King James Version

What Does Leviticus 22:10 Mean?

Leviticus 22:10 in the King James Version says “There shall no stranger eat of the holy thing: a sojourner of the priest, or an hired servant, shall not eat of the holy...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“There shall no stranger eat of the holy thing: a sojourner of the priest, or an hired servant, shall not eat of the holy thing.”

Leviticus 22:10 · KJV

Context

8

That which dieth of itself, or is torn with beasts, he shall not eat to defile himself therewith: I am the LORD.

9

They shall therefore keep mine ordinance, lest they bear sin for it, and die therefore, if they profane it: I the LORD do sanctify them.

10

There shall no stranger eat of the holy thing: a sojourner of the priest, or an hired servant, shall not eat of the holy thing.

11

But if the priest buy any soul with his money, he shall eat of it, and he that is born in his house: they shall eat of his meat. with: Heb. with the purchase of his money

12

If the priest's daughter also be married unto a stranger , she may not eat of an offering of the holy things. a stranger: Heb. a man a stranger

Read Leviticus 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
There shall no stranger eat of the holy thing: a sojourner of the priest, or an hired servant, shall not eat of the holy thing.

This verse falls within the section on Acceptable Sacrifices. Requirements for acceptable sacrifices and those who may eat sacred offerings, maintaining sacrifice quality.

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 Aaronic priesthood mediated between God and Israel, offering sacrifices and maintaining the tabernacle. This prefigured Christ's superior priesthood after the order of Melchizedek.
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

Requirements for acceptable sacrifices and those who may eat sacred offerings, maintaining sacrifice quality. 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 tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's holiness, as revealed in this verse, shape your understanding of worship, obedience, and daily living?
  2. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  3. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְכָל1 of 11
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

זָ֖ר2 of 11

“There shall no stranger”

H2114

to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery

לֹא3 of 11
H3808

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

יֹ֥אכַל4 of 11

“eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

קֹֽדֶשׁ׃5 of 11

“of the holy thing”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

תּוֹשַׁ֥ב6 of 11

“a sojourner”

H8453

a dweller but not outlandish [h5237]; especially (as distinguished from a native citizen [active participle of h3427] and a temporary inmate [h1616] o

כֹּהֵ֛ן7 of 11

“of the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וְשָׂכִ֖יר8 of 11

“or an hired servant”

H7916

a man who is hired by the day or year

לֹא9 of 11
H3808

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

יֹ֥אכַל10 of 11

“eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

קֹֽדֶשׁ׃11 of 11

“of the holy thing”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

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 22:10 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 22:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 21:6Matthew 12:4Exodus 29:33

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