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◄ Ezekiel 44:22►

New International Version
They must not marry widows or divorced women; they may marry only virgins of Israelite descent or widows of priests.

New Living Translation
They may choose their wives only from among the virgins of Israel or the widows of the priests. They may not marry other widows or divorced women.

English Standard Version
They shall not marry a widow or a divorced woman, but only virgins of the offspring of the house of Israel, or a widow who is the widow of a priest.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
They shall not take as wife a widow or a divorced woman, but take virgins of the descendants of the house of Israel, or widows of priests.

New American Standard Bible
And they shall not marry a widow or a divorced woman, but shall take virgins from the descendants of the house of Israel, or a widow who is the widow of a priest.

NASB 1995
“And they shall not marry a widow or a divorced woman but shall take virgins from the offspring of the house of Israel, or a widow who is the widow of a priest.

NASB 1977
“And they shall not marry a widow or a divorced woman but shall take virgins from the offspring of the house of Israel, or a widow who is the widow of a priest.

Legacy Standard Bible
And they shall not take a widow or a divorced woman as a wife but shall take virgins from the seed of the house of Israel or a widow who is the widow of a priest.

Amplified Bible
And they shall not marry a widow or a divorced woman; but they shall marry virgins of the descendants of the house of Israel, or a widow who was previously married to a priest.

Christian Standard Bible
He is not to marry a widow or a divorced woman, but may marry only a virgin from the offspring of the house of Israel, or a widow who is the widow of a priest.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He is not to marry a widow or a divorced woman, but must marry a virgin from the offspring of the house of Israel, or a widow who is the widow of a priest.

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
A priest must not marry a divorced woman; he can marry only a virgin from Israel or the widow of another priest.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They must not marry widows or women who have been divorced. They may marry only virgins from the nation of Israel or widows of priests.

Good News Translation
No priest may marry a divorced woman; he is to marry only an Israelite virgin or the widow of another priest.

International Standard Version
They are not to marry a widow or a divorced woman. Instead, they are to marry virgins from the descendants of the house of Israel, or a widow who is the widow of a priest."

NET Bible
They must not marry a widow or a divorcee, but they may marry a virgin from the house of Israel or a widow who is a priest's widow.

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

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
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.

World English Bible
They shall not take for their wives a widow, or her who is put away; but they shall take virgins of the offspring of the house of Israel, or a widow who is the widow of a priest.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And they do not take a widow or divorced woman to themselves for wives, but they take virgins of the seed of the house of Israel, and the widow who is widow of a priest.

Young's Literal Translation
And a widow and divorced woman they do not take to them for wives: but -- virgins of the seed of the house of Israel, and the widow who is widow of a priest, do they take.

Smith's Literal Translation
And they Shall not take a widow and her thrust away, to them for wives: but virgins from the seed of the house of Israel, and a widow which shall be a widow from a priest, shall they take.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Neither shall they take to wife a widow, nor one that is divorced, but they shall take virgins of the seed of the house of Israel: but they may take a widow also, that is, the widow of a priest.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And they shall not take as wife a widow or one who has been divorced. Instead, they shall take virgins from the offspring of the house of Israel. But they may also take a widow, if she is the widow of a priest.

New American Bible
They shall not take as wives either widows or divorced women, but only unmarried women from the line of Israel; however, they may take as wives widows who are widows of priests.

New Revised Standard Version
They shall not marry a widow, or a divorced woman, but only a virgin of the stock of the house of Israel, or a widow who is the widow of a priest.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Neither shall they marry a widow nor her that is put away; but they shall marry a virgin of the descendants of the house of Israel, or a widow who is the widow of a priest.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they shall not take for themselves a widow or a divorced woman as wives, but they shall take only a virgin of the seed of Israel, or a widow who is the widow of a Priest

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
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.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Neither shall they take to themselves to wife a widow, or one that is put away, but a virgin of the seed of Israel: but if there should happen to be a priest's widow, they shall takeher.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Duties of the Priests
…21No priest may drink wine before he enters the inner court.22And 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.23They are to teach My people the difference between the holy and the common, and show them how to discern between the clean and the unclean.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Leviticus 21:13-14
The woman he marries must be a virgin. / He is not to marry a widow, a divorced woman, or one defiled by prostitution. He is to marry a virgin from his own people,

Leviticus 21:7
A priest must not marry a woman defiled by prostitution or divorced by her husband, for the priest is holy to his God.

