Leviticus 21:5
Leviticus 21:5 in Multiple Translations
Priests must not make bald spots on their heads, shave off the edges of their beards, or make cuts in their bodies.
They shall not make baldness upon their head, neither shall they shave off the corner of their beard, nor make any cuttings in their flesh.
They shall not make baldness upon their head, neither shall they shave off the corner of their beard, nor make any cuttings in their flesh.
They are not to have their hair cut off for the dead, or the hair on their chins cut short, or make cuts in their flesh.
Priests are not to shave bald spots on their heads, trim the sides of their beards, or cut their bodies.
They shall not make balde partes vpon their head, nor shaue off the locks of their beard, nor make any cuttings in their flesh.
they do not make baldness on their head, and the corner of their beard they do not shave, and in their flesh they do not make a cutting;
“‘They shall not shave their heads or shave off the corners of their beards or make any cuttings in their flesh.
They shall not make baldness upon their head, neither shall they shave off the corner of their beard, nor make any cuttings in their flesh.
Neither shall they shave their head, nor their beard, nor make incisions in their flesh.
You priests must not shave your heads or shave the edges of your beards or cut your bodies to show that you are mourning for someone who has died.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 21:5
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 21:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹֽא
יקרחה
יִקְרְח֤וּ
קָרְחָה֙
בְּ/רֹאשָׁ֔/ם
וּ/פְאַ֥ת
זְקָנָ֖/ם
לֹ֣א
יְגַלֵּ֑חוּ
וּ/בִ֨/בְשָׂרָ֔/ם
לֹ֥א
יִשְׂרְט֖וּ
שָׂרָֽטֶת
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יקרחה
qârach
H7139
to make bald
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
יִקְרְח֤וּ
qârach
H7139
to make bald
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
קָרְחָה֙
qorchâh
H7144
bald spot
N-fs
בְּ/רֹאשָׁ֔/ם
rôʼsh
H7218
head
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וּ/פְאַ֥ת
pêʼâh
H6285
side
Conj | N-fs
זְקָנָ֖/ם
zâqân
H2206
beard
N-cs | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יְגַלֵּ֑חוּ
gâlach
H1548
to shave
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
וּ/בִ֨/בְשָׂרָ֔/ם
bâsâr
H1320
flesh
Conj | Prep | N-ms | Suff
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִשְׂרְט֖וּ
sâraṭ
H8295
to incise
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
שָׂרָֽטֶת
sereṭ
H8296
incision
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 21:5
לֹֽא
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.
יקרחה
qârach
H7139
"to make bald"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
To make bald, or shave the head, often as a sign of mourning or devotion, as seen in Isaiah's prophecy and Ezekiel's actions.
Definition: 1) to be bald, make bald 1a) (Qal) to make bald, make a baldness 1b) (Niphal) to make oneself bald 1c) (Hiphil) to make oneself bald 1d)(Hophal) to make bald
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: make (self) bald. See also: Leviticus 21:5; Ezekiel 27:31; Jeremiah 16:6.
יִקְרְח֤וּ
qârach
H7139
"to make bald"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To make bald, or shave the head, often as a sign of mourning or devotion, as seen in Isaiah's prophecy and Ezekiel's actions.
Definition: 1) to be bald, make bald 1a) (Qal) to make bald, make a baldness 1b) (Niphal) to make oneself bald 1c) (Hiphil) to make oneself bald 1d)(Hophal) to make bald
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: make (self) bald. See also: Leviticus 21:5; Ezekiel 27:31; Jeremiah 16:6.
קָרְחָה֙
qorchâh
H7144
"bald spot"
N-fs
This word refers to baldness or a bald spot, often translated as 'bald' or 'baldness' in the KJV. It describes a lack of hair.
Definition: baldness, bald
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: bald(-ness), [idiom] utterly. See also: Leviticus 21:5; Jeremiah 47:5; Isaiah 3:24.
בְּ/רֹאשָׁ֔/ם
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
Prep | 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.
וּ/פְאַ֥ת
pêʼâh
H6285
"side"
Conj | N-fs
This word refers to the side or corner of something, like the edge of a room or a region. It is used in the Bible to describe geography or location. In the KJV, it is translated as 'corner' or 'side'.
Definition: 1) corner, edge, side, quarter, extremity 1a) corner 1b) side
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: corner, end, quarter, side. See also: Exodus 25:26; Jeremiah 25:23; Jeremiah 9:25.
זְקָנָ֖/ם
zâqân
H2206
"beard"
N-cs | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a beard, often indicating age or wisdom, as seen in the customs of ancient Israelite men. It is first mentioned in Leviticus 19:27. The beard was a symbol of dignity and respect.
Definition: 1) beard, chin 1a) beard 1b) chin
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: beard. See also: Leviticus 13:29; 2 Samuel 20:9; Psalms 133:2.
