Leviticus 22:9
Leviticus 22:9 in Multiple Translations
The priests must keep My charge, lest they bear the guilt and die because they profane it. I am the LORD who sanctifies them.
They shall therefore keep mine ordinance, lest they bear sin for it, and die therefore, if they profane it: I the LORD do sanctify them.
They shall therefore keep my charge, lest they bear sin for it, and die therein, if they profane it: I am Jehovah who sanctifieth them.
So then, let them keep what I have put into their care, for fear that sin may come on them because of it, so causing their death because they have made it common: I am the Lord, who make them holy.
The priests must do as I demand, so that they don't become guilty and die because they have not done so, treating my requirements with contempt. I am the Lord who makes them holy.
Let them keepe therefore mine ordinance, least they beare their sinne for it, and die for it, if they defile it: I the Lord sanctifie them.
'And they have kept My charge, and bear no sin for it, that they have died for it when they pollute it; I [am] Jehovah sanctifying them.
“‘They shall therefore follow my commandment, lest they bear sin for it and die in it, if they profane it. I am the LORD who sanctifies them.
They shall therefore keep my ordinance, lest they bear sin for it, and die therefore, if they profane it: I the LORD do sanctify them.
Let them keep my precepts, that they may not fall into sin, and die in the sanctuary, when they shall have defiled it. I am the Lord who sanctify them.
“The priests must obey my commandments in order that they will not become guilty and die as a result of ◄despising/not obeying► them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 22:9
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 22:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/שָׁמְר֣וּ
אֶת
מִשְׁמַרְתִּ֗/י
וְ/לֹֽא
יִשְׂא֤וּ
עָלָי/ו֙
חֵ֔טְא
וּ/מֵ֥תוּ
ב֖/וֹ
כִּ֣י
יְחַלְּלֻ֑/הוּ
אֲנִ֥י
יְהוָ֖ה
מְקַדְּשָֽׁ/ם
וְ/שָׁמְר֣וּ
shâmar
H8104
to keep
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מִשְׁמַרְתִּ֗/י
mishmereth
H4931
charge
N-fs | Suff
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יִשְׂא֤וּ
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
עָלָי/ו֙
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
חֵ֔טְא
chêṭᵉʼ
H2399
sin
N-ms
וּ/מֵ֥תוּ
mûwth
H4191
to die
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
ב֖/וֹ
Prep | Suff
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יְחַלְּלֻ֑/הוּ
châlal
H2490
to bore
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp | Suff
אֲנִ֥י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
מְקַדְּשָֽׁ/ם
qâdash
H6942
to consecrate
V-Piel | Suff
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 22:9
וְ/שָׁמְר֣וּ
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
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.
מִשְׁמַרְתִּ֗/י
mishmereth
H4931
"charge"
N-fs | Suff
Mishmereth refers to a guard or watch, such as a sentry or a post, emphasizing the act of preservation or safekeeping, like a duty or obligation to protect something or someone.
Definition: 1) guard, charge, function, obligation, service, watch 1a) guard, watch, house of detention or confinement 1b) keeping, preserving 1c) charge, injunction 1d) office, function (ceremonial)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: charge, keep, or to be kept, office, ordinace, safeguard, ward, watch. See also: Genesis 26:5; Joshua 22:3; Isaiah 21:8.
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | 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.
יִשְׂא֤וּ
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
עָלָי/ו֙
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
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.
חֵ֔טְא
chêṭᵉʼ
H2399
"sin"
N-ms
Sin refers to a crime or its punishment, including guilt and offense. It is the result of missing the mark or going wrong, and can have serious consequences.
Definition: 1) sin 1a) sin 1b) guilt for sin 1c) punishment for sin Aramaic equivalent: cha.ti (חֲטָי "sin" H2408)
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: fault, [idiom] grievously, offence, (punishment of) sin. See also: Genesis 41:9; 2 Kings 10:29; Psalms 51:7.
וּ/מֵ֥תוּ
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
ב֖/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
כִּ֣י
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.
יְחַלְּלֻ֑/הוּ
châlal
H2490
"to bore"
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp | Suff
This Hebrew word means to profane or begin, like starting something new or breaking a rule. It appears in the Bible when someone disrespects God or a person, like in Ezekiel 22:26. It can also mean to play music or start a project.
