Leviticus 21:2
Leviticus 21:2 in Multiple Translations
except for his immediate family—his mother, father, son, daughter, or brother,
But for his kin, that is near unto him, that is, for his mother, and for his father, and for his son, and for his daughter, and for his brother,
except for his kin, that is near unto him, for his mother, and for his father, and for his son, and for his daughter, and for his brother,
But only for his near relations, for his mother or his father, his son or his daughter, and his brother;
The only exceptions are for his immediate family. This includes his mother, father, son, daughter, or brother,
But by his kinseman that is neere vnto him: to wit, by his mother, or by his father, or by his sonne, or by his daughter, or by his brother,
except for his relation who [is] near unto him — for his mother, and for his father, and for his son, and for his daughter, and for his brother.
except for his relatives that are near to him: for his mother, for his father, for his son, for his daughter, for his brother,
But for his kin, that is near to him, that is , for his mother, and for his father, and for his son, and for his daughter, and for his brother,
But only for his kin, such as are near in blood, that is to say, for his father and for his mother, and for his son, and for his daughter, for his brother also,
‘You priests must not cause yourselves to become unfit to do my work by touching corpses. Priests are permitted to touch only the corpses of close relatives, such as the priest’s mother or father or his son or daughter or his brother.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 21:2
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 21:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֚י
אִם
לִ/שְׁאֵר֔/וֹ
הַ/קָּרֹ֖ב
אֵלָ֑י/ו
לְ/אִמּ֣/וֹ
וּ/לְ/אָבִ֔י/ו
וְ/לִ/בְנ֥/וֹ
וּ/לְ/בִתּ֖/וֹ
וּ/לְ/אָחִֽי/ו
כִּ֚י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
לִ/שְׁאֵר֔/וֹ
shᵉʼêr
H7607
flesh
Prep | N-ms | Suff
הַ/קָּרֹ֖ב
qârôwb
H7138
near
Art | Adj
אֵלָ֑י/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
לְ/אִמּ֣/וֹ
ʼêm
H517
mother
Prep | N-fs | Suff
וּ/לְ/אָבִ֔י/ו
ʼâb
H1
father
Conj | Prep | N-ms | Suff
וְ/לִ/בְנ֥/וֹ
bên
H1121
son
Conj | Prep | N-ms | Suff
וּ/לְ/בִתּ֖/וֹ
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff
וּ/לְ/אָחִֽי/ו
ʼâch
H251
brother
Conj | Prep | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 21:2
כִּ֚י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
לִ/שְׁאֵר֔/וֹ
shᵉʼêr
H7607
"flesh"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means flesh or body, and can also refer to food or relatives by blood. It appears in various forms, including in Genesis and Leviticus. The KJV translates it as body, flesh, or kin.
Definition: 1) flesh, food, body, near kin, near kinswoman 1a) flesh 1a1) as food 1a2) for physical power (fig) 1b) flesh relation, blood relation 1c) self Also means: sha.a.rah (שַׁאֲרָה "kinswomen" H7608)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: body, flesh, food, (near) kin(-sman, -swoman), near (nigh) (of kin). See also: Exodus 21:10; Psalms 73:26; Psalms 78:20.
הַ/קָּרֹ֖ב
qârôwb
H7138
"near"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means near, describing something close in place, time, or relationship. It is used in the book of Genesis to describe family relationships. The word is used to describe a close connection.
Definition: 1) near 1a) of place 1b) of time 1c) of personal relationship 1c1) kinship
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: allied, approach, at hand, [phrase] any of kin, kinsfold(-sman), (that is) near (of kin), neighbour, (that is) next, (them that come) nigh (at hand), more ready, short(-ly). See also: Genesis 19:20; Psalms 75:2; Psalms 15:3.
אֵלָ֑י/ו
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
לְ/אִמּ֣/וֹ
ʼêm
H517
"mother"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'mother' is used in the Bible to describe a female parent or a maternal figure. It can also refer to the source or origin of something, such as a river or a family. In some cases, it is used figuratively to describe a person's relationship to others.
