Leviticus 21:10

Leviticus 21:10 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

The priest who is highest among his brothers, who has had the anointing oil poured on his head and has been ordained to wear the priestly garments, must not let his hair hang loose or tear his garments.

King James Version KJV

And he that is the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil was poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not uncover his head, nor rend his clothes;

American Standard Version ASV

And he that is the high priest among his brethren, 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 go loose, nor rend his clothes;

Bible in Basic English BBE

And he who is the chief priest among his brothers, on whose head the holy oil has been put, who is marked out to put on the holy robes, may not let his hair go loose or have his clothing out of order as a sign of sorrow.

Free Bible Version FBV

The high priest has the highest place among the other priests. He has been anointed with olive oil poured on his head and has been ordained to wear the priestly clothing. He must not leave his hair uncombed or tear his clothes.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Also ye hie Priest among his brethren, (vpon whose head the anointing oyle was powred, and hath consecrated his hand to put on the garments) shall not vncouer his head, nor rent his clothes,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'And the high priest of his brethren, on whose head is poured the anointing oil, and hath consecrated his hand to put on the garments, his head doth not uncover, nor rend his garments,

World English Bible WEB

“‘He who is the high priest among his brothers, upon whose head the anointing oil is poured, and who is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not let the hair of his head hang loose, or tear his clothes.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And he that is the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil was poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not uncover his head, nor rend his clothes;

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

The high priest, that is to say, the priest, is the greatest among his brethren. upon whose head the oil of unction hath been poured, and whose hands have been consecrated for the priesthood, and who hath been vested with the holy vestments, shall not uncover his head, he shall not rend his garments:

Translation for Translators T4T

The Supreme Priest is the one among his relatives who has been appointed for that work by having his head anointed with olive oil. He is also the one who has been appointed to wear the special garments that priests wear. He must not allow the hair on his head to remain uncombed, and he must not tear his clothes when he is mourning for someone.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 21:10

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Leviticus 21:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/הַ/כֹּהֵן֩ הַ/גָּד֨וֹל מֵ/אֶחָ֜י/ו אֲֽשֶׁר יוּצַ֥ק עַל רֹאשׁ֣/וֹ שֶׁ֤מֶן הַ/מִּשְׁחָה֙ וּ/מִלֵּ֣א אֶת יָד֔/וֹ לִ/לְבֹּ֖שׁ אֶת הַ/בְּגָדִ֑ים אֶת רֹאשׁ/וֹ֙ לֹ֣א יִפְרָ֔ע וּ/בְגָדָ֖י/ו לֹ֥א יִפְרֹֽם

וְ/הַ/כֹּהֵן֩ kôhên H3548 priest Conj | Art | N-ms

הַ/גָּד֨וֹל gâdôwl H1419 Great (Sea) Art | Adj

מֵ/אֶחָ֜י/ו ʼâch H251 brother Prep | N-mp | Suff

אֲֽשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

יוּצַ֥ק yâtsaq H3332 to pour V-Hophal-Imperf-3ms

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

רֹאשׁ֣/וֹ rôʼsh H7218 head N-ms | Suff

שֶׁ֤מֶן shemen H8081 oil N-ms

הַ/מִּשְׁחָה֙ mishchâh H4888 anointing Art | N-fs

וּ/מִלֵּ֣א mâlêʼ H4390 to fill Conj | V-Piel-3ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

יָד֔/וֹ yâd H3027 hand N-cs | Suff

לִ/לְבֹּ֖שׁ lâbash H3847 to clothe Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הַ/בְּגָדִ֑ים beged H899 treachery Art | N-mp

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

רֹאשׁ/וֹ֙ rôʼsh H7218 head N-ms | Suff

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part

יִפְרָ֔ע pâraʻ H6544 to lead V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

וּ/בְגָדָ֖י/ו beged H899 treachery Conj | N-mp | Suff

לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part

יִפְרֹֽם pâram H6533 to tear V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 21:10

וְ/הַ/כֹּהֵן֩ kôhên H3548 "priest" Conj | Art | N-ms

In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.

Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)

Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.

הַ/גָּד֨וֹל gâdôwl H1419 "Great (Sea)" Art | Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.

Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)

Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.

מֵ/אֶחָ֜י/ו ʼâch H251 "brother" Prep | N-mp | Suff

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.

Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance

Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.

אֲֽשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

יוּצַ֥ק yâtsaq H3332 "to pour" V-Hophal-Imperf-3ms

This verb means to pour something out, like liquid or metal, and can also imply making something firm or hard. It's used in books like Isaiah 44:3 and Jeremiah 10:14.

