King James Version

What Does Leviticus 22:2 Mean?

Leviticus 22:2 in the King James Version says “Speak unto Aaron and to his sons, that they separate themselves from the holy things of the children of Israel, and that...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Speak unto Aaron and to his sons, that they separate themselves from the holy things of the children of Israel, and that they profane not my holy name in those things which they hallow unto me: I am the LORD.”

Leviticus 22:2 · KJV

Context

1

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

2

Speak unto Aaron and to his sons, that they separate themselves from the holy things of the children of Israel, and that they profane not my holy name in those things which they hallow unto me: I am the LORD.

3

Say unto them, Whosoever he be of all your seed among your generations, that goeth unto the holy things, which the children of Israel hallow unto the LORD, having his uncleanness upon him, that soul shall be cut off from my presence: I am the LORD.

4

What man soever of the seed of Aaron is a leper, or hath a running issue; he shall not eat of the holy things, until he be clean. And whoso toucheth any thing that is unclean by the dead, or a man whose seed goeth from him; running: Heb. running of the reins

Read Leviticus 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Speak unto Aaron and to his sons, that they separate themselves from the holy things of the children of Israel, and that they profane not my holy name in those things which they hallow unto me: I am the LORD.

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.
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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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. Ancient texts like the Code of Hammurabi show that law codes were common in the ancient Near East, but biblical law uniquely grounded ethics in God's character rather than merely social convention.

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. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
דַּבֵּ֨ר1 of 20

“Speak”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֶֽל2 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַהֲרֹ֜ן3 of 20

“unto Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

וְאֶל4 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְנֵֽי5 of 20

“and to his sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וְיִנָּֽזְרוּ֙6 of 20

“that they separate”

H5144

to hold aloof, i.e., (intransitivey) abstain (from food and drink, from impurity, and even from divine worship (i.e., apostatize)); specifically, to s

קָדְשִׁ֑י7 of 20

“not my holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

בְנֵֽי8 of 20

“and to his sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל9 of 20

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וְלֹ֥א10 of 20
H3808

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

יְחַלְּל֖וּ11 of 20

“and that they 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

אֶת12 of 20
H853

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

שֵׁ֣ם13 of 20

“name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

קָדְשִׁ֑י14 of 20

“not my holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

אֲשֶׁ֨ר15 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הֵ֧ם16 of 20
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

מַקְדִּשִׁ֛ים17 of 20

“in those things which they hallow”

H6942

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

לִ֖י18 of 20
H0
אֲנִ֥י19 of 20
H589

i

יְהוָֽה׃20 of 20

“unto me I am the LORD”

H3068

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

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 22:2 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 22:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 18:21Deuteronomy 15:19Leviticus 19:12Numbers 18:32Leviticus 22:32Exodus 28:38

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