Ezekiel 44:22 kjv
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.
Ezekiel 44:22 nkjv
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.
Ezekiel 44:22 niv
They must not marry widows or divorced women; they may marry only virgins of Israelite descent or widows of priests.
Ezekiel 44:22 esv
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.
Ezekiel 44:22 nlt
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.
Ezekiel 44 22 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ezekiel 44:22 | They shall not marry widows, or divorced women, but virgins of the seed of the house of Israel, or a widow who was a widow of a priest. | Lev 21:13; 1 Tim 3:2; Titus 1:6; 1 Cor 7:34; Gen 24:4; Ex 6:23; Num 3:2; Ezra 1:5; Ps 145:21; Prov 13:22; Jer 3:14; Acts 20:28; Rom 7:2; 1 Cor 11:11; Eph 5:25; Col 3:19; 1 Thes 4:4; Heb 13:4; Rev 14:4 |
Ezekiel 44 verses
Ezekiel 44 22 Meaning
This verse establishes a specific regulation for the priests concerning the choosing of a virgin wife. The intention is to maintain the sanctity and honor of the priestly line and the holy service they perform. It emphasizes purity and worthiness within the lineage dedicated to God.
Ezekiel 44 22 Context
Ezekiel chapter 44 describes the ordinances and privileges of the restored priesthood in the future temple. Following the vision of the new temple, Ezekiel details specific rules for those ministering within it. This verse is part of a larger section outlining who is permitted to serve and how they are to live, focusing on purity and consecration to God. Historically, the regulations for priests were stringent, ensuring they remained set apart for holy duties. This emphasis on purity for the priests reflects the holiness of God and the need for His representatives to be unblemished.
Ezekiel 44 22 Word analysis
- "They shall not marry widows": This prohibits priests from marrying women who have been previously married and whose husbands have died. The emphasis is on preventing the potential complexities or perceived lesser purity associated with widowhood for those ministering in the holiest capacity.
- "or divorced women": This forbids priests from marrying women who have been divorced. Divorce carried stigma and, in the Old Testament, often implied a defilement or impurity, making such women unsuitable for the priestly caste.
- "but virgins of the seed of the house of Israel": This is the primary requirement. Priests are to marry virgins, signifying untouched purity. This marriage must be within the covenant lineage ("seed of the house of Israel"), maintaining the integrity of the people of God.
- "or a widow who was a widow of a priest": This presents an exception. A woman who was married to a priest and whose husband died (thus a priest's widow) is permitted. This exception likely signifies a special recognition of her former connection to the priesthood and her continued suitability due to her lineage and prior sanctification through her husband.
Ezekiel 44 22 Bonus section
The meticulous regulations concerning priestly marriage in Ezekiel 44 find echoes in New Testament instructions for church leaders. Paul's epistles, particularly 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, emphasize similar qualities of character and family life for overseers and elders, highlighting that spiritual leaders should be irreproachable. The concept of purity and being set apart for God’s service is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, linking the Old Testament priesthood to the New Testament believers who are called to be a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9).
Ezekiel 44 22 Commentary
This directive for the Levitical priests highlights the sanctity of the priesthood and the symbolic importance of marriage in representing a pure connection to God. The prohibitions against marrying widows and divorced women, with the exception of a priest's widow, underscore the need for an untainted lineage and personal purity for those who serve God in His sanctuary. This serves as a foreshadowing of Christ, the ultimate High Priest, who offered Himself without blemish and whose church is called to be pure and undefiled.