King James Version

What Does Leviticus 21:18 Mean?

Leviticus 21:18 in the King James Version says “For whatsoever man he be that hath a blemish, he shall not approach: a blind man, or a lame, or he that hath a flat nose... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For whatsoever man he be that hath a blemish, he shall not approach: a blind man, or a lame, or he that hath a flat nose, or any thing superfluous,

Leviticus 21:18 · KJV


Context

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

18

For whatsoever man he be that hath a blemish, he shall not approach: a blind man, or a lame, or he that hath a flat nose, or any thing superfluous,

19

Or a man that is brokenfooted , or brokenhanded ,

20

Or crookbackt, or a dwarf, or that hath a blemish in his eye, or be scurvy, or scabbed, or hath his stones broken; a dwarf: or, too slender


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For whatsoever man he be that hath a blemish, he shall not approach: a blind man, or a lame, or he that hath a flat nose, or any thing superfluous,

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 New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with God.

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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. 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. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
  2. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  3. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
כִּ֥י1 of 16
H3588

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

כָל2 of 16
H3605

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

אִ֤ישׁ3 of 16

For whatsoever man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֲשֶׁר4 of 16
H834

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

בּ֥וֹ5 of 16
H0
מ֖וּם6 of 16

he be that hath a blemish

H3971

a blemish (physically or morally)

לֹ֣א7 of 16
H3808

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

יִקְרָ֑ב8 of 16

he shall not approach

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אִ֤ישׁ9 of 16

For whatsoever man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

עִוֵּר֙10 of 16

a blind

H5787

blind (literally or figuratively)

א֣וֹ11 of 16
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

פִסֵּ֔חַ12 of 16

or a lame

H6455

lame

א֥וֹ13 of 16
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

חָרֻ֖ם14 of 16

or he that hath a flat nose

H2763

to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to devote to religious uses (especially destruction); physical and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose

א֥וֹ15 of 16
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

שָׂרֽוּעַ׃16 of 16

or any thing superfluous

H8311

to prolong, i.e., (reflex) be deformed by excess of members


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 21:18 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 21:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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