King James Version

What Does Leviticus 21:2 Mean?

Leviticus 21:2 in the King James Version says “But for his kin, that is near unto him, that is, for his mother, and for his father, and for his son, and for his daught...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But for his kin, that is near unto him, that is, for his mother, and for his father, and for his son, and for his daughter, and for his brother,”

Leviticus 21:2 · KJV

Context

1

And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto the priests the sons of Aaron, and say unto them, There shall none be defiled for the dead among his people:

2

But for his kin, that is near unto him, that is, for his mother, and for his father, and for his son, and for his daughter, and for his brother,

3

And for his sister a virgin, that is nigh unto him, which hath had no husband; for her may he be defiled.

4

But he shall not defile himself, being a chief man among his people, to profane himself. he: or, being an husband among his people, he shall not defile himself for his wife, etc

Read Leviticus 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But for his kin, that is near unto him, that is, for his mother, and for his father, and for his son, and for his daughter, and for his brother,

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.

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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. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  2. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  3. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
כִּ֚י1 of 10
H3588

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

אִם2 of 10
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לִשְׁאֵר֔וֹ3 of 10

“But for his kin”

H7607

flesh (as swelling out), as living or for food; generally food of any kind; figuratively, kindred by blood

הַקָּרֹ֖ב4 of 10

“that is near”

H7138

near (in place, kindred or time)

אֵלָ֑יו5 of 10
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לְאִמּ֣וֹ6 of 10

“unto him that is for his mother”

H517

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

וּלְאָבִ֔יו7 of 10

“and for his father”

H1

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

וְלִבְנ֥וֹ8 of 10

“and for his son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וּלְבִתּ֖וֹ9 of 10

“and for his daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

וּלְאָחִֽיו׃10 of 10

“and for his brother”

H251

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

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 21:2 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 21:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 18:61 Thessalonians 4:13

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