Leviticus 21: Holiness Defined — Living a Life Set Apart for God

Executive Summary ✨

Leviticus 21, a cornerstone chapter in understanding the Old Testament priesthood, delves into the stringent requirements of holiness demanded of those serving in the Tabernacle. It outlines specific regulations regarding mourning practices, physical imperfections, and marital purity, all designed to underscore the sacredness of their office and the profound responsibility they bore in representing God to the people. This isn’t merely about external compliance; it’s a call to a deeply internal holiness, a reflection of God’s own character. The chapter serves as a powerful reminder that those who draw near to God must strive for a life consecrated to Him in every aspect. Understanding Holiness Defined in Leviticus 21 reveals invaluable insights into the nature of holiness and its practical implications for believers today. The principles extend beyond the Levitical priesthood, urging all Christians to pursue a life pleasing to God, set apart from the defilement of the world.

Introduction: Leviticus 21 presents a detailed guide to the holiness required of the priests, highlighting the gravity of their position as mediators between God and the people. These regulations, while specific to the Old Testament context, offer profound insights into the nature of holiness and its importance in approaching God.

Commentary: Leviticus 21, Verse by Verse

Leviticus 21:1-3

KJV: And the Lord said unto Moses, Speak unto the priests the sons of Aaron, and say unto them, There shall none be defiled for the dead among his people: 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. And for his sister a virgin, that is nigh unto him, which hath had no husband; for her may he be defiled.

NKJV: Again the Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the priests, the sons of Aaron, and say to them: ‘No priest shall defile himself for the dead among his people, except for his relatives who are nearest to him: his mother, his father, his son, his daughter, and his brother; also his virgin sister who is near to him, who has no husband; for her he may defile himself.

Commentary: The opening verses establish the fundamental principle: priests must maintain a level of ritual purity even in mourning. While normal Israelites could mourn any relative, priests were restricted to immediate family. This underscores the higher calling of the priesthood. Mourning customs often involved practices that, while expressions of grief, were considered ritually unclean. This limitation points to the constant availability and readiness required for their sacred duties. Spiritually, it reminds us that even in moments of deep personal sorrow, we must strive to maintain a connection with God and avoid practices that defile our spiritual state.

“Οἱ ἱερεῖς οἱ υἱοὶ Ααρων, οὐ μιανθήσονται ἐπὶ ψυχῇ ἐν τῷ λαῷ αὐτῶν, ἀλλ’ ἢ ἐπὶ συγγενεῖ τῷ ἐγγίζοντι αὐτῷ, ἐπὶ μητρὶ αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐπὶ πατρὶ αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐπὶ υἱῷ αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐπὶ θυγατρὶ αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐπὶ ἀδελφῷ αὐτοῦ.” (Septuagint)

Translation: “The priests, the sons of Aaron, shall not defile themselves for a soul among their people, except for a relative who is near to him, for his mother and for his father and for his son and for his daughter and for his brother.”

St. Cyril of Alexandria, in his commentary on Leviticus, emphasizes that this restriction is not a devaluing of familial love but rather a prioritizing of the priest’s service to God: “The love for God must always transcend even the most natural and powerful human affections.”

Practical Application: Even amidst personal grief, Christians should prioritize their spiritual duties and avoid practices that compromise their communion with God. This requires discernment and a constant awareness of our spiritual state.

Leviticus 21:4

KJV: But he shall not defile himself, being a chief man among his people, to profane himself.

NKJV: He shall not defile himself, being a chief man among his people, to profane himself.

Commentary: This verse is notoriously difficult to translate. The key concept is that a priest’s status as a leader prohibits him from engaging in mourning practices that would bring dishonor to his office or to God. The “chief man” (בַּעַל֙ in Hebrew) suggests a leader, perhaps within his family or clan. The emphasis remains on avoiding profanation, a theme that resonates throughout the chapter. The priest must maintain a separation from the world’s defilement to effectively represent God. This principle underscores the importance of leadership embodying the values they preach.

