Leviticus 21: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Leviticus 21 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Yahweh speaks to Moses about the rules for priests. A priest cannot defile himself for the dead, except for close relatives like his mother or father (vv. 1-2).

Key verse

“They 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.”
Leviticus 21:6 (WEB)

Outline

Leviticus 21:1–4 Regulations on Mourning for Priests
Leviticus 21:5–9 Standards for Appearance and Conduct
Leviticus 21:10–15 Marriage Restrictions for Priests
Leviticus 21:16–21 Physical Standards for Priests
Leviticus 21:22–24 Rights and Restrictions of Defective Priests

Discussion questions

In v6, what does it mean for the priests to be 'holy' to God?
What are the conditions under which a priest may defile himself in v2?
In v12, why is the priest instructed not to 'profane the sanctuary'?
In vv. 17-21, what does the term 'defect' encompass regarding the priests?
When have you felt the need to maintain a certain standard, like the priests in v8?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Leviticus 21: Leviticus 19, Leviticus 10, Ezekiel 44.

Before next time: read Leviticus 22.