King James Version

What Does Leviticus 21:1 Mean?

Leviticus 21:1 in the King James Version says “And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto the priests the sons of Aaron, and say unto them, There shall none be defiled f...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Leviticus 21:1 · KJV

Context

1

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:

2

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,

3

And for his sister a virgin, that is nigh unto him, which hath had no husband; for her may he be defiled.

Read Leviticus 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:

This verse falls within the section on Priestly Holiness. Higher standards for priests due to their sacred role, including restrictions on mourning practices and marriage.

The Aaronic priesthood mediated between God and Israel, offering sacrifices and maintaining the tabernacle. This prefigured Christ's superior priesthood after the order of Melchizedek.
Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Higher standards for priests due to their sacred role, including restrictions on mourning practices and marriage. Chapters 17-27, often called the 'Holiness Code,' expand covenant obligations beyond ritual to encompass all of life—sexuality, economics, justice, and relationships. The repeated refrain 'I am the LORD' grounds these laws in God's character and covenant relationship with Israel. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. The tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  2. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  3. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֣1 of 15

“Speak”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֙2 of 15

“And the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶל3 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֔ה4 of 15

“unto Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֣5 of 15

“Speak”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל6 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֖ים7 of 15

“unto the priests”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

בְּנֵ֣י8 of 15

“the sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אַֽהֲרֹ֑ן9 of 15

“of Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֣10 of 15

“Speak”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵהֶ֔ם11 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לְנֶ֥פֶשׁ12 of 15

“for the dead”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

לֹֽא13 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִטַּמָּ֖א14 of 15

“unto them There shall none be defiled”

H2930

to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)

בְּעַמָּֽיו׃15 of 15

“among his people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Leviticus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Leviticus 21:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Leviticus 21:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 44:25Leviticus 19:28Leviticus 21:11Numbers 19:14Leviticus 10:6-7Malachi 2:1

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