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.
יְגַלֵּ֑חוּ
gâlach
H1548
"to shave"
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to shave or be bald, and can also mean to lay waste or destroy something. It is used in Leviticus to describe the shaving of priests and in Isaiah to describe the devastation of a city.
Definition: 1) to poll, shave, shave off, be bald 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to shave 1a2) to shave off 1a3) (fig. of devastation) 1b)(Pual) to be shaven 1c) (Hithpael) to shave oneself
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: poll, shave (off). See also: Genesis 41:14; Judges 16:17; Isaiah 7:20.
וּ/בִ֨/בְשָׂרָ֔/ם
bâsâr
H1320
"flesh"
Conj | Prep | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) flesh 1a) of the body 1a1) of humans 1a2) of animals 1b) the body itself 1c) male organ of generation (euphemism) 1d) kindred, blood-relations 1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God) 1f) all living things 1g) animals 1h) mankind Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.
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.
יִשְׂרְט֖וּ
sâraṭ
H8295
"to incise"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This word means to cut or gash, often referring to making incisions or scratches. In the KJV, it is translated as cut in pieces or make cuttings, as seen in the book of Leviticus.
Definition: 1) to incise, scratch, tattoo, cut 1a) (Qal) to make incision 1b) (Niphal) to be scratched or lacerated, be cut
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: cut in pieces, make (cuttings) pieces. See also: Leviticus 21:5; Zechariah 12:3.
שָׂרָֽטֶת
sereṭ
H8296
"incision"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means a cut or incision, often referring to a physical wound or injury, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: incision, cut Also means: sa.re.tet (שָׂרֶ֫טֶת "incision" H8296B)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: cutting. See also: Leviticus 19:28; Leviticus 21:5.
Study Notes — Leviticus 21:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 21:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 21:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 21:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 21:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 21:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 21:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 21:5
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 21:5
- Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 21:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 21:5
- Sermons on Leviticus 21:5
Context — Holiness Required of Priests
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.
5Priests must not make bald spots on their heads, shave off the edges of their beards, or make cuts in their bodies.
6They must be holy to their God and not profane the name of their God. Because they present to the LORD the food offerings, the food of their God, they must be holy. 7A priest must not marry a woman defiled by prostitution or divorced by her husband, for the priest is holy to his God.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 14:1 | You are sons of the LORD your God; do not cut yourselves or shave your foreheads on behalf of the dead, |
| 2 | Ezekiel 44:20 | They must not shave their heads or let their hair grow long, but must carefully trim their hair. |
| 3 | Leviticus 19:27–28 | You must not cut off the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard. You must not make any cuts in your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD. |
| 4 | Micah 1:16 | Shave yourselves bald and cut off your hair in mourning for your precious children; make yourselves as bald as an eagle, for they will go from you into exile. |
| 5 | Isaiah 15:2 | Dibon goes up to its temple to weep at its high places. Moab wails over Nebo, as well as over Medeba. Every head is shaved, every beard is cut off. |
| 6 | Isaiah 22:12 | On that day the Lord GOD of Hosts called for weeping and wailing, for shaven heads and the wearing of sackcloth. |
| 7 | Amos 8:10 | I will turn your feasts into mourning and all your songs into lamentation. I will cause everyone to wear sackcloth and every head to be shaved. I will make it like a time of mourning for an only son, and its outcome like a bitter day. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 16:6 | “Both great and small will die in this land. They will not be buried or mourned, nor will anyone cut himself or shave his head for them. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 48:37 | For every head is shaved and every beard is clipped; on every hand is a gash, and around every waist is sackcloth. |
| 10 | Leviticus 10:6 | 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. |
Leviticus 21:5 Summary
Leviticus 21:5 teaches that priests had to be very careful about how they took care of their bodies because they represented God to the people. They were not allowed to shave their heads, cut their beards in certain ways, or hurt their bodies on purpose. This was to show that they were different and special, set apart to serve God. Just like the priests, we as Christians are called to be set apart and to honor God with our bodies, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 6:20, and to live in a way that is pleasing to Him, as taught in Romans 12:1-2.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were priests not allowed to make bald spots on their heads or shave off the edges of their beards?
This was to distinguish them from pagan practices and to maintain their holiness as representatives of God, as seen in Leviticus 21:5 and supported by Ezekiel 44:20, which also emphasizes the importance of maintaining their hair in a way that honors God.
What is the significance of not making cuts in their bodies?
This prohibition, as stated in Leviticus 21:5, was to prevent the priests from imitating the mourning practices of the pagans, which involved self-mutilation, and to uphold the sanctity of their bodies as vessels of God, similar to the principle found in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of holiness in the Bible?
