Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Leviticus 21:15 mean?
A: Leviticus 21:15 instructs that a Kohen (priest) should not marry a woman who is forbidden to him, as doing so would 'profane his seed' (disrespect his sacred lineage). The verse emphasizes that Hashem sanctifies the Kohanim, setting them apart for holy service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later the Beit Hamikdash (Temple). This is part of the Torah's laws ensuring the purity of the priestly line.
Q: Why is this verse important?
A: This verse is important because it establishes the special sanctity of the Kohanim (priests) and the need to maintain their spiritual purity. The Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Biah 17:1) explains that these laws preserve the honor of the Kehunah (priesthood). The Talmud (Kiddushin 77b) discusses how these restrictions apply even today regarding whom Kohanim may marry.
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 21:15 today?
A: Even though we currently lack the Beit Hamikdash, we learn from this verse the importance of maintaining spiritual boundaries and respecting sacred roles. The Shulchan Aruch (Even HaEzer 6:1) rules that these marriage restrictions still apply to Kohanim today. It teaches us that certain relationships require extra sanctity and care.
Q: Who does 'his seed' refer to in this verse?
A: Rashi explains that 'his seed' refers to the Kohen's children - meaning that by marrying improperly, he would cause his children to be disqualified from the priesthood. The Midrash (Torat Kohanim) connects this to the idea that proper marriages help maintain the holiness of future generations.
Q: How does this apply to modern Kohanim?
A: Modern Kohanim must still follow these restrictions. They may not marry divorcees, converts, or women who had forbidden relationships (as detailed in Talmud Yevamot 59b). This shows how Torah laws transcend time - even without the Temple, we maintain the sanctity of the priestly lineage in preparation for its future restoration.
Context and Source
The verse וְלֹא־יְחַלֵּל זַרְעוֹ בְּעַמָּיו כִּי אֲנִי יְהוָה מְקַדְּשׁוֹ (Vayikra 21:15) appears in the Torah portion of Emor, which outlines the laws pertaining to the Kohanim (priests). This specific verse addresses the restrictions on whom a Kohen Gadol (High Priest) may marry, emphasizing the sanctity of his lineage.
Literal Interpretation (Peshat)
Rashi explains that the phrase "וְלֹא־יְחַלֵּל זַרְעוֹ" ("Neither shall he profane his seed") refers to the prohibition against a Kohen Gadol marrying a widow, divorcee, or other women forbidden to him. By doing so, he would "profane" his offspring, as such unions are deemed improper for his elevated status. The sanctity of the Kohen Gadol is divinely ordained, as stated: "כִּי אֲנִי יְהוָה מְקַדְּשׁוֹ" ("for I the Lord do sanctify him").
Halachic Implications (Rambam)
Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 17:1) derives from this verse that a Kohen Gadol who marries a widow or divorcee violates a negative commandment. The sanctity of the priesthood requires strict adherence to marital laws to maintain purity and distinction among Bnei Yisrael.
Midrashic Insight
The Midrash (Torat Kohanim 21:15) elaborates that the phrase "בְּעַמָּיו" ("among his people") teaches that even if the Kohen Gadol were to marry a forbidden woman outside of Eretz Yisrael, he still profanes his seed. The sanctity of the priesthood applies universally, not limited by geographic boundaries.
Kabbalistic Perspective (Zohar)
The Zohar (Emor 93a) connects the sanctity of the Kohen Gadol to the divine presence (Shechinah). By maintaining proper marital conduct, the Kohen Gadol becomes a vessel for kedushah (holiness), reflecting the unity of Hashem's name. Profaning his seed disrupts this spiritual alignment.
Key Teachings