King James Version

What Does Leviticus 21:23 Mean?

Leviticus 21:23 in the King James Version says “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 s... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Leviticus 21:23 · KJV


Context

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 five main offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt) addressed different aspects of relationship with God, all fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive sacrifice.
The holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

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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. 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 costliness of true worship and dedication to God?
  3. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
אַ֣ךְ1 of 20
H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

אֶל2 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַפָּרֹ֜כֶת3 of 20

unto the vail

H6532

a separatrix, i.e., (the sacred) screen

לֹ֣א4 of 20
H3808

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

יָבֹ֗א5 of 20

Only he shall not go in

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

וְאֶל6 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמִּזְבֵּ֛חַ7 of 20

unto the altar

H4196

an altar

לֹ֥א8 of 20
H3808

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

יִגַּ֖שׁ9 of 20

nor come nigh

H5066

to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati

כִּֽי10 of 20
H3588

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

מ֣וּם11 of 20

because he hath a blemish

H3971

a blemish (physically or morally)

בּ֑וֹ12 of 20
H0
וְלֹ֤א13 of 20
H3808

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

יְחַלֵּל֙14 of 20

that 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

אֶת15 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מִקְדָּשַׁ֔י16 of 20

not my sanctuaries

H4720

a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum

כִּ֛י17 of 20
H3588

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

אֲנִ֥י18 of 20
H589

i

יְהוָ֖ה19 of 20

for I the LORD

H3068

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

מְקַדְּשָֽׁם׃20 of 20

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 21:23 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 21:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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