Leviticus 21:21
Leviticus 21:21 in Multiple Translations
No descendant of Aaron the priest who has a defect shall approach to present the offerings made by fire to the LORD. Since he has a defect, he is not to come near to offer the food of his God.
No man that hath a blemish of the seed of Aaron the priest shall come nigh to offer the offerings of the LORD made by fire: he hath a blemish; he shall not come nigh to offer the bread of his God.
no man of the seed of Aaron the priest, that hath a blemish, shall come nigh to offer the offerings of Jehovah made by fire: he hath a blemish; he shall not come nigh to offer the bread of his God.
No man of the offspring of Aaron whose body is damaged in any way may come near to give the fire offerings of the Lord: he is damaged, he may not come near to make the offerings.
No descendant of Aaron the priest who has a defect is allowed to come and present the food offerings to the Lord. Because he has a defect, he must not come and offer the food of his God.
None of the seede of Aaron the Priest that hath a blemish, shall come neere to offer the sacrifices of the Lord made by fire, hauing a blemish: he shall not prease to offer the bread of his God.
'No man in whom is blemish (of the seed of Aaron the priest) doth come nigh to bring near the fire-offerings of Jehovah; blemish [is] in him; the bread of his God he doth not come nigh to bring near.
No man of the offspring of Aaron the priest who has a defect shall come near to offer the offerings of the LORD made by fire. Since he has a defect, he shall not come near to offer the bread of his God.
No man of the seed of Aaron the priest, that hath a blemish, shall come nigh to offer the offerings of the LORD made by fire; he hath a blemish, he shall not come nigh to offer the bread of his God.
Whosoever of the seed of Aaron the priest hath a blemish, he shall not approach to offer sacrifices to the Lord, nor bread to his God.
No descendant of Aaron, the first Supreme Priest, who has any defect is allowed to come to the altar to offer to me, his God, sacrifices that will be burned.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 21:21
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 21:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כָּל
אִ֞ישׁ
אֲשֶׁר
בּ֣/וֹ
מ֗וּם
מִ/זֶּ֨רַע֙
אַהֲרֹ֣ן
הַ/כֹּהֵ֔ן
לֹ֣א
יִגַּ֔שׁ
לְ/הַקְרִ֖יב
אֶת
אִשֵּׁ֣י
יְהוָ֑ה
מ֣וּם
בּ֔/וֹ
אֵ֚ת
לֶ֣חֶם
אֱלֹהָ֔י/ו
לֹ֥א
יִגַּ֖שׁ
לְ/הַקְרִֽיב
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
אִ֞ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בּ֣/וֹ
Prep | Suff
מ֗וּם
mʼûwm
H3971
blemish
N-ms
מִ/זֶּ֨רַע֙
zeraʻ
H2233
seed
Prep | N-ms
אַהֲרֹ֣ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
Aaron
N-proper
הַ/כֹּהֵ֔ן
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-ms
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִגַּ֔שׁ
nâgash
H5066
to approach
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לְ/הַקְרִ֖יב
qârab
H7126
to present
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אִשֵּׁ֣י
ʼishshâh
H801
food offering
N-mp
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
מ֣וּם
mʼûwm
H3971
blemish
N-ms
בּ֔/וֹ
Prep | Suff
אֵ֚ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
לֶ֣חֶם
lechem
H3899
food
N-cs
אֱלֹהָ֔י/ו
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִגַּ֖שׁ
nâgash
H5066
to approach
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לְ/הַקְרִֽיב
qârab
H7126
to present
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 21:21
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אִ֞ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
אֲשֶׁר
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.
בּ֣/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
מ֗וּם
mʼûwm
H3971
"blemish"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a flaw or imperfection, either physical or moral, like a stain on someone's character. It appears in books like Leviticus and Deuteronomy. The KJV translates it as 'blemish' or 'spot'.
Definition: 1) blemish, spot, defect 1a) of physical defect 1b) of moral stain
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: blemish, blot, spot. See also: Leviticus 21:17; Numbers 19:2; Proverbs 9:7.
מִ/זֶּ֨רַע֙
zeraʻ
H2233
"seed"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means seed or offspring, like in Genesis where God promises Abraham many descendants. It can also mean a plant or sowing time, as in Isaiah 55:10. This concept is central to God's plan for humanity.
Definition: : seed/sowing 1) seed, sowing, offspring 1a) a sowing 1b) seed 1c) semen virile 1d) offspring, descendants, posterity, children 1e) of moral quality 1e1) a practitioner of righteousness (fig.) 1f) sowing time (by meton)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] carnally, child, fruitful, seed(-time), sowing-time. See also: Genesis 1:11; 1 Samuel 1:11; Psalms 18:51.