Definition: : pour 1) to pour, flow, cast, pour out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pour, pour out 1a2) to cast 1a3) to flow 1b) (Hiphil) to pour, pour out 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be poured 1c2) cast, molten (participle) 1c3) being firmly established (participle)

Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: cast, cleave fast, be (as) firm, grow, be hard, lay out, molten, overflow, pour (out), run out, set down, stedfast. See also: Genesis 28:18; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 41:9.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

רֹאשׁ֣/וֹ rôʼsh H7218 "head" N-ms | Suff

This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.

Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum

Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.

שֶׁ֤מֶן shemen H8081 "oil" N-ms

The Hebrew word for oil, often referring to olive oil, which was highly valued in ancient times. It symbolizes richness, anointing, and healing, and is used in various biblical contexts, including rituals and medicinal practices.

Definition: 1) fat, oil 1a) fat, fatness 1b) oil, olive oil 1b1) as staple, medicament or unguent 1b2) for anointing 1c) fat (of fruitful land, valleys) (metaph)

Usage: Occurs in 176 OT verses. KJV: anointing, [idiom] fat (things), [idiom] fruitful, oil(-ed), ointment, olive, [phrase] pine. See also: Genesis 28:18; Deuteronomy 8:8; Psalms 23:5.

הַ/מִּשְׁחָה֙ mishchâh H4888 "anointing" Art | N-fs

A consecrated portion refers to something set apart as special or holy, like the anointing oil used in Exodus 30:23-33. It's a gift or substance used for a specific, sacred purpose.

Definition: 1) ointment (used to consecrate by anointing) 2) anointing portion

Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: (to be) anointed(-ing), ointment. See also: Exodus 25:6; Exodus 40:9; Numbers 18:8.

וּ/מִלֵּ֣א mâlêʼ H4390 "to fill" Conj | V-Piel-3ms

To fill means to make something full or complete, like filling a container or fulfilling a promise. This word is used in many contexts, including being full of joy or having a job completed.

Definition: 1) to fill, be full 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be full 1a1a) fulness, abundance (participle) 1a1b) to be full, be accomplished, be ended 1a2) to consecrate, fill the hand 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be filled, be armed, be satisfied 1b2) to be accomplished, be ended 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to fill 1c2) to satisfy 1c3) to fulfil, accomplish, complete 1c4) to confirm 1d) (Pual) to be filled 1e) (Hithpael) to mass themselves against Aramaic equivalent: me.la (מְלָא "to fill" H4391)

Usage: Occurs in 242 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, confirm, [phrase] consecrate, be at an end, be expired, be fenced, fill, fulfil, (be, become, [idiom] draw, give in, go) full(-ly, -ly set, tale), (over-) flow, fulness, furnish, gather (selves, together), presume, replenish, satisfy, set, space, take a (hand-) full, [phrase] have wholly. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 16:14; Psalms 10:7.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

יָד֔/וֹ yâd H3027 "hand" N-cs | Suff

In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.

Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists

Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.

לִ/לְבֹּ֖שׁ lâbash H3847 "to clothe" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

To clothe means to wrap something around or put on a garment. In the Bible, it can be used literally or figuratively, as in putting on clothes or being clothed with a certain attitude.

Definition: 1) to dress, wear, clothe, put on clothing, be clothed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put on clothes, be clothed, wear 1a2) to put on, be clothed with (fig.) 1b) (Pual) to be fully clothed 1c) (Hiphil) to clothe, array with, dress Aramaic equivalent: le.vash (לְבֵשׁ "to clothe" H3848)

Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: (in) apparel, arm, array (self), clothe (self), come upon, put (on, upon), wear. See also: Genesis 3:21; Job 27:17; Psalms 35:26.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

הַ/בְּגָדִ֑ים beged H899 "treachery" Art | N-mp

In the Bible, this word refers to clothing or a covering, like a garment or robe. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus, describing what people wore. The word is often translated as 'apparel' or 'raiment'.

Definition: treachery, deceit

Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, [idiom] very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe. See also: Genesis 24:53; Judges 17:10; Psalms 22:19.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

רֹאשׁ/וֹ֙ rôʼsh H7218 "head" N-ms | Suff

This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

יִפְרָ֔ע pâraʻ H6544 "to lead" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

To neglect or let something go is the meaning of this word, which can also imply exposing or dismissing something. In the Bible, it is used to describe turning away from God or neglecting responsibilities.

Definition: to lead, act as leader

Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: avenge, avoid, bare, go back, let, (make) naked, set at nought, perish, refuse, uncover. See also: Exodus 5:4; 2 Chronicles 28:19; Proverbs 1:25.