Definition: 1) mother 1a) of humans 1b) of Deborah's relationship to the people (fig.) 1c) of animals 2) point of departure or division
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: dam, mother, [idiom] parting. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Kings 4:19; Psalms 22:10.
וּ/לְ/אָבִ֔י/ו
ʼâb
H1
"father"
Conj | Prep | N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
וְ/לִ/בְנ֥/וֹ
bên
H1121
"son"
Conj | Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
וּ/לְ/בִתּ֖/וֹ
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
וּ/לְ/אָחִֽי/ו
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
Conj | Prep | N-ms | 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.
Study Notes — Leviticus 21:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 21:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 21:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 21:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 21:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 21:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 21:2
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 21:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 21:2
- Sermons on Leviticus 21:2
Context — Holiness Required of Priests
1Then the LORD said to Moses, “Speak to Aaron’s sons, the priests, and tell them that a priest is not to defile himself for a dead person among his people,
2except for his immediate family—his mother, father, son, daughter, or brother,
3or his unmarried sister who is near to him, since she has no husband. 4He is not to defile himself for those related to him by marriage, and so profane himself.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Thessalonians 4:13 | Brothers, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who are without hope. |
| 2 | Leviticus 18:6 | None of you are to approach any close relative to have sexual relations. I am the LORD. |
Leviticus 21:2 Summary
This verse, Leviticus 21:2, explains that even though priests were not supposed to make themselves unclean by mourning the death of most people, they were allowed to mourn the death of their closest family members, like their mom, dad, son, daughter, or brother. This shows that God cares about our feelings and relationships, just like He cares about our purity and holiness (as seen in 1 Thessalonians 4:7 and 1 Peter 1:15-16). It's a reminder that, as followers of God, we need to find a balance between being sensitive to the needs of those around us and maintaining our commitment to living a life that honors Him, as encouraged in Romans 12:1-2. By following God's instructions, we can stay focused on our relationship with Him and live a life that is pleasing to Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for a priest to defile himself in Leviticus 21:2?
In this context, defiling oneself means becoming ceremonially unclean, which would prevent a priest from performing his sacred duties, as seen in Leviticus 21:1 and Numbers 19:11-13.
Who are the immediate family members a priest is allowed to mourn in Leviticus 21:2?
According to Leviticus 21:2, a priest is permitted to mourn the death of his mother, father, son, daughter, or brother, showing that God values family relationships and allows for emotional expression in these cases, similar to the way Jesus showed compassion in Luke 7:11-15.
Why are priests restricted from mourning certain relatives in Leviticus 21:2-4?
The reason for these restrictions is to maintain the priest's ceremonial purity, ensuring he can continue to serve the Lord and the community without interruption, as commanded in Exodus 28:3 and reinforced in Ezekiel 44:20-24.
How does Leviticus 21:2 relate to the broader biblical theme of purity and holiness?
This verse contributes to the biblical emphasis on maintaining spiritual and ceremonial purity, particularly for those in leadership or priestly roles, as seen in 1 Peter 1:15-16 and Hebrews 12:14, highlighting the importance of living a life set apart for God.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's perspective on family and relationships?
