Keraia
Leviticus 21

Leviticus 21:2

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

Translations

Modern
…except for his immediate family—his mother, father, son, daughter, or brother,
Traditional
But for his kin, that is near unto him, that is, for his mother, and for his father, and for his son, and for his daughter, and for his brother,
Literal
…except for his close relative who are near to him—his mother, and his father, and his son, and his daughter, and his brother,
Latin
…nisi tantum in consanguineis, ac propinquis, id est, super patre et matre, et filio, et filia, fratre quoque,

Interlinear

Hebrew
English
…except for his immediate family—his mother, father, son, daughter, or brother,

Notes

Leviticus 21:1–4

Touching a dead body made a person ceremonially unclean for seven days. A priest needed to be ready to handle holy things at all times. So, he could not touch a dead body, even if it was a relative's. Otherwise, he might be unable to serve when needed. The only exceptions were his closest relatives, as there might be no one else to bury them.

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 Deformity Deuteronomy, Book of History of Israel Leviticus, Book of Mourning

Topics

Defilement: Ceremonial Caused by Mourning for the Dead Defilement: Priests: Specially Required to Avoid Mourning for the Dead: Cutting the Flesh Mourning: Priests Prohibited, Except for the Nearest of Kin Priests: Special Laws Respecting: Not to Defile Themselves for the Dead Except the Nearest of Sanctification: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To The Dead: A Priest not to Mourn For, Except when Near of Kin The High Priest: Forbidden to Mourn for Any Uncleanness: (Ceremonially Speaking)