וּ/בְגָדָ֖י/ו beged H899 "treachery" Conj | N-mp | Suff

Definition: treachery, deceit

לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

יִפְרֹֽם pâram H6533 "to tear" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

This verb means to tear or rend something, like ripping a garment. It is used in the Bible to describe the act of tearing one's clothes as a sign of grief or distress.

Definition: (Qal) to tear, rend garment, rip

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: rend. See also: Leviticus 10:6; Leviticus 13:45; Leviticus 21:10.

Study Notes — Leviticus 21:10

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Leviticus 21:10 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 21:10
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 21:10
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 21:10
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 21:10
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 21:10
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 21:10
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 21:10
Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 21:10
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 21:10
Sermons on Leviticus 21:10

Context — Holiness Required of Priests

8You are to regard him as holy, since he presents the food of your God. He shall be holy to you, because I the LORD am holy—I who set you apart. 9If a priest’s daughter defiles herself by prostituting herself, she profanes her father; she must be burned in the fire.

10The priest who is highest among his brothers, who has had the anointing oil poured on his head and has been ordained to wear the priestly garments, must not let his hair hang loose or tear his garments.

11He must not go near any dead body; he must not defile himself, even for his father or mother. 12He must not leave or desecrate the sanctuary of his God, for the consecration of the anointing oil of his God is on him. I am the LORD.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Leviticus 10:6–7	Then Moses said to Aaron and his sons Eleazar and Ithamar, “Do not let your hair become disheveled and do not tear your garments, or else you will die, and the LORD will be angry with the whole congregation. But your brothers, the whole house of Israel, may mourn on account of the fire that the LORD has ignited. You shall not go outside the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, or you will die, for the LORD’s anointing oil is on you.” So they did as Moses instructed.
2	Leviticus 16:32	The priest who is anointed and ordained to succeed his father as high priest shall make atonement. He will put on the sacred linen garments
3	Matthew 26:65	At this, the high priest tore his clothes and declared, “He has blasphemed! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy.
4	Leviticus 8:12	He also poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him to consecrate him.
5	Numbers 35:25	The assembly is to protect the manslayer from the hand of the avenger of blood. Then the assembly will return him to the city of refuge to which he fled, and he must live there until the death of the high priest, who was anointed with the holy oil.
6	Exodus 29:29–30	The holy garments that belong to Aaron will belong to his sons after him, so they can be anointed and ordained in them. The son who succeeds him as priest and enters the Tent of Meeting to minister in the Holy Place must wear them for seven days.
7	Leviticus 8:7–9	He put the tunic on Aaron, tied the sash around him, clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod on him. He tied the woven band of the ephod around him and fastened it to him. Then he put the breastpiece on him and placed the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece. Moses also put the turban on Aaron’s head and set the gold plate, the holy diadem, on the front of the turban, as the LORD had commanded him.
8	Genesis 37:34	Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth around his waist, and mourned for his son many days.
9	Exodus 28:2–4	Make holy garments for your brother Aaron, to give him glory and splendor. You are to instruct all the skilled craftsmen, whom I have filled with a spirit of wisdom, to make garments for Aaron’s consecration, so that he may serve Me as priest. These are the garments that they shall make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban, and a sash. They are to make these holy garments for your brother Aaron and his sons, so that they may serve Me as priests.
10	Psalms 133:2	It is like fine oil on the head, running down on the beard, running down Aaron’s beard over the collar of his robes.

Leviticus 21:10 Summary

Leviticus 21:10 is talking about the high priest, who was like a special leader among the priests. He had to be very careful about how he looked and acted because he represented God to the people. This means he couldn't let his hair be messy or rip his clothes, because that would show disrespect to God. We can learn from this by trying to live our lives in a way that honors God, being mindful of our actions and attitudes, just like it says in Colossians 3:17 and 1 Corinthians 10:31.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the anointing oil in Leviticus 21:10?

The anointing oil symbolizes the priest's consecration and ordination to serve God, as seen in Exodus 30:30, where it is used to anoint Aaron and his sons as priests.

Why is the high priest not allowed to let his hair hang loose or tear his garments?

This is a sign of mourning, and as the high priest represents God's presence among the people, he must maintain a posture of dignity and holiness, not one of grief or disorder, as also instructed in Leviticus 10:6.

How does this verse relate to the concept of holiness in the Bible?

This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining physical and spiritual purity, as God is holy and demands holiness from those who serve Him, as stated in Leviticus 11:44-45 and 1 Peter 1:15-16.

Can we apply the principles of this verse to our lives today?