אַהֲרֹ֣ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
"Aaron"
N-proper
Aaron was the brother of Moses and the first high priest of the Israelites. He was a leader in the Exodus from Egypt and played a key role in the early history of the Israelites. His story is told in Exodus and Leviticus.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.4.14; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Moses (H4872) and Miriam (H4813); married to Elisheba (H0472); father of: Nadab (H5070), Abihu (H0030), Eleazar (H0499) and Ithamar (H0385) Also named: Aarōn (Ἀαρών "Aaron" G0002) § Aaron = "light bringer" brother of Moses, a Levite and the first high priest
Usage: Occurs in 328 OT verses. KJV: Aaron. See also: Exodus 4:14; Exodus 34:31; Numbers 3:39.
הַ/כֹּהֵ֔ן
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
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.
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.
יִגַּ֔שׁ
nâgash
H5066
"to approach"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To approach or draw near, like Moses to the burning bush, and can also mean to worship or present an argument, as in Genesis 18:23.
Definition: : approach 1) to draw near, approach 1a) (Qal) to draw or come near 1a1) of humans 1a1a) of sexual intercourse 1a2) of inanimate subject 1a2a) to approach one another 1b) (Niphal) to draw near 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to approach, bring near, bring 1d) (Hophal) to be brought near 1e) (Hithpael) to draw near Also means: na.gash (נָגַשׁ ": bring" H5066H)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: (make to) approach (nigh), bring (forth, hither, near), (cause to) come (hither, near, nigh), give place, go hard (up), (be, draw, go) near (nigh), offer, overtake, present, put, stand. See also: Genesis 18:23; 1 Samuel 28:25; Psalms 91:7.
לְ/הַקְרִ֖יב
qârab
H7126
"to present"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.
Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.
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.
אִשֵּׁ֣י
ʼishshâh
H801
"food offering"
N-mp
An ishshah is a food offering or sacrifice given to God, often by fire or eaten by priests, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: food offering, offering given to God by fire or eaten by priests, sacrificial offering
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: (offering, sacrifice), (made) by fire. See also: Exodus 29:18; Leviticus 21:6; 1 Samuel 2:28.
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
מ֣וּם
mʼûwm
H3971
"blemish"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a flaw or imperfection, either physical or moral, like a stain on someone's character. It appears in books like Leviticus and Deuteronomy. The KJV translates it as 'blemish' or 'spot'.
Definition: 1) blemish, spot, defect 1a) of physical defect 1b) of moral stain
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: blemish, blot, spot. See also: Leviticus 21:17; Numbers 19:2; Proverbs 9:7.
בּ֔/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
אֵ֚ת
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.
לֶ֣חֶם
lechem
H3899
"food"
N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
אֱלֹהָ֔י/ו
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
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.
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.
יִגַּ֖שׁ
nâgash
H5066
"to approach"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To approach or draw near, like Moses to the burning bush, and can also mean to worship or present an argument, as in Genesis 18:23.
Definition: : approach 1) to draw near, approach 1a) (Qal) to draw or come near 1a1) of humans 1a1a) of sexual intercourse 1a2) of inanimate subject 1a2a) to approach one another 1b) (Niphal) to draw near 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to approach, bring near, bring 1d) (Hophal) to be brought near 1e) (Hithpael) to draw near Also means: na.gash (נָגַשׁ ": bring" H5066H)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: (make to) approach (nigh), bring (forth, hither, near), (cause to) come (hither, near, nigh), give place, go hard (up), (be, draw, go) near (nigh), offer, overtake, present, put, stand. See also: Genesis 18:23; 1 Samuel 28:25; Psalms 91:7.
לְ/הַקְרִֽיב
qârab
H7126
"to present"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.
Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.
Study Notes — Leviticus 21:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 21:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 21:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 21:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 21:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 21:21
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 21:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 21:21
- Sermons on Leviticus 21:21
Context — Restrictions against Those with Blemishes
19no man who has a broken foot or hand,
20or who is a hunchback or dwarf, or who has an eye defect, a festering rash, scabs, or a crushed testicle.
21No descendant of Aaron the priest who has a defect shall approach to present the food offerings to the LORD. Since he has a defect, he is not to come near to offer the food of his God.
22He may eat the most holy food of his God as well as the holy food, 23but because he has a defect, he must not go near the veil or approach the altar, so as not to desecrate My sanctuaries. For I am the LORD who sanctifies them.’”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 21:6 | They must be holy to their God and not profane the name of their God. Because they present to the LORD the offerings made by fire, the food of their God, they must be holy. |
| 2 | Leviticus 21:8 | You 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. |
| 3 | Leviticus 21:17 | “Say to Aaron, ‘For the generations to come, none of your descendants who has a physical defect may approach to offer the food of his God. |
Leviticus 21:21 Summary
This verse says that priests with physical defects were not allowed to present offerings to God because they were required to be perfect to symbolize God's perfection, as seen in Exodus 28:2-5. However, this does not mean that people with physical defects are not valued by God, as shown in Psalm 139:13-14. In fact, through Jesus Christ, all believers are considered part of a royal priesthood, where we can offer spiritual sacrifices to God, regardless of our physical condition, as encouraged in Romans 12:1-2. This means that we can all participate in serving God and offering Him our best, even if we have physical limitations, as discussed in 1 Peter 2:9 and Hebrews 13:15-16.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were priests with defects not allowed to present offerings in Leviticus 21:21?
