Leviticus 21:15

Translations

Modern

…so that he does not defile his offspring among his people, for I am the LORD who sanctifies him.”

Traditional

Neither shall he profane his seed among his people: for I the Lord do sanctify him.

Literal

He shall not profane his posterity among his people. For I am YHWH, sanctifying him.”

Latin

…ne commisceat stirpem generis sui vulgo gentis suæ: quia ego Dominus, qui sanctifico eum.

Original

Hebrew

English

…so that he does not defile his offspring among his people, for I am the LORD who sanctifies him.”

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

Romans 11:16
If the first part of the dough is holy, so is the whole batch; if the root is holy, so are the branches.
1 Corinthians 7:14
For the unbelieving husband is sanctified through his believing wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy.
Genesis 18:19
For I have chosen him, so that he will command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, in order that the LORD may bring upon Abraham what He has promised.”
Malachi 2:15
Has not the LORD made them one, having a portion of the Spirit? And why one? Because He seeks godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit and do not break faith with the wife of your youth.
Ezra 9:2
Indeed, the Israelites have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and their sons, so that the holy seed has been mixed with the people of the land. And the leaders and officials have taken the lead in this unfaithfulness!”
Leviticus 21:8
You are to regard him as holy, since he presents the food of your God. He shall be holy to you, because I the LORD am holy—I who set you apart.
Ezra 2:62
These men searched for their family records, but they could not find them and so were excluded from the priesthood as unclean.
Malachi 2:11
Judah has broken faith; an abomination has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem. For Judah has profaned the LORD’s beloved sanctuary by marrying the daughter of a foreign god.
Nehemiah 13:23–29
In those days I also saw Jews who had married women from Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab.

Glossary

Biblical Concept of Law Deformity Deuteronomy, Book of History of Israel Leviticus, Book of

Topics

Christian Minister: Marriage of Marriage: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To 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: Typified Christ in Holiness of office Uncleanness: (Ceremonially Speaking)

Leviticus 21:15

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