5“Priests may not make bald spots on their heads, shave the edge of their beards, or make gashes on their bodies.21:5 Lv 19:27–28

6They are to be holy to their God and not profane the name of their God.21:6 Ex 20:7; Lv 20:3; Jn 10:25 For they present the food offerings to the Lord, the food of their God, and they must be holy.

7They are not to marry a woman defiled by prostitution.21:7 Or a prostitute, or a defiled woman21:7 Gn 34:31 They are not to marry one divorced21:7 Dt 22:19,29; 24:1,3; Mal 2:16; Mt 1:19; 5:31–32; 19:3–9 by her husband, for the priest is holy to his God.

8You are to consider him holy since he presents the food of your God. He will be holy to you because I, the Lord who sets you apart, am holy.

9If a priest’s daughter defiles herself by promiscuity,21:9 Or prostitution21:9 Dt 22:21 she defiles her father; she must be burned to death.21:9 Gn 38:24; Lv 20:14; Jdg 15:6; Rv 17:16

10“The priest who is highest among his brothers, who has had the anointing oil poured on his head and has been ordained21:10 Lit and one has filled his hand to wear the clothes, must not dishevel his hair21:10 Or not uncover his head or tear his clothes.21:10 Lv 10:6; Ezk 44:20; Mk 14:63

11He must not go near any dead person or make himself unclean even for his father or mother.21:11 Ezk 44:25

12He must not leave the sanctuary or he will desecrate the sanctuary of his God, for the consecration of the anointing oil of his God is on him;21:12 Lv 10:7 I am the Lord.

13“He is to marry a woman who is a virgin.

14He is not to marry a widow,21:14 Ex 22:22 a divorced woman,21:14 Lv 21:7; 22:13; Nm 30:10; Ezk 44:22 or one defiled by prostitution. He is to marry a virgin from his own people,

15so that he does not corrupt his bloodline21:15 Lit not profane his seed among his people, for I am the Lord who sets him apart.”