Definition: 1) to wound (fatally), bore through, pierce, bore 1a) (Qal) to pierce 1b) (Pual) to be slain 1c) (Poel) to wound, pierce 1d) (Poal) to be wounded
Usage: Occurs in 132 OT verses. KJV: begin ([idiom] men began), defile, [idiom] break, defile, [idiom] eat (as common things), [idiom] first, [idiom] gather the grape thereof, [idiom] take inheritance, pipe, player on instruments, pollute, (cast as) profane (self), prostitute, slay (slain), sorrow, stain, wound. See also: Genesis 4:26; Ezra 3:8; Psalms 55:21.
אֲנִ֥י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
יְהוָ֖ה
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.
מְקַדְּשָֽׁ/ם
qâdash
H6942
"to consecrate"
V-Piel | Suff
To consecrate means to set something or someone apart as holy or sacred, like the priests in Exodus. This word is about making something clean or pure. It is used in the Bible to describe sacred rituals and moral purity.
Definition: : consecate/sanctify 1) to consecrate, sanctify, prepare, dedicate, be hallowed, be holy, be sanctified, be separate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be set apart, be consecrated 1a2) to be hallowed 1a3) consecrated, tabooed 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to show oneself sacred or majestic 1b2) to be honoured, be treated as sacred 1b3) to be holy 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to set apart as sacred, consecrate, dedicate 1c2) to observe as holy, keep sacred 1c3) to honour as sacred, hallow 1c4) to consecrate 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be consecrated 1d2) consecrated, dedicated 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to set apart, devote, consecrate 1e2) to regard or treat as sacred or hallow 1e3) to consecrate 1f) (Hithpael) 1f1) to keep oneself apart or separate 1f2) to cause Himself to be hallowed (of God) 1f3) to be observed as holy 1f4) to consecrate oneself
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: appoint, bid, consecrate, dedicate, defile, hallow, (be, keep) holy(-er, place), keep, prepare, proclaim, purify, sanctify(-ied one, self), [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 2:3; 2 Samuel 11:4; Isaiah 5:16.
Study Notes — Leviticus 22:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 22:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 22:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 22:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 22:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 22:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 22:9
- Sermons on Leviticus 22:9
Context — Restrictions against the Unclean
7When the sun has set, he will become clean, and then he may eat from the sacred offerings, for they are his food.
8He must not eat anything found dead or torn by wild animals, which would make him unclean. I am the LORD.
9The priests must keep My charge, lest they bear the guilt and die because they profane it. I am the LORD who sanctifies them.
10No one outside a priest’s family may eat the sacred offering, nor may the guest of a priest or his hired hand eat it. 11But if a priest buys a slave with his own money, or if a slave is born in his household, that slave may eat his food.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 28:43 | Aaron and his sons must wear them whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister in the Holy Place, so that they will not incur guilt and die. This is to be a permanent statute for Aaron and his descendants. |
| 2 | Numbers 18:22 | No longer may the Israelites come near to the Tent of Meeting, or they will incur guilt and die. |
| 3 | Numbers 18:32 | Once you have presented the best part of it, you will not incur guilt because of it. But you must not defile the sacred offerings of the Israelites, or else you will die.’” |
| 4 | Leviticus 22:16 | by allowing the people to eat the sacred offerings and thus to bear the punishment for guilt. For I am the LORD who sanctifies them.” |
| 5 | Leviticus 10:1–2 | Now Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense, and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to His command. So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died in the presence of the LORD. |
| 6 | Leviticus 16:2 | And the LORD said to Moses: “Tell your brother Aaron not to enter freely into the Most Holy Place behind the veil in front of the mercy seat on the ark, or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud above the mercy seat. |
Leviticus 22:9 Summary
[Leviticus 22:9 is a reminder that God's priests were to carefully follow His instructions and commands, and that disobedience would result in serious consequences. This teaches us the importance of obedience and reverence for God's commands, as seen in other scriptures like Deuteronomy 8:6 and Psalm 119:10. By following God's commands, we can be set apart and sanctified for His service, just like the priests. As it says in 1 Thessalonians 4:7, 'God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.']
