Leviticus 21:18

Translations

Modern

No man who has any defect may approach—no man who is blind, lame, disfigured, or deformed;

Traditional

For whatsoever man he be that hath a blemish, he shall not approach: a blind man, or a lame, or he that hath a flat nose, or any thing superfluous,

Literal

For any man who has a blemish in him shall not approach—a man blind, or lame, or disfigured, or deformed,

Latin

…nec accedet ad ministerium ejus: si cæcus fuerit, si claudus, si parvo vel grandi, vel torto naso,

Interlinear

Hebrew

English

No man who has any defect may approach—no man who is blind, lame, disfigured, or deformed;

Notes

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

1 Timothy 3:2–3
An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
Leviticus 22:19–25
…must offer an unblemished male from the cattle, sheep, or goats in order for it to be accepted on your behalf.
Titus 1:7
As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money.
Matthew 23:19
You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes it sacred?
Titus 1:10
For many are rebellious and full of empty talk and deception, especially those of the circumcision,
Matthew 23:16–17
Woe to you, blind guides! You say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.’
1 Timothy 3:7
Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the snare of the devil.
Isaiah 56:10
Israel’s watchmen are blind, they are all oblivious; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they are dreamers lying around, loving to slumber.

Glossary

Biblical Concept of Law Blindness Deformity Deuteronomy, Book of History of Israel Leviticus, Book of Priests and Levites

Topics

Blemish: Debarred Sons of Aaron from Exercise of Priestly offices Blindness: Disqualified for Priestly office Lameness: Disqualified Priests from Exercising the Priestly office Priest: The Time of Moses: Must be Without Blemish Priests: No Blemished or Defective Persons Could be Consecrated Sanctification: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To

Leviticus 21:18

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