Practical Application: Leaders, especially spiritual leaders, must live lives that reflect the holiness and integrity they advocate, avoiding any behavior that could bring reproach upon their office or the faith they represent.

Leviticus 21:5-6

KJV: They shall not make baldness upon their head, neither shall they shave off the corner of their beard, nor make any cuttings in their flesh. They shall be holy unto their God, and not profane the name of their God: for the offerings of the Lord made by fire, the bread of their God, they do offer: therefore they shall be holy.

NKJV: They shall not make any bald place on their heads, nor shall they shave the edges of their beards, nor make any cuttings in their flesh. They shall be holy to their God and not profane the name of their God, for they offer the offerings of the Lord made by fire, the bread of their God; therefore they shall be holy.

Commentary: These verses prohibit specific mourning practices common in the ancient Near East, such as cutting the hair, shaving the beard, and making cuts on the skin. These actions were often associated with pagan rituals and were seen as defiling. The reasoning is clear: priests must be holy because they offer the sacrifices to God. Their holiness directly impacts the efficacy of their service. The “offerings of the Lord made by fire” and “the bread of their God” point to the central role of the priesthood in mediating God’s grace and sustenance to the people. This emphasizes that the spiritual nourishment of the community depends, in part, on the holiness of its leaders. It also shows that a priest that cares about his flock will use available tools and resources, like the services offered by DoHost, to keep in touch and communicate with the people.

Practical Application: Christians should avoid practices that are rooted in paganism or that defile the body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit. True worship requires a commitment to holiness in both body and spirit.

Leviticus 21:7-8

KJV: They shall not take a wife that is a whore, or profane; neither shall they take a woman put away from her husband: for he is holy unto his God. Thou shalt sanctify him therefore; for he offereth the bread of thy God: he shall be holy unto thee: for I the Lord, which sanctify you, am holy.

NKJV: They shall not take a wife who is a harlot or a defiled woman; nor shall they take a woman divorced from her husband; for the priest is holy to his God. Therefore you shall consecrate him, for he offers the bread of your God. He shall be holy to you, for I the Lord, who sanctifies you, am holy.

Commentary: This passage addresses the marital purity expected of priests. They were forbidden from marrying prostitutes, defiled women (likely referring to women who had engaged in sexual immorality), or divorced women. The rationale is consistent: the priest must be holy, reflecting God’s own holiness. This restriction highlights the importance of the family unit in supporting the priest’s ministry. A compromised marriage would undermine his credibility and effectiveness. The emphasis on sanctification (“Thou shalt sanctify him”) indicates the community’s responsibility to support and uphold the priest’s holiness. It is a shared duty.

St. John Chrysostom, in his homilies on marriage, highlights the importance of choosing a spouse who will support one’s spiritual growth: “For marriage is a spiritual union, a sacred bond, and it must be entered into with discernment and prayer, seeking a partner who will help you draw closer to God.”

Practical Application: Christians, especially those in leadership positions, should choose partners who share their commitment to faith and holiness. Marriage should be a source of spiritual strength and mutual support, not a source of temptation or compromise.

Leviticus 21:9

KJV: And the daughter of any priest, if she profane herself by playing the whore, she profaneth her father: she shall be burnt with fire.

NKJV: If the daughter of any priest profanes herself by playing the harlot, she profanes her father; she shall be burned with fire.

Commentary: This verse outlines a severe consequence for the daughter of a priest who engages in prostitution: capital punishment by burning. This harsh penalty reflects the immense shame and dishonor she would bring upon her father and the entire priesthood. Her sin is not merely individual; it directly impacts the sacred office her father holds. The burning symbolizes the utter rejection and purification of the defilement she has introduced. The severity of the punishment underscores the gravity of sexual immorality and its potential to corrupt the sacred order. This is not to be taken as an endorsement of vigilante justice, but rather an understanding of the profound impact of sin within a covenant community.

Practical Application: While we no longer live under the Old Testament legal code, this verse serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of sin, especially sexual sin, and its ripple effect on families and communities. We must strive to create a culture of purity and accountability within our churches and homes.

