King James Version

What Does Leviticus 21:11 Mean?

Leviticus 21:11 in the King James Version says “Neither shall he go in to any dead body, nor defile himself for his father, or for his mother;” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 21:11 · KJV

Context

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.

13

And he shall take a wife in her virginity.

Read Leviticus 21 full chapter

Commentary

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

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.


Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

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. Archaeological discoveries at sites like Ugarit reveal Canaanite religious practices Israel's laws explicitly rejected, confirming the Bible's historical reliability and the distinctiveness of Israelite worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  2. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  3. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְעַ֛ל1 of 10
H5921

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

כָּל2 of 10
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

נַפְשֹׁ֥ת3 of 10

“body”

H5315

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

מֵ֖ת4 of 10

“to any dead”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

לֹ֣א5 of 10
H3808

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

יָבֹ֑א6 of 10

“Neither shall he go in”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

לְאָבִ֥יו7 of 10

“himself for his father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וּלְאִמּ֖וֹ8 of 10

“or for his mother”

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

לֹ֥א9 of 10
H3808

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

יִטַּמָּֽא׃10 of 10

“nor defile”

H2930

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

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 21:11 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 21:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 19:14Numbers 6:7Leviticus 19:28Leviticus 21:1-2Luke 9:59-602 Corinthians 5:16

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 21 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Leviticus 21 with CommentaryAll Leviticus ChaptersComplete Leviticus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes