Leviticus 21:11

Translations

Modern

He must not go near any dead body; he must not defile himself, even for his father or mother.

Traditional

Neither shall he go in to any dead body, nor defile himself for his father, or for his mother;

Literal

And he shall not go near any dead body; he shall not defile himself for his father or his mother.

Latin

…et ad omnem mortuum non ingredietur omnino: super patre quoque suo et matre non contaminabitur.

Interlinear

Hebrew

English

He must not go near any dead body; he must not defile himself, even for his father or mother.

Notes

Leviticus 21:10–15

The rules for common priests were more strict than for the high priest, who represented all of Israel, including other priests (Leviticus 21:1–4).
The priest must always keep his hair neat and not tear his clothing in mourning. This ensured he was always ready to serve. While a common priest could marry a widow, the high priest could only marry a virgin. This ensured that future high priests and common priests from that union would have a clear lineage (Leviticus 21:15).

Leviticus 21:1–22:33

This section, which discusses priestly rules, six times repeats the phrase I am the Lord who sanctifies (Leviticus 21:15, 23; 22:9, 16, 32; see also 21:8). These words emphasize the link between God's holiness and the holiness expected of priests. This extended to all of Israel (see 8:10; 11:44–45; 19:2). The text specifically addresses priests in 21:1–22:16, while including both clergy and common people in 22:17–33.

Theme notes and profiles

Ancient Law Codes Clean, Unclean, and Holy

Related verses

Numbers 19:14
This is the law when a person dies in a tent: Everyone who enters the tent and everyone already in the tent will be unclean for seven days,
Leviticus 21:1–2
Then 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,
Leviticus 19:28
You must not make any cuts in your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD.
Numbers 6:7
Even if his father or mother or brother or sister should die, he is not to defile himself, because the symbol of consecration to his God is upon his head.
Luke 9:59–60
Then He said to another man, “Follow Me.” The man replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”
Matthew 8:21–22
Another of His disciples requested, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”
Luke 14:26
“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be My disciple.
Matthew 12:46–50
While Jesus was still speaking to the crowds, His mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to Him.
2 Corinthians 5:16
So from now on we regard no one according to the flesh. Although we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.
Deuteronomy 33:9
He said of his father and mother, ‘I do not consider them.’ He disregarded his brothers and did not know his own sons, for he kept Your word and maintained Your covenant.

Glossary

Biblical Concept of Law Burial, Burial Customs Cleanness and Uncleanness, Regulations Concerning Deformity Deuteronomy, Book of History of Israel Leviticus, Book of Mourning Virgin

Topics

Christian Minister: Marriage of Defilement: Priests: Specially Required to Avoid Mourning: Priests Prohibited, Except for the Nearest of Kin Priest: The Time of Moses: Marriage of Priest: The Title Appears After the Institution of the office Sanctification: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To The Dead: High Priest in No Case to Mourn For The High Priest: Forbidden to Mourn for Any Uncleanness: (Ceremonially Speaking)

Leviticus 21:11

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