Leviticus 21
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1Yahweh said to Moses, “Speak to the priests, the sons of Aaron, and say to them, ‘A priest shall not defile himself for the dead among his people; 2except for his relatives that are near to him: for his mother, for his father, for his son, for his daughter, for his brother, 3and for his virgin sister who is near to him, who has had no husband; for her he may defile himself. 4He shall not defile himself, being a chief man among his people, to profane himself. 5“‘They shall not shave their heads or shave off the corners of their beards or make any cuttings in their flesh. 6They shall be holy to their God, and not profane the name of their God; for they offer the offerings of Yahweh made by fire, the bread of their God; therefore they shall be holy. 7“‘They shall not marry a woman who is a prostitute, or profane. They shall not marry a woman divorced from her husband; for he is holy to his God. 8You shall sanctify him therefore; for he offers the bread of your God. He shall be holy to you; for I Yahweh, who sanctify you, am holy. 9“‘The daughter of any priest, if she profanes herself by playing the prostitute, she profanes her father. She shall be burned with fire. 10“‘He who is the high priest among his brothers, upon whose head the anointing oil is poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not let the hair of his head hang loose, or tear his clothes. 11He must not go in to any dead body, or defile himself for his father, or for his mother. 12He shall not go out of the sanctuary, nor profane the sanctuary of his God; for the crown of the anointing oil of his God is upon him. I am Yahweh. 13“‘He shall take a wife in her virginity. 14A widow, or one divorced, or a woman who has been defiled, or a prostitute, these he shall not marry: but a virgin of his own people shall he take as a wife. 15He shall not profane his offspring among his people, for I am Yahweh who sanctifies him.’” 16Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 17“Say to Aaron, ‘None of your offspring throughout their generations who has a defect may approach to offer the bread of his God. 18For whatever man he is that has a defect, he shall not draw near: a blind man, or a lame, or he who has a flat nose, or any deformity, 19or a man who has an injured foot, or an injured hand, 20or hunchbacked, or a dwarf, or one who has a defect in his eye, or an itching disease, or scabs, or who has damaged testicles. 21No man of the offspring of Aaron the priest who has a defect shall come near to offer the offerings of Yahweh made by fire. Since he has a defect, he shall not come near to offer the bread of his God. 22He shall eat the bread of his God, both of the most holy, and of the holy. 23He shall not come near to the veil, nor come near to the altar, because he has a defect; that he may not profane my sanctuaries, for I am Yahweh who sanctifies them.’” 24So Moses spoke to Aaron, and to his sons, and to all the children of Israel.
World English Bible (public domain)
“They shall be holy to their God and not profane the name of their God, for they offer the Lord's food offerings, the bread of their God; therefore they shall be holy.”
Leviticus 21:6
Summary
Leviticus chapter 21 outlines the holiness and standards required of the priests, known as the descendants of Aaron. God establishes specific regulations regarding their conduct, physical condition, and ethical obligations. The chapter emphasizes that priests must maintain a certain level of purity and separation from practices that would defile them, particularly with respect to mourning, physical blemishes, and marriage. The intent behind these regulations is to underline the importance of holiness among those who serve in sacred roles within the community.
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Chapter outline
How Leviticus 21 unfolds
Leviticus 21:1–4 Regulations on Mourning for Priests
Yahweh instructs Moses on how priests may mourn the dead, allowing exceptions for close relatives. The chapter emphasizes their need for purity, as they are to remain holy.
Leviticus 21:5–9 Standards for Appearance and Conduct
Priests are instructed not to alter their appearance through shaving or cutting their flesh. Their holiness is tied to their role in offering sacred offerings.
Leviticus 21:10–15 Marriage Restrictions for Priests
The high priest is given specific instructions regarding whom he may marry, emphasizing the importance of maintaining purity. The chapter underscores the sanctity of his role.
Leviticus 21:16–21 Physical Standards for Priests
Yahweh communicates that any priest with a defect cannot approach the altar or offer sacrifices. This reinforces the theme of holiness and fitness for service.
Leviticus 21:22–24 Rights and Restrictions of Defective Priests
Even those with defects may eat sacred food, but are barred from sacred spaces. The chapter concludes with Moses communicating these laws to the people.
Key verses
Leviticus 21:6Leviticus 21:6 encapsulates the chapter's focus on the holiness required of priests, underscoring their significant role in worship.
Main themes in Leviticus 21
Holiness of the priesthood
The theme of holiness for priests is introduced in verse 6, where they are instructed to be holy to God. The chapter develops this theme by detailing the qualifications and behaviors expected of the priests, particularly emphasizing their role as mediators in worship. This underscores the seriousness of their service and the divine call to holiness in all aspects of their lives.
Separation from defilement
Separation from defilement is articulated in verses 1-4, where priests are told not to defile themselves with the dead. The chapter complicates this by specifying circumstances under which they may mourn, thus balancing their human emotions with their sacred duties. This theme reminds readers of the need for purity in spiritual leadership and the importance of maintaining boundaries.
Standards of service and worship
The standards of service for priests are evident in verses 10-15 regarding marriage and in verses 18-21 concerning physical defects. These standards highlight the sacredness of the priestly role and the necessity for maintaining a certain status. This theme reflects the broader expectation that those serving God must adhere to high standards, influencing the community's view of holiness.
Divine commitment to purity
Divine commitment to purity is emphasized throughout the chapter, particularly in verse 8 where God declares His own holiness. The strict requirements laid out for priests illustrate God's desire for purity in worship and service. This commitment serves to remind both the priests and the community of their covenant relationship with God and the importance of maintaining purity.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Leviticus 21
- Leviticus 19Leviticus 19 emphasizes holiness among the people, connecting to the broader call for ethical living and purity.
- Leviticus 10Leviticus 10 illustrates the consequences of failing to uphold holiness in priestly duties, echoing the importance of these regulations.
- Ezekiel 44Ezekiel 44 develops the theme of priestly purity and the standards required for approaching God, reinforcing these Levitical principles.
- Leviticus 22Leviticus 22 further connects by detailing the acceptable conditions for offerings, highlighting the need for purity from both priests and sacrifices.
- Leviticus 3Leviticus 3 relates to the sacrificial system, showing the vital role of priests in maintaining the holiness of offerings.
- Numbers 19Numbers 19 connects through its emphasis on purification, which is foundational for understanding the holiness required of priests.
Study questions
Questions for studying Leviticus 21
- What specific mourning practices are allowed for priests in this chapter?
- How do the physical requirements for priests reflect their role in worship?
- What implications does the high priest’s marital status have on his service?
- Why are the restrictions on appearance important for the priesthood?
- How does the chapter emphasize the concept of holiness among priests?
- What do the restrictions on marriage reveal about community expectations for priests?
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