King James Version

What Does Leviticus 21:10 Mean?

Leviticus 21:10 in the King James Version says “And he that is the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil was poured, and that is consecrated... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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;

Leviticus 21:10 · KJV


Context

8

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.

9

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

10

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;

11

Neither shall he go in to any dead body, nor defile himself for his father, or for his mother;

12

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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;

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 central theme of Leviticus is God's holiness and the call for His people to be holy. The Hebrew word qadosh (קָדוֹשׁ) means 'set apart' or 'sacred,' emphasizing both separation from sin and consecration to God's purposes. 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.
The New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  3. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וְהַכֹּהֵן֩1 of 22

priest

H3548

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

הַגָּד֨וֹל2 of 22

And he that is the high

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

מֵֽאֶחָ֜יו3 of 22

among his brethren

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

אֲשֶׁר4 of 22
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יוּצַ֥ק5 of 22

was poured

H3332

properly, to pour out (transitive or intransitive); by implication, to melt or cast as metal; by extension, to place firmly, to stiffen or grow hard

עַל6 of 22
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

רֹאשׁוֹ֙7 of 22

his head

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

שֶׁ֤מֶן8 of 22

oil

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

הַמִּשְׁחָה֙9 of 22

the anointing

H4888

unction (the act); by implication, a consecratory gift

וּמִלֵּ֣א10 of 22

and that is consecrated

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

אֶת11 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יָד֔וֹ12 of 22
H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

לִלְבֹּ֖שׁ13 of 22

to put

H3847

properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively

אֶת14 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וּבְגָדָ֖יו15 of 22

his clothes

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

אֶת16 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

רֹאשׁוֹ֙17 of 22

his head

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

לֹ֣א18 of 22
H3808

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

יִפְרָ֔ע19 of 22

shall not uncover

H6544

to loosen; by implication, to expose, dismiss; figuratively, absolve, begin

וּבְגָדָ֖יו20 of 22

his clothes

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

לֹ֥א21 of 22
H3808

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

יִפְרֹֽם׃22 of 22

nor rend

H6533

to tear


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 21:10 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 21:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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