King James Version

What Does Leviticus 21:22 Mean?

Leviticus 21:22 in the King James Version says “He shall eat the bread of his God, both of the most holy, and of the holy.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 21:22 · KJV

Context

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.

23

Only he shall not go in unto the vail, nor come nigh unto the altar, because he hath a blemish; that he profane not my sanctuaries: for I the LORD do sanctify them.

24

And Moses told it unto Aaron, and to his sons, and unto all the children of Israel.

Read Leviticus 21 full chapter

Commentary

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

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

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. The Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's holiness, as revealed in this verse, shape your understanding of worship, obedience, and daily living?
  2. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  3. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
לֶ֣חֶם1 of 7

“the bread”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

אֱלֹהָ֔יו2 of 7

“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

הַקֳּדָשִׁ֖ים3 of 7

“and of the holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

הַקֳּדָשִׁ֖ים4 of 7

“and of the holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

וּמִן5 of 7
H4480

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

הַקֳּדָשִׁ֖ים6 of 7

“and of the holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

יֹאכֵֽל׃7 of 7

“He shall eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

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 21:22 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 21:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 2:3Leviticus 2:10Leviticus 6:16-17Leviticus 7:1Leviticus 22:10-13Leviticus 24:8-9

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read Leviticus 21 with CommentaryAll Leviticus ChaptersComplete Leviticus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes