Leviticus 21 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of Leviticus 21

The book of Leviticus was written by Moses, the great prophet and leader of the Israelites. Leviticus, the second book in the Pentateuch or the first five books of the Bible, provides detailed instructions and regulations for the priests and the Israelite community. The priests, the spiritual leaders of God’s chosen people, have specific requirements and expectations that we will explore in this chapter. The Lord lays out guidelines for the priests’ conduct, their interactions with the dead, and the physical attributes necessary for them to serve in the tabernacle. These regulations underscore the holiness and purity required of those who minister before the Almighty. As we delve into this chapter, we will see how these directives not only shaped the priesthood but also foreshadowed the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who would one day fulfill the law and establish a new covenant with humanity. The teachings in Leviticus 21 remind us of the reverence and devotion required in the presence of a holy God.

Leviticus 21:1-4

The text in Leviticus 21:1-4 addresses the rules and standards for the behavior of the priests – the descendants of Aaron. It begins by stating that the priests were not to make themselves ceremonially unclean by touching a dead person unless it was a close relative, such as their mother, father, son, daughter, brother, or unmarried sister. Even in the case of these relatives, they were to avoid becoming ceremonially unclean. This admonition highlights the importance of the purity and sanctity of the priests who served in the tabernacle and later the temple. The priests were seen as the intermediaries between the people and God, and as such, they needed to maintain a high standard of holiness.

This passage teaches us about the concept of ritual purity and cleanliness in the Old Testament, where certain actions or states could render a person impure and unfit to approach God. The idea of refraining from contact with the dead relates to the Israelites’ belief in the inherent uncleanness and defilement associated with death. The priests could fulfill their duties effectively and maintain their standing before God by keeping themselves pure. The restrictions placed on the priests regarding their interactions with the dead underline the sacred nature of their role and the need for them to set themselves apart from common practices to serve God faithfully.

This emphasis on purity and separation is also reflected in other parts of the Bible. The Israelites are instructed on how to become clean after coming into contact with a dead body in Numbers 19:11-22. This ritual of purification shows the importance God places on maintaining a state of purity among His chosen people. Jesus condemns the Pharisees for their emphasis on outward purity while neglecting the purity of the heart in the New Testament (Matthew 23:25-26).

The specific mention of the priests’ close relatives in Leviticus 21:1-4 underscores the value of familial relationships and the responsibilities that come with them. While the priests were to maintain a high level of purity, they were also expected to honor and care for their family members. This balance between ceremonial purity and familial duty highlights the complexity of the priests’ role and the need for them to navigate various aspects of their identity and responsibilities. Leviticus 21:1-4 serves as a reminder of the importance of purity, holiness, and maintaining a separation from common practices for those who are called to serve God. It underscores the idea that serving as a priest was not just a job but a sacred calling that required a deep commitment to upholding God’s standards of holiness. This passage challenges us to consider how we maintain purity and holiness in our own lives as we seek to serve God faithfully in whatever roles He has called us to fulfill.

Leviticus 21:5-6

The verses in Leviticus 21:5-6 state that they shall not make bald patches on their heads, nor shave off the edges of their beards, nor make any cuts on their body. They shall be holy to their God and not profane the name of their God. For they offer the Lord’s food offerings, the bread of their God; therefore they shall be holy.” This passage outlines specific rules that the priests, who were chosen and set apart to serve in the tabernacle, were expected to adhere to in order to maintain their holiness and dedication to the Lord.

The prohibition of making bald patches on their heads, shaving off the edges of their beards, and making cuts on their bodies was not just about physical appearance but about maintaining a sense of dignity and reverence for their position as representatives of God. It was a way to distinguish them from pagan practices and ensure they remained pure and set apart for their holy service. These regulations were meant to symbolize their consecration and devotion to God, emphasizing the importance of their role in leading the people in worship and offering sacrifices on behalf of the community. These verses underscore the principle of separation and consecration that runs throughout the Bible by emphasizing the holiness of the priests and the sanctity of their service. This concept of being set apart for a specific purpose is not limited to the priests in ancient Israel but is a timeless message that applies to all believers. Peter echoes this idea in 1 Peter 2:9 when he refers to all believers as “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession,” highlighting the universal call to live lives that honor and glorify God.

Leviticus 21:7-8

Leviticus 21:7-8 states, “They shall not marry a woman who is a prostitute or has been defiled, neither shall they marry a woman divorced from her husband, for the priest is holy to his God. You shall consecrate him, for he offers the bread of your God. He shall be holy to you, for I the Lord, who sanctify you, am holy. Specific guidelines are laid out for the behavior of priests in ancient Israel in these verses. The priests were to be held to a higher standard in terms of moral conduct and purity. They were prohibited from marrying women who were considered impure, such as prostitutes or women who had been divorced. This was to uphold the sanctity of the priesthood and to maintain a sense of holiness in their line of work.

The prohibition against marrying certain women was intended to emphasize the importance of purity and holiness in the priestly role. The priests were expected to set an example for the rest of the Israelites by maintaining a strict moral standard in their personal lives. This idea of leading by example and upholding moral standards is a recurring theme throughout the Bible.

Throughout the Old Testament, we see instances where the priests played a crucial role in leading the people in worship and offering sacrifices to God. The priests were considered mediators between the people and God, and as such, they were to be spiritually clean and set apart for their duties. This emphasis on purity and holiness is also reflected in other parts of Leviticus, where detailed instructions are given regarding rituals, sacrifices, and cleanliness. Jesus Christ transforms the concept of priests as mediators between God and people in the New Testament. Jesus is portrayed as the ultimate high priest who offers himself as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity, thereby replacing the need for animal sacrifices performed by the Levitical priests (Hebrews 7:27). The emphasis shifts from outward acts of purity to inner spiritual purity through faith in Christ. Leviticus 21:7-8 highlights the importance of maintaining purity and holiness, especially for those in positions of leadership and service within the religious community. It serves as a reminder for all believers to strive for moral uprightness and to honor God in all aspects of their lives.

Leviticus 21:9

Leviticus 21:9 states, “And the daughter of any priest, if she profanes herself by playing the whore, profanes her father; she shall be burned with fire. A strict punishment is prescribed in this verse for the daughter of a priest who engages in immoral behavior, specifically prostitution. This severe punishment of being burned with fire signifies the seriousness with which the Lord viewed sexual immorality and the importance of maintaining purity and holiness among the priestly lineage. It is essential to note that as the daughter of a priest, she held a position of privilege and was expected to uphold higher standards of behavior due to her familial connections to the priesthood.

This verse conveys the idea that actions have consequences not only for the individual but also for their family and community. The defilement of the daughter was seen as defiling her father, a priest who held a position of sanctity and was expected to maintain purity and honor before God and the people. This reveals the interconnectedness of individuals within the community of believers and the ripple effects of sin on others. A recurring theme of the importance of sexual purity and the consequences of straying from God’s commandments in this area is seen in the broader context of the Bible. “Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 6:18, ‘Flee from sexual immorality.’” Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.” This emphasizes the gravity of sexual sin and the need for believers to flee from it.

The story of Tamar and Judah in Genesis 38 provides an example of sexual immorality within the family of Judah, one of the patriarchs of Israel. Despite Tamar posing as a prostitute to Judah, her actions were later vindicated, highlighting the complexities of issues related to sexual morality and the importance of upholding justice and righteousness. Leviticus 21:9 ultimately serves as a reminder of the high standards expected of those in leadership positions, such as priests, and the necessity of upholding purity and holiness in all aspects of life. It underscores the principle that sin not only affects the individual but also has wider implications for their family and community, reinforcing the need for accountability and obedience to God’s commands.

Leviticus 21:10-12

To understand the context and significance of the verses in Leviticus 21:10-12, one needs to break down several important sections.

Starting with verse 10, it states, “The high priest, the one among his brothers who has had the anointing oil poured on his head and who has been ordained to wear the priestly garments, must not let his hair become unkempt or tear his clothes.” This verse specifically addresses the high priest, who held a position of utmost importance and responsibility in the Old Testament. The anointing oil being poured on his head symbolized his consecration and special blessing from God to serve in this sacred role. The high priest was a mediator between God and the people, and as such, he had to maintain a high level of holiness and purity. The prohibition against letting his hair become unkempt or tearing his clothes signifies the importance of presenting oneself in a dignified and respectful manner before God. This command was not just about outward appearance but also reflected the inner reverence and commitment expected from the high priest in his service to God and the community.

Moving on to verse 11, it reads, “He must not enter a place where there is a dead body. He must not make himself unclean, even for his father or mother.” This verse highlights the strict purity laws the high priest had to adhere to in order to maintain his consecrated status. The high priest was forbidden from coming into contact with anything deemed unclean, such as a dead body, to ensure he remained ritually pure for his sacred duties in the tabernacle. This prohibition extended even to his close relatives, like his parents, showing that his commitment to holiness and service to God superseded all other earthly relationships. This emphasis on purity and separation from all forms of defilement was meant to underscore the importance of approaching God with reverence and respect, upholding the sanctity of the priesthood and the worship practices of the Israelites.

Finally, verse 12 states, “He must not leave the sanctuary or desecrate the sanctuary of his God, because the consecration of the anointing oil of his God is on him. I am the Lord.” This verse reinforces the concept of the high priest’s exclusivity to the sanctuary and his obligation to protect its sanctity. The anointing oil symbolized God’s chosen and set-apart status for the high priest, marking him as holy and dedicated to God’s service. God emphasized the sacredness of the tabernacle as His dwelling place among His people by prohibiting the high priest from leaving the sanctuary or defiling it in any way. This verse serves as a reminder that those called to serve in positions of spiritual leadership are held to a higher standard of holiness and must conduct themselves in a manner befitting their consecrated status before God. Leviticus 21:10-12 underscores the importance of purity, reverence, and obedience in the service of God, particularly for those entrusted with roles of leadership and ministry within the community of faith. These verses point to the larger themes of holiness and separation that run throughout the Bible, emphasizing the need for God’s chosen people to approach Him with hearts dedicated to Him and lives characterized by obedience to His commands. The strict regulations outlined for the high priest in Leviticus highlight the seriousness of serving in a position of spiritual authority and the necessity of upholding God’s standards of righteousness in all aspects of life. This serves as a timeless message for believers today, encouraging them to pursue holiness, maintain reverence in their worship, and uphold the sanctity of their calling as a royal priesthood in service to the Most High God (1 Peter 2:9).

Leviticus 21:13-15

The verses in Leviticus 21:13-15 focus on the restrictions placed on the High Priest when it comes to marriage. Let’s break down these verses to understand the significance of each part.

Verse 13 states, “The woman he marries must be a virgin.” This requirement emphasizes the purity and holiness expected of the High Priest and his household. It underlines the importance of moral uprightness and faithfulness in the leadership of the religious community. The emphasis on the woman being a virgin symbolizes the idea of spiritual purity and undivided devotion to God. Believers need to maintain a pure and unblemished relationship with God, free from any form of spiritual or moral corruption.

Moving on to verse 14, it mentions that the High Priest cannot marry a widow, a divorced woman, or a woman defiled by prostitution but only a virgin from his own people. This rule serves to illustrate the expectation of exclusive devotion and undiluted commitment to God’s standards. The High Priest is called to set an example for the people, embodying the ideals of purity and faithfulness in every aspect of his life. Limiting his choice of spouse to a specific group reinforces the importance of maintaining cultural and religious identity within the community. This requirement highlights the significance of maintaining spiritual integrity and avoiding any form of contamination that could compromise the sacred duties of the priesthood.

Verse 15 states, “He must not marry a widow, a divorced woman, or a woman defiled by prostitution, but only a virgin from his own people.” This repetition underscores the strict adherence to the regulations regarding the High Priest’s marriage. It emphasizes the need for spiritual leaders to uphold the highest moral standards and avoid any associations that may tarnish their reputation or compromise their spiritual efficacy. The passage reinforces the importance of purity, fidelity, and divine consecration in the lives of those entrusted with leading and serving the community by reiterating these restrictions. These verses in Leviticus 21 contribute to the overarching theme of holiness and sanctification that permeates the entire book. The regulations regarding the High Priest’s marriage underscore the notion that those called to serve in sacred roles must maintain a lifestyle that reflects the values and principles of their faith. The restrictions placed on the High Priest’s choice of spouse serve as a reminder of the need for uncompromising loyalty to God and His commands. Through these regulations, the Israelites were taught the importance of honoring God in every aspect of their lives, including their familial relationships. These verses also point towards the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who exemplified perfect holiness and purity in His life and ministry. Leaders in the early Christian church were also held to high moral standards, as we can see parallels in the New Testament when connecting these verses to other parts of the Bible. For example, in 1 Timothy 3:2-5, the qualifications for overseers (elders) and deacons include being faithful to one wife, managing their families well, and having a good reputation. This demonstrates the continuity of God’s expectation for spiritual leaders to exemplify moral integrity and spiritual maturity throughout both the Old and New Testaments.

Leviticus 21:16-24

The passage in Leviticus 21:16-24 provides guidelines for the priests in the Old Testament on who is fit to serve in the sacred office. The passage states that no man who has any defect is to come near to offer the food of his God. This means that any priest who had a physical deformity or blemish was not permitted to fulfill their duties as a priest. The reason behind this restriction was to emphasize the holiness and purity required in the service of God. The priests were seen as mediators between God and the people, and therefore had to be without blemish to represent the holiness of God.

Throughout the Bible, holiness and purity are emphasized as important aspects of worship and service to God. The priests in the Old Testament were held to a higher standard because of their role in the religious practices and rituals of the Israelites. This passage serves as a reminder that God expects His servants to be set apart and dedicated to Him in every aspect of their lives.

The idea of priests being without defect is also symbolic of Jesus Christ, who is considered the ultimate High Priest in the New Testament. Jesus is described as the perfect and spotless Lamb of God, without sin or blemish, who sacrificed Himself to atone for the sins of humanity. This connection highlights the importance of purity in the offering of sacrifices and serving as a priest.

The passage also mentions that if a priest has a physical defect, he may eat the food offered to God, both the most holy and the holy, but he is not allowed to approach the curtain or altar. This provision allowed priests with defects to still partake in the provisions for the priesthood, ensuring they were cared for despite their inability to perform certain duties. Parallels to this concept of priests being without blemish exist in the New Testament. Believers in 1 Peter 2:9 are described as a “royal priesthood,” called to be a holy nation and a people for God’s own possession. This demonstrates that the principles of holiness and purity are still relevant in the lives of Christians as they serve as ambassadors for Christ in the world. The passage in Leviticus 21:16-24 serves as a reminder of the importance of purity and holiness in the service of God and points forward to the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who was the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world.

After Leviticus 21

The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the priests, the sons of Aaron, and say to them: ‘None shall make himself unclean for the dead among his people, except for his closest relatives, his mother, his father, his son, his daughter, his brother, or his virgin sister who is near to him, who has had no husband, for her he may make himself unclean. He shall not make himself unclean as a husband among his people and so profane himself.’”

The reverend continued, “This passage lays out the strict guidelines for the priests regarding mourning and defilement. The Lord demands that His chosen servants remain pure and set apart, even in the face of personal loss. We will see how these regulations extend to the entire community, shaping the holiness of God’s people as we move forward. The Lord’s call to holiness is not just for the elite, but for all who would follow Him.”