- How can I balance my emotional responses to difficult situations with the need to maintain spiritual purity and integrity, as a follower of God?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of being 'set apart' for God in my own life, as encouraged in Romans 12:1-2 and 2 Corinthians 6:17-7:1?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of self-discipline and self-control in my walk with God, as seen in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 and Galatians 5:22-23?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 21:2
But for his kin that is near unto him,.... For such he might be defiled and mourn, or be where they were, and take care of, and attend their funerals: this clause some take to be general, of which
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 21:2
But for his kin, that is near unto him, that is, for his mother, and for his father, and for his son, and for his daughter, and for his brother, No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 21:2
For his kin that is near unto him: under this general expression his wife seems to be comprehended, though she be not expressed in the following instances, because from the mention of others more remote it was easy to gather that so near a relation was not excluded. And hence it is noted as a peculiar and extraordinary case, that Ezekiel, who was a priest, was forbidden to mourn for his wife, , &c. These exceptions God here makes in condescension to human infirmity, because in such cases it was very hard to restrain the affections. But this allowance concerns only the inferior priest, not the high priest, as we shall see. For his brother. Object. Eleazar and Ithamar are forbidden to mourn for their brethren, Nadab and Abihu. Answ. 1. That case was singular, both because such a mourning might seem to be a censure of God’ s severity upon them, and because they were then in the actual execution of their office, and in their initiation to it, and they were the only persons, besides Aaron, that could perform that work, and therefore their attendance upon it was more necessary than it would be in after-times and other cases. 2. The latter law can either limit of enlarge the former at the pleasure of the lawgiver.
And this law may seem to be added, lest that prohibition, Leviticus 10, should be taken for a general rule.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 21:2
Leviticus 21:2 But for his kin, that is near unto him, [that is], for his mother, and for his father, and for his son, and for his daughter, and for his brother,Ver. 2. And for his brother.] The high priest might not for any of these, nor might Eleazar and Ithamar for their dead brethren Nadab and Abihu, because in that case, mourning might have seemed murmuring.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 21:2
(2) But for his kin, that is near unto him.—There are, however, seven exceptions to the general rule. According to the administrators of the Law during the second Temple, the phrase, “his kin that is near unto him,” or rather, “his flesh that is near unto him” (comp. Leviticus 18:6 with Genesis 2:24), denotes “wife.” Hence the Chaldee version of Jonathan renders it, “but for a wife who is of kin to his flesh.” For his mother, and for his father.—This is the second of the three instances in the Bible where the mother is mentioned before the father (see Leviticus 19:3). The Jewish canonists, who call attention to this unusual phrase, account for it by saying that she is placed first because the son’s qualifications for the priesthood depend more upon his having a good mother (see Leviticus 21:7). This will be readily understood when it is borne in mind that the regulations about the woman whom a priest was allowed to marry during the second Temple were of the most stringent nature, and that the slightest infringement of them disqualified the son for performing sacerdotal functions. Thus the daughter of a foreigner or of a released captive was forbidden to the priest, and when a city was besieged and taken by the enemy all the wives of the priests had to be divorced for fear lest they had suffered violence.
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 21:2
2. The defilement prohibited in Leviticus 21:1 is allowed for certain near relations.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 21:2
2. His kin, that is near — The nearness, or “remainder of flesh,” includes all within the first degree of consanguinity, and a portion of the kin within the second. By a glance at the table at the end of chap.
Sermons on Leviticus 21:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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If Only You Knew by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about adopting a Korean child. Despite the language barrier, the speaker wanted the child to feel their love. The speaker descri |
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Holy Man of God by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the secret of someone's strength and influence over others. He emphasizes the importance of love and its impact on our lives. The speaker sh |
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1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share aspects of the gospel of Jesus Christ and encourage believers. He acknowledges the struggles |
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Bristol Conference 1964 (Apostasy) - Part 3 by William MacDonald | The video is a recording of a sermon where the congregation is singing a song called "Oh, What a Day You Are." The song praises God and expresses excitement for the day when Jesus, |
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Encouraging Each Other at the End of the Age by John Piper | This sermon emphasizes the importance of believers coming together in small groups for mutual ministry, encouragement, and prayer. It highlights the need for Christians to stir up |
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How Is It That God Desires to Be With Man? by Bob Jennings | This sermon reflects on the preciousness of Scripture, focusing on John 17 where Jesus expresses His desire for believers to be with Him and behold His glory in Heaven. It emphasiz |
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The Peculiar Sleep of the Beloved by C.H. Spurgeon | The sermon transcript discusses the consequences of dying unprepared, unconverted, and unsaved. It emphasizes the fear of judgment and fiery indignation for those who do not have a |