1 Timothy 3:2
An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

1 Timothy 3:12
A deacon must be the husband of but one wife, a good manager of his children and of his own household.

Titus 1:6
An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, having children who are believers and who are not open to accusation of indiscretion or insubordination.

Leviticus 10:6-7
Then Moses said to Aaron and his sons Eleazar and Ithamar, “Do not let your hair become disheveled and do not tear your garments, or else you will die, and the LORD will be angry with the whole congregation. But your brothers, the whole house of Israel, may mourn on account of the fire that the LORD has ignited. / You shall not go outside the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, or you will die, for the LORD’s anointing oil is on you.” So they did as Moses instructed.

Leviticus 21:1-4
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Speak to Aaron’s sons, the priests, and tell them that a priest is not to defile himself for a dead person among his people, / except for his immediate family—his mother, father, son, daughter, or brother, / or his unmarried sister who is near to him, since she has no husband. ...

Leviticus 22:12-13
If the priest’s daughter is married to a man other than a priest, she is not to eat of the sacred contributions. / But if a priest’s daughter with no children becomes widowed or divorced and returns to her father’s house, she may share her father’s food as in her youth. But no outsider may share it.

1 Corinthians 7:39
A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, as long as he belongs to the Lord.

1 Corinthians 9:5
Have we no right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas?

1 Peter 3:7
Husbands, in the same way, treat your wives with consideration as a delicate vessel, and with honor as fellow heirs of the gracious gift of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.

Numbers 18:11
And this is yours as well: the offering of their gifts, along with all the wave offerings of the Israelites. I have given this to you and your sons and daughters as a permanent statute. Every ceremonially clean person in your household may eat it.

Numbers 18:19
All the holy offerings that the Israelites present to the LORD I give to you and to your sons and daughters as a permanent statute. It is a permanent covenant of salt before the LORD for you and your offspring.”

1 Samuel 21:4-5
“There is no common bread on hand,” the priest replied, “but there is some consecrated bread—provided that the young men have kept themselves from women.” / David answered, “Women have indeed been kept from us, as is usual when I set out. And the bodies of the young men are holy even on common missions. How much more so today!”

Matthew 19:9
Now I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”

Treasury of Scripture

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.

a widow

Leviticus 21:7,13,14
They shall not take a wifethat is a whore, or profane; neither shall they take a woman put away from her husband: for heis holy unto his God…

1 Timothy 3:2,4,5,11
A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; …

Titus 1:6
If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.

put away [heb] thrust forth

Deuteronomy 24:1-4
When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and giveit in her hand, and send her out of his house…

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Ezekiel 44

1.The east gate assigned only to the prince
4.The priests reproved for polluting the sanctuary
9.Idolaters incapable of the priests office
15.The sons of Zadok are accepted thereto
17.Ordinances for the priests

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

And they shall not marry a widow or a divorced woman
This directive is given to the Levitical priests, emphasizing the importance of maintaining ritual purity and holiness. In the ancient Near Eastern context, marriage was not only a personal union but also a reflection of one's social and religious status. Widows and divorced women, while not inherently impure, could have been seen as having complex social ties or pasts that might complicate the priestly role. This command echoesLeviticus 21:7, where priests are similarly instructed regarding marriage, highlighting the continuity of priestly standards across the Old Testament.

but must marry a virgin of the descendants of the house of Israel
The requirement for priests to marry virgins from among the Israelites underscores the importance of purity and covenant faithfulness. Virgins symbolize purity and a fresh start, aligning with the priestly duty to represent holiness before God. This stipulation also ensures that the priestly lineage remains within the covenant community, preserving the distinct identity of Israel. The emphasis on marrying within the house of Israel reflects the broader biblical theme of maintaining the sanctity and distinctiveness of God's chosen people, as seen inDeuteronomy 7:3-4.

or a widow of a priest
Allowing marriage to a widow of a priest provides a compassionate exception, recognizing the unique status of a priest's widow who would have shared in the priestly life and its demands. This provision respects the widow's previous role and experience within the priestly community, acknowledging her understanding of the responsibilities and lifestyle required. It also maintains the integrity of the priestly line, as she would have been part of the same covenantal and cultural framework. This exception highlights the balance between upholding holiness and showing grace within the community.

