King James Version

What Does Leviticus 21:12 Mean?

Leviticus 21:12 in the King James Version says “Neither shall he go out of the sanctuary, nor profane the sanctuary of his God; for the crown of the anointing oil of hi... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Leviticus 21:12 · KJV


Context

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.

14

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.


Every sacrifice and ritual in Leviticus points forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the entire sacrificial system as both perfect sacrifice and eternal high priest.

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. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  2. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  3. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וּמִן1 of 17
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

מִקְדַּ֣שׁ2 of 17

of the sanctuary

H4720

a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum

לֹ֣א3 of 17
H3808

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

יֵצֵ֔א4 of 17

Neither shall he go out

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

וְלֹ֣א5 of 17
H3808

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

יְחַלֵּ֔ל6 of 17

nor profane

H2490

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

אֵ֖ת7 of 17
H853

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

מִקְדַּ֣שׁ8 of 17

of the sanctuary

H4720

a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum

אֱלֹהָ֛יו9 of 17

of his God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

כִּ֡י10 of 17
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נֵ֠זֶר11 of 17

for the crown

H5145

properly, something set apart, i.e., (abstractly) dedication (of a priet or nazirite); hence (concretely) unshorn locks; also (by implication) a chapl

שֶׁ֣מֶן12 of 17

oil

H8081

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

מִשְׁחַ֧ת13 of 17

of the anointing

H4888

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

אֱלֹהָ֛יו14 of 17

of his God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

עָלָ֖יו15 of 17
H5921

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

אֲנִ֥י16 of 17
H589

i

יְהוָֽה׃17 of 17

is upon him I am the LORD

H3068

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


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 21:12 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 21:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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