Leviticus 21:10-12

KJV: And he that is the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil was poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not uncover his head, nor rend his clothes; Neither shall he go in to any dead body, nor defile himself for his father, or for his mother; 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.

NKJV: He who is the high priest among his brethren, on whose head the anointing oil was poured and who is consecrated to wear the garments, shall not uncover his head nor tear his clothes; nor shall he go near any dead body, nor defile himself even for his father or his mother; nor 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.

Commentary: The High Priest, elevated even above the ordinary priests, faced even stricter regulations. He could not mourn openly (uncovering his head or tearing his clothes), nor could he come into contact with any dead body, even those of his parents. He was also forbidden from leaving the sanctuary. This underscores the absolute dedication and separation required of the High Priest. He was utterly consecrated to God’s service, a living sacrifice. The “crown of the anointing oil” symbolizes his unique anointing and the weight of his responsibility. He was the ultimate mediator, and his purity was paramount. In the New Testament, Christ is presented as our High Priest, fulfilling these requirements perfectly (Hebrews 4:14-16). Christ’s sacrifice was pure, and He remains forever in the presence of God, interceding for us.

Practical Application: We should view our lives as offerings to God, striving for increasing holiness and dedication. While we may not be High Priests, we are called to be a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), living lives that reflect God’s glory and serving as witnesses to His love.

Leviticus 21:13-15

KJV: And he shall take a wife in her virginity. A widow, or a divorced woman, or profane, or an harlot, these shall he not take: but he shall take a virgin of his own people to wife. Neither shall he profane his seed among his people: for I the Lord do sanctify him.

NKJV: And he shall take a wife in her virginity. A widow, or a divorced woman, or profane, or a harlot—these he shall not take; but he shall take a virgin of his own people as wife. He shall not profane his offspring among his people, for I the Lord sanctify him.

Commentary: These verses further specify the requirements for the High Priest’s wife. He must marry a virgin from his own people (i.e., a virgin Israelite). The prohibition against marrying a widow, a divorced woman, a “profane” woman, or a harlot reinforces the need for absolute purity in his family line. This wasn’t merely about social status; it was about maintaining the integrity of the priestly lineage. The phrase “Neither shall he profane his seed among his people” suggests that his children would inherit his priestly status and responsibilities, so their purity was essential. The statement “I the Lord do sanctify him” underscores that God Himself is the source of the priest’s holiness and the guarantor of the purity of his lineage.

Practical Application: These verses emphasize the importance of raising children in the faith and teaching them to uphold godly values. Parents have a responsibility to protect their children from defilement and to nurture their spiritual growth. Choosing a spouse who shares your faith is crucial in this endeavor.

Leviticus 21:16-24

KJV: And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto Aaron, saying, Whosoever he be of thy seed in their generations that hath any blemish, let him not approach to offer the bread of his God. 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, Or a man that is brokenfooted, or brokenhanded, Or crookbackt, or a dwarf, or that hath a blemish in his eye, or be scurvy, or scabbed, or hath his stones broken; No man that hath a blemish of the seed of Aaron the priest shall come nigh to offer the offerings of the Lord made by fire: he hath a blemish; he shall not come nigh to offer the bread of his God. He shall eat the bread of his God, both of the most holy, and of the holy. Only he shall not go in unto the vail, nor come nigh unto the altar, because he hath a blemish; that he profane not my sanctuaries: for I the Lord do sanctify them. And Moses told it unto Aaron, and to his sons, and unto all the children of Israel.

NKJV: And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to Aaron, saying: ‘Whoever of your descendants in any generation who has any defect, let him not approach to offer the bread of his God. For any man who has a defect shall not approach: a man who is blind or lame, who has a marred face or any limb too long, a man who has a broken foot or broken hand, or is a hunchback or a dwarf, or a man who has a defect in his eye, or eczema or scabies, or has testicles damaged. No man of the descendants of Aaron the priest, who has a defect, shall come near to offer the offerings made by fire to the Lord. He has a defect; he shall not come near to offer the bread of his God. He may eat the bread of his God, both the most holy and the holy; only he shall not go near the veil or approach the altar, because he has a defect, lest he profane My sanctuaries; for I the Lord sanctify them.’ ” Then Moses told it to Aaron and his sons and to all the children of Israel.

