King James Version

What Does Leviticus 21:20 Mean?

Leviticus 21:20 in the King James Version says “Or crookbackt, or a dwarf, or that hath a blemish in his eye, or be scurvy, or scabbed, or hath his stones broken; a dwa...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Leviticus 21:20 · KJV

Context

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

21

No man that hath a blemish of the seed of Aaron the priest shall come nigh to offer the offerings of the LORD made by fire: he hath a blemish; he shall not come nigh to offer the bread of his God.

22

He shall eat the bread of his God, both of the most holy, and of the holy.

Read Leviticus 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Or crookbackt, or a dwarf, or that hath a blemish in his eye, or be scurvy, or scabbed, or hath his stones broken;

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 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. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  2. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
  3. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
אֽוֹ1 of 14
H176

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

גִבֵּ֣ן2 of 14

“Or crookbackt”

H1384

hunch-backed

אוֹ3 of 14
H176

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

דַ֔ק4 of 14

“or a dwarf”

H1851

crushed, i.e., (by implication) small or thin

א֖וֹ5 of 14
H176

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

תְּבַלֻּ֣ל6 of 14

“or that hath a blemish”

H8400

a cataract (in the eye)

בְּעֵינ֑וֹ7 of 14

“in his eye”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

א֤וֹ8 of 14
H176

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

גָרָב֙9 of 14

“or be scurvy”

H1618

scurf (from itching)

א֣וֹ10 of 14
H176

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

יַלֶּ֔פֶת11 of 14

“or scabbed”

H3217

scurf or tetter

א֖וֹ12 of 14
H176

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

מְר֥וֹחַ13 of 14

“broken”

H4790

bruised, i.e., emasculated

אָֽשֶׁךְ׃14 of 14

“or hath his stones”

H810

a testicle (as a lump)

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 21:20 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 21:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 23:1Isaiah 56:3

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