King James Version

What Does Leviticus 21:15 Mean?

Leviticus 21:15 in the King James Version says “Neither shall he profane his seed among his people: for I the LORD do sanctify him.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Neither shall he profane his seed among his people: for I the LORD do sanctify him.”

Leviticus 21:15 · KJV

Context

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.

15

Neither shall he profane his seed among his people: for I the LORD do sanctify him.

16

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

17

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. bread: or, food

Read Leviticus 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Neither shall he profane his seed among his people: for I the LORD do sanctify him.

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.
What Leviticus portrayed through types and shadows, Christ fulfilled in reality through His incarnation, perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection.

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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. Ancient texts like the Code of Hammurabi show that law codes were common in the ancient Near East, but biblical law uniquely grounded ethics in God's character rather than merely social convention.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's holiness, as revealed in this verse, shape your understanding of worship, obedience, and daily living?
  2. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  3. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְלֹֽא1 of 8
H3808

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

יְחַלֵּ֥ל2 of 8

“Neither shall he 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

זַרְע֖וֹ3 of 8

“his seed”

H2233

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

בְּעַמָּ֑יו4 of 8

“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

כִּ֛י5 of 8
H3588

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

אֲנִ֥י6 of 8
H589

i

יְהוָ֖ה7 of 8

“for I the LORD”

H3068

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

מְקַדְּשֽׁוֹ׃8 of 8

“do sanctify”

H6942

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

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 21:15 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 21:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 7:14Romans 11:16Nehemiah 13:23-29Ezra 9:2Genesis 18:19Malachi 2:11

Test Your Knowledge

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

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