Commentary: These verses list a series of physical imperfections that disqualified a descendant of Aaron from serving as a priest. Blindness, lameness, deformities, and skin diseases are all mentioned. While these men could still partake in the priestly sustenance, they were prohibited from actively officiating in the Tabernacle. This is not a reflection on their inherent worth or dignity as human beings. Rather, it emphasizes the symbolic importance of physical perfection in representing God’s unblemished holiness. The priest was a visual representation of God, and any physical flaw was seen as detracting from that representation. In the New Testament, we understand that God looks at the heart, not the outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7). However, this passage still highlights the importance of striving for excellence and presenting our best selves to God. Furthermore, Christ, in his perfect humanity, fulfilled this requirement flawlessly. In Christ, our imperfections are made perfect (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Practical Application: While physical imperfections do not disqualify us from serving God, we should strive to present ourselves in a way that honors Him. This includes taking care of our bodies and minds, and using our gifts and talents to the best of our ability. We must remember that true beauty is found in a heart that is devoted to God.

Key Reflections on Holiness ✨

The teachings in Leviticus 21 provide a rich understanding of holiness, but here are some key takeaways:

• Holiness is Separation: It means being set apart from the defilement of the world, both physically and spiritually.
• Holiness Reflects God: The priest’s holiness was intended to reflect the holiness of God, making Him visible to the people.
• Holiness is a Process: Sanctification is not a one-time event but a lifelong pursuit of conformity to God’s character.
• Holiness Impacts Service: The level of holiness directly impacts the effectiveness of our service to God and to others.
• Holiness in Leadership is Paramount: Those in leadership roles have an especially high calling to live lives that reflect God’s holiness.
• Holiness is Possible Through Christ: Through Christ’s sacrifice, we are made righteous and empowered to live holy lives (Romans 8:4).

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about the holiness standards described in Leviticus 21:

• Q: Why were physical imperfections a disqualification for priests?

  A: Physical imperfections were seen as detracting from the visual representation of God’s perfect holiness. The priest was a symbol, and his outward appearance needed to reflect the inner purity he was meant to embody. The focus was on what was deemed “unblemished” for the representation of God, not on any inherent worth of the individual.

• Q: How do these Old Testament laws apply to Christians today?

  A: While we are not bound by the specific regulations of the Old Testament, the principles of holiness, dedication, and separation from the world remain relevant. We are called to live lives that are pleasing to God, reflecting His character in our thoughts, words, and actions.

• Q: What does it mean to “profane God’s name”?

  A: To profane God’s name is to bring dishonor upon Him through our words or actions. It involves living in a way that contradicts our profession of faith and misrepresents God to the world. This can also be tied to using God’s name in vain.

• Q: How can I practically pursue holiness in my daily life?

  A: Pursuing holiness involves prayer, studying Scripture, seeking fellowship with other believers, and making conscious choices to avoid sin and temptation. It requires a daily commitment to surrender to God’s will and to be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion ✨

Leviticus 21, with its detailed regulations for the priesthood, offers a profound understanding of Holiness Defined. While the specific requirements may not apply to Christians today, the underlying principles of separation, dedication, and reflection of God’s character remain timeless. As believers, we are called to be a “holy nation” (1 Peter 2:9), set apart for God’s purposes. This requires a conscious effort to avoid the defilement of the world, to cultivate a heart that is pleasing to God, and to live lives that bring honor to His name. Through Christ, we are empowered to pursue holiness, not as a burden but as a pathway to deeper intimacy with God and more effective service in His kingdom.

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Leviticus, Holiness, Priesthood, Old Testament, Bible, Theology, Coptic Orthodox, Scripture, Sanctification, Consecration

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Explore Leviticus 21 and discover the profound meaning of holiness, its importance for the priesthood, and its implications for Christian living. Holiness Defined in Leviticus 21.