King James Version

What Does Leviticus 21:4 Mean?

Leviticus 21:4 in the King James Version says “But he shall not defile himself, being a chief man among his people, to profane himself. he: or, being an husband among ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Leviticus 21:4 · KJV

Context

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

5

They shall not make baldness upon their head, neither shall they shave off the corner of their beard, nor make any cuttings in their flesh.

6

They shall be holy unto their God, and not profane the name of their God: for the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and the bread of their God, they do offer: therefore they shall be holy.

Read Leviticus 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But he shall not defile himself, being a chief man among his people, to profane himself.

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.


Every sacrifice and ritual in Leviticus points forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the entire sacrificial system as both perfect sacrifice and eternal high priest.

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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. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  2. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  3. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
לֹ֥א1 of 5
H3808

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

יִטַּמָּ֖א2 of 5

“But he shall not defile”

H2930

to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)

בַּ֣עַל3 of 5

“himself being a chief man”

H1167

a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)

בְּעַמָּ֑יו4 of 5

“among his people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

לְהֵ֖חַלּֽוֹ׃5 of 5

“to 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

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 21:4 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 21:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 24:16-17

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