Persons / Places / Events

1.Ezekiel
A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, who received visions and messages from God concerning the restoration of Israel and the temple.

2.The Priests
Specifically, the Levitical priests, who were given specific instructions regarding their conduct and duties in the temple.

3.The House of Israel
Refers to the descendants of Jacob, the chosen people of God, who were to maintain purity and holiness.

4.The Temple
The central place of worship for the Israelites, symbolizing God's presence among His people.

5.Marriage Regulations
Specific guidelines given to the priests regarding whom they could marry, emphasizing purity and holiness.

Teaching Points

Holiness in Leadership
The priests were held to a higher standard of holiness, reflecting their role as mediators between God and the people. This principle applies to spiritual leaders today, who are called to live lives of integrity and purity.

Purity in Relationships
The marriage regulations for priests highlight the importance of purity in relationships. Believers are encouraged to pursue relationships that honor God and reflect His holiness.

Symbolism of the Bride
The requirement for priests to marry a virgin or a widow of a priest symbolizes the purity and faithfulness expected of God's people, who are often depicted as the bride of Christ in the New Testament.

Covenant Faithfulness
The emphasis on marrying within the house of Israel underscores the importance of covenant faithfulness, both in marriage and in our relationship with God.

Role of the Priesthood
The priesthood's role in maintaining the sanctity of the temple serves as a reminder of the believer's role in maintaining the sanctity of their own lives as temples of the Holy Spirit.

Lists and Questions

Top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 44

Who is the prince mentioned in Ezekiel's prophecy?

What is the meaning of Biblical prophecy?

Does the failure of priests to differentiate between the holy and profane in Ezekiel 22:26 conflict with other passages that claim Israel kept strict religious laws?

Why does Deuteronomy 22:13-21 prescribe a severe punishment if a bride is found not to be a virgin?

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(22)A widow that had a priest before.--In regard both to marriage and to mourning (Ezekiel 44:25-27) the Levitical law made a broad distinction between the ordinary priest and the high priest. The former was only forbidden to marry a divorced woman (Leviticus 21:7), but was allowed to marry a widow; the latter could marry only a virgin of Israel (ib. 14). So also in the law of mourning; the high priest might not be "defiled" nor make any sign of mourning even for his nearest of kin (Leviticus 21:11-14). Ezekiel does not recognise this distinction, and in fact nowhere mentions the high priest at all; but, instead, gives a general law for all priests, somewhat between the two.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 22. - As to marriage (since the priests in Ezekiel's "house" were no more expected to be celibates than were those employed about Moses' tabernacle or Solomon's temple), they were forbidden to marry widows (which the Levitical priests were not, though the high priest was) or divorced women, and allowed to wed only virgins of the house of Israel, or (the sole exception) widows of such as had been priests (compare with the priest-code,Leviticus 21:7, 13, 14). Ezekiel's enactment discovers two variations - first, that it does not formally forbid to the priests marriage with a harlot; and, second, that it sanctions marriage with a priest's widow. But the first was implied in the prohibition of marriage with an adulteress, and the second was a sign of the higher sanctity of the priesthood belonging to Ezekiel's temple. Hence, so far from indicating the priority of Ezekiel, it rather points to the priority of Leviticus.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

And they shall not
לֹֽא־(lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, no

marry
יִקְח֥וּ(yiq·ḥū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3947:To take

a widow
וְאַלְמָנָה֙(wə·’al·mā·nāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 490:A widow, a desolate place

or a divorced woman,
וּגְרוּשָׁ֔ה(ū·ḡə·rū·šāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - feminine singular
Strong's 1644:To drive out from a, possession, to expatriate, divorce

but must marry
יִקָּֽחוּ׃(yiq·qā·ḥū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3947:To take

a virgin
בְּתוּלֹ֗ת(bə·ṯū·lōṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 1330:A virgin, sometimes, a bride

of the descendants
מִזֶּ֙רַע֙(miz·ze·ra‘)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2233:Seed, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

of the house
בֵּ֣ית(bêṯ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004:A house

of Israel,
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל(yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478:Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

or a widow
אַלְמָנָ֔ה(’al·mā·nāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 490:A widow, a desolate place

of a priest.
מִכֹּהֵ֖ן(mik·kō·hên)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3548:Priest

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OT Prophets: Ezekiel 44:22 Neither shall they take for their wives (Ezek. Eze Ezk)