While we may not be literal priests, as believers we are called to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices to God, and we should strive to maintain a posture of reverence and humility in our worship and daily lives, as encouraged in 1 Peter 2:9 and Romans 12:1.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can cultivate a sense of reverence and awe for God in my daily life, just as the high priest was called to do?
How can I balance the need for humility and dignity in my own life, especially in times of sorrow or hardship?
In what ways can I 'wear' my spiritual garments with integrity and purity, representing Christ to those around me?
What are some potential 'tears' in my spiritual garments that I need to repair or restore, and how can I do so?

Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 21:10

And [he that is] the high priest among his brethren,.... Either among his brethren, the priests, being in office above them; or among his brethren the Israelites, among and over whom he is high

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 21:10

And he that is the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil was poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not uncover his head, nor rend his clothes; He that is the high priest.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 21:10

Upon whose head the anointing oil was poured, ; which was only sprinkled upon inferior priests, blood also being mixed with it, . The garments, to wit, those holy garments which were peculiar to him, as well as those common to others. Shall not uncover his head; this being then the posture of mourners, , though afterwards the custom was changed, and mourners covered their heads, . Or if this custom was now in use, the meaning may be, he shall not put off the priestly covering or mitre, which was necessary for him to do, if he had put on the mourner’ s covering upon his head, otherwise the holy covering had been defiled, but he shall continue in the exercise of his office, which is signified by keeping on his priestly garments.

Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 21:10

Leviticus 21:10 And [he that is] the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil was poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not uncover his head, nor rend his clothes;Ver. 10. Shall not uncover his head.] So neither doth the Mufti among the Turks, nor the Pope of Rome uncover to any man: but this is their pride and stateliness.

Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 21:10

(10) And he that is the high priest among his brethren.—That is, among his priestly brethren, the one who is distinguished among them by this office. Upon whose head the anointing oil was poured.—This profuse pouring of oil was the distinctive feature in the consecration of the high priest. (See Leviticus 8:12.) Consecrated to put on the garments.—Better, consecrated by putting on the garments. The robing of the high priest by Moses, as well as the anointing him, constituted part of the consecration ceremony. (See Leviticus 8:7-11.) Shall not uncover his head.—Better, shall not let his head be dishevelled, which was a sign of mourning. (See Leviticus 10:6.) Nor rend his clothes.—That is, “in the time of distress,” as the ancient Chaldee version of Jonathan rightly adds after it. Sustaining this high position, and being the intercessor between God and man, such outward expressions of sorrow might lead those in whose behalf he ministers in the sanctuary to believe that he thereby impugns the justice of the Divine judgment.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 21:10

Verse 10. He that is the high priest] This is the first place where this title is introduced; the title is very emphatic, הכהן הגדול haccohen haggadol, that priest, the great one. For the meaning of כהן cohen, see the note on "Genesis 14:18". As the chief or high priest was a representative of our blessed Lord, therefore he was required to be especially holy; and he is represented as God's king among the people.

Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 21:10

10–15. Corresponding regulations, but of a somewhat stricter character, for the high priest

Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 21:10

It was the distinguishing mark of the anointing of the high priest, that the holy oil was poured upon his head like a crown (compare Leviticus 8:12). Uncover his head - Rather, let his hair be disheveled.

Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 21:10

10. High priest… shall not uncover his head — Aaron was forbidden to mourn for his own sons. See Leviticus 10:6. This is the first occurrence of “high priest” in the Pentateuch.

Sermons on Leviticus 21:10

	Sermon	Description
	God's Passover Lamb (Part 2) by Erlo Stegen	Erlo Stegen emphasizes the significance of Jesus as the Passover Lamb, drawing parallels between the Old Testament Passover and Christ's sacrifice. He highlights the importance of
	(Worship - Part 1): He Is Lord, Worship Him by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the purpose of God creating man, which is to worship Him. However, due to the fall of man through sin, humanity has failed to fulfill this p
	(How to Understand the Kjv Bible) 34 Psalm 133 by Keith Simons	Keith Simons explores Psalm 133, emphasizing the beauty of unity among God's people as they gather for sacred feasts in Jerusalem. He illustrates how the psalm reflects a vision of
	The City of Refuge. by Andrew Bonar	Andrew Bonar preaches on the concept of cities of refuge as a divine provision for sinners, illustrating how these cities symbolize the salvation found in Christ. He emphasizes tha
	Purity and Fire - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker shares stories of revival and the power of prayer. He talks about a meeting where there was no piano, but the presence of God was felt through the music
	The Blueprint for the Priestly Garments by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the blueprint given to Moses for making the garments for the priest. He emphasizes the importance of reverence and awe in approaching t
	An Holy Priesthood by Andrew Murray	Andrew Murray emphasizes the profound calling of believers as a holy priesthood, highlighting that every redeemed individual shares in the anointing of Christ as High Priest. He ex