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the priests to 'keep My charge' in Leviticus 22:9?
This means that the priests are to carefully follow and obey God's instructions and commands, as outlined in the book of Leviticus and other parts of the Bible, such as Exodus 28:1-5 and Numbers 18:1-7.
What is the consequence if the priests do not keep God's charge?
If the priests do not keep God's charge, they will bear the guilt and die because they profane it, as stated in Leviticus 22:9, highlighting the importance of obedience and holiness in their role, as also seen in Ezekiel 44:8 and Malachi 2:8-9.
How does God sanctify the priests, as mentioned in Leviticus 22:9?
God sanctifies the priests by setting them apart for His service and by providing them with the necessary instructions, rituals, and sacrifices to maintain their spiritual purity, as seen in Exodus 29:1 and Leviticus 8:1-36.
What is the significance of God saying 'I am the LORD who sanctifies them' in Leviticus 22:9?
This statement emphasizes God's sovereignty and His role as the one who sets the priests apart and makes them holy, highlighting His ownership and authority over them, as also declared in Isaiah 6:1-5 and Revelation 15:4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can 'keep God's charge' in my own life, and what are the consequences if I do not?
- How can I, like the priests, be sanctified and set apart for God's service, and what role does obedience play in this process?
- In what ways can I profane or disrespect God's name and commands, and how can I instead honor and reverence Him, as seen in Leviticus 22:9 and other scriptures like Exodus 20:7 and Deuteronomy 5:11?
- What does it mean for me to 'bear the guilt' of my actions, and how can I receive forgiveness and cleansing from God, as promised in 1 John 1:9 and Psalm 103:12?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 22:9
They shall therefore keep mine ordinance,.... The observance of my word, as the Targums of Onkelos and Jonathan, of his word of command; either respecting the not eating of such creatures that died
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 22:9
And when the sun is down, he shall be clean, and shall afterward eat of the holy things; because it is his food. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 22:9
Mine ordinance; either this ordinance here treated of concerning abstaining from holy things when they are unclean; or more generally, that great ordinance whereby I have made them the guardians of holy places and things, to keep them from all defilement by themselves or others. Heb. my watch, i.e. the watch or guard which I have commanded them to keep. Lest they bear sin, i.e. incur guilt and punishment. For it, i.e. for the neglect or violation of it. If they profane it, i.e. their charge, or God’ s ordinance about it.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 22:9
Leviticus 22:9 They shall therefore keep mine ordinance, lest they bear sin for it, and die therefore, if they profane it: I the LORD do sanctify them.Ver. 9. And die therefore.] It is no dallying with God. Either do it we must, or die for it.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 22:9
9. Lest they bear sin — That is, the punishment of sin. See Leviticus 10:17; Numbers 9:13, notes, in the Levitical law, the boundary between ceremonial and moral impurity is very narrow. Acts 21:25.
Sermons on Leviticus 22:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Warning to Professors by Jonathan Edwards | In this sermon by Jonathan Edwards, he addresses those who attend religious ordinances but continue to engage in known sins. He warns them about the mockery they are guilty of by p |
|
A Silent Church Amidst a Sinful Nation by E.A. Johnston | In this sermon, the speaker highlights the current state of the Christian Church, describing it as helpless and facing powers of darkness. He emphasizes that the Church has substit |
|
God's Work in the Darkness by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that entertainment is a substitute for true joy and that the glory of God needs to be restored. He mentions the importance of being anointed |
|
The Solemn Side of Worship by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Aaron and his two sons who were struck down by God's judgment. The speaker emphasizes that God's judgment was not disproportionat |
|
An Introduction to the Day of Atonement by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the tragedy that occurred in one of the leading families of the Israelites right at the beginning of their journey as a nation of priests. T |
|
(Daniel) the Writing on the Wall by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of King Belshazzar from the book of Daniel in the Bible. The sermon begins by describing how Belshazzar and his companions were en |
|
Leonard Ravenhill 85yrs Old Rebukes Pastors!! by Compilations | This sermon emphasizes the seriousness of reverence for God and the importance of being attentive and respectful in His presence. It calls for a deep reflection on one's attitude t |