himself for his unmarried sister was not just permitted but an obligation. This law underscores that the duty of family care and compassion, especially for a vulnerable relative with no husband to oversee her burial, took precedence over the priest's regular rules of ceremonial purity.

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Book Overview

Leviticus

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Commentaries

3

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

On Leviticus 21:3

19th Century

Bishop

And for his sister a virgin, that is nigh unto him —This refers to his unmarried sister who, having no husband, continues in a primary fam…

John Gill

John Gill

On Leviticus 21:3

17th Century

Pastor

And for his sister a virgin, that is near him
That is, his sister by both father's and mother's side, as Aben Ezra; …

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On Leviticus 21:1–24

17th Century

Minister

As these priests were types of Christ, so all ministers must be followers of him, that their example may teach others to imitate the Saviour. Witho…