The command for priests to avoid certain practices in Leviticus 21:5 underscores the biblical theme of holiness, emphasizing that those who serve God must be set apart and distinct, as also taught in 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 and Leviticus 20:26.
Is this verse still relevant to Christians today?
While the specific practices mentioned in Leviticus 21:5 may not directly apply to Christians, the principle of being set apart for God and maintaining bodily integrity is still relevant, as seen in Romans 12:1-2, which calls believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.
Reflection Questions
- What practices in my life might be considered 'profaning' my body or spirit, and how can I align them with God's will?
- How can I, like the priests, dedicate myself to being 'holy to my God', and what does that look like in my daily life?
- In what ways can I honor God with my body, as encouraged in 1 Corinthians 6:20, and what changes might I need to make?
- What are some modern equivalents of 'making cuts in the body' or 'shaving off the edges of the beard' that I should avoid to maintain my spiritual integrity?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 21:5
They shall not make baldness upon their head,.... For the dead, as Jarchi, Aben Ezra, and Ben Gersom; not shave their heads, or round the corners of them, or make baldness between their eyes on that
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 21:5
They shall not make baldness upon their head, neither shall they shave off the corner of their beard, nor make any cuttings in their flesh. They shall not make baldness ... nor ... cuttings in their flesh.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 21:5
To wit, in funerals, as the heathens did: q. d. Though I allow them to defile themselves for some of the dead, yet in no case shall they use these superstitious and heathenish rites, which also the people are forbidden to do, , but the priests in a more peculiar manner, because they are by word and example to teach the people their duty not to sorrow for the dead as persons without hope.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 21:5
Leviticus 21:5 They shall not make baldness upon their head, neither shall they shave off the corner of their beard, nor make any cuttings in their flesh.Ver. 5. They shall not make baldness, &c.] So Leviticus 19:27. Howbeit in humiliation for sin the Lord God of hosts called them all, both priests and people, to weeping and mourning, yea to baldness and sackcloth. Here we cannot easily overdo.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 21:5
(5) Make baldness upon their head.—The natural expression of grief, however, which the priests were to manifest for the above-named departed relations, was not to show itself in the practices which disfigure their bodily appearance, and which obtained among other nations of antiquity in connection with funeral ceremonies. Thus, in the graphic description of the idolatrous priests mourning, we are told “the priests sit in their temples, having their clothes rent, and their heads and beards shaven, and nothing upon their heads.” (Bar 6:31.) The three things here prohibited to the priests are also forbidden to the people at large under other circumstances. (See Leviticus 19:27-28; Deuteronomy 14:1.) The ordinary Israelites, however, indulged in the same practices. (See Jeremiah 16:6; Ezekiel 7:18; Amos 8:10.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 21:5
Verse 5. They shall not make baldness] See the note on "Leviticus 19:27". It is supposed that these things were particularly prohibited, because used superstitiously by the Egyptian priests, who, according to Herodotus, shaved the whole body every third day, that there might be no uncleanness about them when they ministered in their temples. This appears to have been a general custom among the heathen. In the book of Baruch, 6:31, the priests of Babylon are represented sitting in their temples, with their clothes rent, and their heads and beards shaven, and having nothing upon their heads. Every person knows the tonsure of the Catholic priests. Should not this be avoided as an approach to a heathenish custom?
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 21:5
5. See on Leviticus 19:27-28.
Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 21:5
These prohibitions given to the people at large (compare the margin reference.) had a special fitness for the Hebrew priests.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 21:5
5. Not make baldness — This forbids the priests to shave a bald place above the forehead “between the eyes” — a practice customary in mourning for the dead, as is seen in Deuteronomy 14:1, where it is forbidden to all Israelites.
Sermons on Leviticus 21:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Holiness: It's Conditions by G. Campbell Morgan | The preacher discusses the concept of false circumcision, highlighting how some individuals distort the true meaning of circumcision by focusing on outward rituals rather than the |
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The Burden of the Valley of Vision by Chuck Smith | In this video, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the concept of the "Burden of the Valley of Vision" as mentioned in Isaiah 22. He explains that this burden refers to a prophecy of the |
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Awake to Righteousness and Sin Not by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker recounts the powerful preaching of Jimmy Stewart, accompanied by William Fetler as his interpreter. They traveled through Eastern Europe, spreading the |
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In Time of War by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches a powerful sermon on the Valley of Vision, using the prophecy in Isaiah to warn about the impending danger faced by Jerusalem due to their sins and lack of r |
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The Sin of Pride, Nimrod by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the destructive nature of pride, identifying it as the root cause of many personal and relational issues, including conflicts in marriages and workplaces. |
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The Sin of Self Advancement - Puffed by Pride by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman addresses the destructive nature of pride in his sermon 'The Sin of Self Advancement - Puffed by Pride,' emphasizing that pride is often the root cause of personal an |