Priests with defects were not allowed to present offerings because they were required to be physically perfect to symbolize the perfection of God, as seen in Leviticus 21:17-20, and to maintain the sanctity of the offerings, as commanded in Exodus 28:2-5 and Exodus 29:29.
Does this mean that people with physical defects are not valued by God?
No, this does not mean that people with physical defects are not valued by God, as seen in Psalm 139:13-14 and Matthew 9:1-8, where God loves and values all people regardless of their physical condition, but rather it was a specific requirement for the priests in the Old Testament to maintain ritual purity and perfection in their role as mediators between God and the people, as explained in Hebrews 7:26-28.
What kind of defects are being referred to in this verse?
The defects being referred to in this verse are physical defects, such as those listed in Leviticus 21:18-20, including broken feet or hands, hunchbacks, dwarfism, eye defects, festering rashes, scabs, and crushed testicles, which made a person unfit to serve as a priest in the Old Testament, as also mentioned in Leviticus 22:17-25.
How does this verse relate to the New Testament and the priesthood of all believers?
This verse relates to the New Testament in that Jesus Christ has become our perfect High Priest, as seen in Hebrews 4:14-16, and through Him, all believers are considered part of a royal priesthood, as stated in 1 Peter 2:9, where we are all called to offer spiritual sacrifices to God, regardless of our physical condition, as encouraged in Romans 12:1-2.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can offer spiritual sacrifices to God, despite any physical limitations I may have?
- How can I balance the need for perfection in my service to God with the reality of my own weaknesses and flaws, as discussed in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10?
- In what ways can I, as a believer, participate in the priesthood of all believers and offer spiritual sacrifices to God, as explained in 1 Peter 2:4-10?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to rely on God's strength and perfection, rather than my own, as seen in Isaiah 40:29-31?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 21:21
No man that hath a blemish, of the seed of Aaron the priest,.... Whether an high priest or a common priest that lies on him anyone of the above blemishes; and which the Jewish writers (f) make to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 21:21
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Any blemish. Since visible things exert a strong influence on the minds of men, any physical infirmity or malformation of body in the ministers of religion,
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 21:21
No man that hath a blemish; any notorious blemish whereby he is disfigured, though not here mentioned.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 21:21
(21) No man that hath a blemish.—The addition of this general remark to the twelve instances adduced in the preceding verses, shows that the cases in question were simply typical, and that it was left to the administrators of the Law, not only to decide the minute details and various stages of these cases, but also to determine whether other bodily infirmities are included or not in this summary statement. Hence, during the second Temple, the authorities registered no less than one hundred and forty-two defects which disqualify the priest for serving at the altar. There was a chamber in the court of the Temple in which the Sanhedrim examined all the priests prior to their being received into the staff of those who officiated in the sanctuary. At the conclusion of this periodical examination, all the priests were divided into two classes. Those who were pronounced physically disqualified “put on black garments, wrapped themselves up in black cloaks, and went away in silence”; whilst those who were declared qualified put on white garments and white cloaks, and forthwith joined their brethren to assist in the sacred office. They celebrated the day by giving a feast to all their friends, which they opened with the following benediction: “Blessed be the Lord! Blessed be He because no blemish hath been found in the seed of Aaron, the priest; and blessed be He because He hath chosen Aaron and his sons to stand and to serve before the Lord in His most holy sanctuary.” Those priests who were declared physically unfit, were employed in the chamber for wood at the north-east of the court of the women, to select the proper wood for the altar, since any piece which was worm-eaten could not be burnt on it. (See Leviticus 1:7.)
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 21:21
21. the bread of his God] And so in Leviticus 21:22. on Leviticus 21:6.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 21:21
IN THE PRIESTS, Leviticus 21:1 to Leviticus 22:16.Jehovah, having given general statutes to conserve the purity of Israel, now proceeds to legislate for the priests, whose character and conduct are
Sermons on Leviticus 21:21
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How Far Are You Prepared to Trust God by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for believers to make serious changes in their lives if they want to get closer to God. He criticizes the influence of negative medi |
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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 |
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Thirtieth Lesson. ‘An Holy Priesthood;’ Or, the Ministry of Intercession by Andrew Murray | Andrew Murray emphasizes the profound calling of every believer to be a priest, highlighting that through Jesus Christ, all redeemed individuals are granted the privilege of interc |