Ezekiel 44:25

25 In order to avoid uncleanness, they must not approach the dead. They may, however, become unclean for their father or mother, son or daughter, brother or unmarried sister.

Ezekiel 44:25 Meaning and Commentary

Ezekiel 44:25

And they shall come at no dead person to defile themselves,
&c.] Shall not come into places where they are, nor touch them, nor attend their funerals, ( Leviticus 21:1 Leviticus 21:11 ) , that their work might not be interrupted, or they through grief and sorrow be made unfit for it, ( Matthew 8:22 ) , this, in a spiritual sense, may signify, that they should have no conversation or fellowship with men dead in trespasses and sins; and should abstain from all dead works, as all sinful ones are: but for father, or for mother, or for son, or for daughter, for
brother, or for sister that hath had no husband, they may defile
themselves;
by coming near them, touching them, at least attending their funerals, because of their near relation to them, and that natural sympathy and affection that must be in them: all sorrow and mourning for dead relations is not forbidden saints, nor ministers of the word; provided it is in moderation, and not to excess, and is not for gracious persons, as those without hope; and should as little as possible break in upon the duties of their office, ( 1 Thessalonians 4:13 ) ( John 11:33 John 11:35 ) .

Ezekiel 44:25 In-Context

23 They must teach my people the difference between the holy and the ordinary, and show them the difference between clean and unclean.

24 They must execute judgments according to my case laws in cases of civil conflict. They must observe my instructions and my regulations regarding all my festivals. They must keep my sabbaths holy.

25 In order to avoid uncleanness, they must not approach the dead. They may, however, become unclean for their father or mother, son or daughter, brother or unmarried sister.

26 Once the priest is clean again, he must count off seven days.

27 On the day that he comes into the holy place, the inner courtyard, to minister in the holy place, he will present his purification offering. This is what the LORD God says.