Keraia
Leviticus 21

Leviticus 21:12

Holiness Required of Priests · Leviticus 21:1–15
Read Leviticus 21

Translations

Modern
He must not leave or desecrate the sanctuary of his God, for the consecration of the anointing oil of his God is on him. I am the LORD.
Traditional
Neither shall he go out of the sanctuary, nor profane the sanctuary of his God; for the crown of the anointing oil of his God is upon him: I am the Lord.
Literal
And he shall not go out of the sanctuary nor profane the sanctuary of his God; for the consecration of the anointing oil of his God is on him. I am YHWH.
Latin
Nec egredietur de sanctis, ne polluat sanctuarium Domini, quia oleum sanctæ unctionis Dei sui super eum est. Ego Dominus.

Original

Hebrew
English
He must not leave or desecrate the sanctuary of his God, for the consecration of the anointing oil of his God is on him. I am the LORD.

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.

Glossary

Biblical Concept of Law Burial, Burial Customs Consecration Deformity Deuteronomy, Book of History of Israel Leviticus, Book of Virgin

Topics

Christian Minister: Marriage of Church: Holy Church: Sanctuary Defilement: Priests: Specially Required to Avoid Priest: The Time of Moses: Marriage of Priest: The Title Appears After the Institution of the office Sanctification: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To The High Priest: Forbidden to Mourn for Any Uncleanness: (Ceremonially Speaking)