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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Leviticus 21:15 so that he does not defile his offspring among his people, for I am the LORD who sanctifies him."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/leviticus/21-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/03_Lev_21_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Leviticus 21:15 - Holiness Required of Priests" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="so that he does not defile his offspring among his people, for I am the LORD who sanctifies him." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/leviticus/21-15.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/leviticus/21-15.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/leviticus/">Leviticus</a> > <a href="/leviticus/21.htm">Chapter 21</a> > Verse 15</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad15.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/leviticus/21-14.htm" title="Leviticus 21:14">◄</a> Leviticus 21:15 <a href="/leviticus/21-16.htm" title="Leviticus 21:16">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/leviticus/21.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/leviticus/21.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />so that he will not defile his offspring among his people. I am the LORD, who makes him holy.&#8217&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/leviticus/21.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />so that he will not dishonor his descendants among his clan, for I am the LORD who makes him holy.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/leviticus/21.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />that he may not profane his offspring among his people, for I am the LORD who sanctifies him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/leviticus/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />so that he does not defile his offspring among his people, for I am the LORD who sanctifies him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/leviticus/21.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Neither shall he profane his seed among his people: for I the LORD do sanctify him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/leviticus/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Nor shall he profane his posterity among his people, for I the LORD sanctify him.’ ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/leviticus/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />so that he will not profane his children among his people; for I am the LORD who sanctifies him.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/leviticus/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />so that he will not profane his offspring among his people; for I am the LORD who sanctifies him.&#8217&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/leviticus/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />that he may not profane his offspring among his people: for I am the LORD who sanctifies him.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/leviticus/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />so that he will not profane his seed among his people; for I am Yahweh who makes him holy.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/leviticus/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />so that he will not profane <i>or</i> dishonor his children among his people; for I am the LORD who sanctifies the high priest.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/leviticus/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />so that he does not corrupt his bloodline among his people, for I am the LORD who sets him apart.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/leviticus/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />so that he does not corrupt his bloodline among his people, for I am Yahweh who sets him apart.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/leviticus/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And he shall not profane his seed among his people: for I am Jehovah who sanctifieth him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/leviticus/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />In this way, your descendants will be qualified to serve me. Remember--I am the LORD, and I have chosen you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/leviticus/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And he shall not profane his seed among his people: for I am the LORD which sanctify him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/leviticus/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />He must not dishonor his children among his people because I, the LORD, set him apart as holy."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/leviticus/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Otherwise, his children, who ought to be holy, will be ritually unclean. I am the LORD and I have set him apart as the High Priest." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/leviticus/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"He is not to defile his children among his people, because I am the LORD, who sets him apart."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/leviticus/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />so that he does not defile his offspring among his people, for I am the LORD who sanctifies him.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/leviticus/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He must not profane his children among his people, for I am the LORD who sanctifies him.'" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/leviticus/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He shall not profane his offspring among his people: for I am the LORD who sanctifies him.'"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/leviticus/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Neither shall he profane his seed among his people: for I the LORD do sanctify him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/leviticus/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He shall not profane his offspring among his people, for I am Yahweh who sanctifies him.’” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/leviticus/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and he does not defile his seed among his people; for I [am] YHWH, sanctifying him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/leviticus/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and he doth not pollute his seed among his people; for I am Jehovah, sanctifying him.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/leviticus/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he shall not profane his seed among his people; for I Jehovah consecrating him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/leviticus/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He shall not mingle the stock of his kindred with the common people of his nation: for I am the Lord who sanctify him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/leviticus/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />He shall not mingle the stock of his family with the common people of his nation. For I am the Lord, who sanctifies him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/leviticus/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />so that he not profane his offspring among his kindred. I, the LORD, make him holy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/leviticus/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />that he may not profane his offspring among his kin; for I am the LORD; I sanctify him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/leviticus/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Neither shall he profane his descendants among his people; for I am the LORD who sanctifies him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/leviticus/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he shall not defile his seed with his people, because I AM LORD JEHOVAH Who hallows him."<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/leviticus/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And he shall not profane his seed among his people; for I am the LORD who sanctify him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/leviticus/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And he shall not profane his seed among his people: I <i>am</i> the Lord that sanctifies him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/leviticus/21-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NWs_V1RyMFo?start=5662" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/leviticus/21.htm">Holiness Required of Priests</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">14</span>He is not to marry a widow, a divorced woman, or one defiled by prostitution. He is to marry a virgin from his own people, <span class="reftext">15</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō- (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">so that he does not</a> <a href="/hebrew/2490.htm" title="2490: yə·ḥal·lêl (V-Piel-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to bore, i.e. to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane, to break, to begin; denom. to play.">defile</a> <a href="/hebrew/2233.htm" title="2233: zar·‘ōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A sowing, seed, offspring. From zara'; seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity.">his offspring</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: bə·‘am·māw (Prep-b:: N-mpc:: 3ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">among his people,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">I</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">am the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/6942.htm" title="6942: mə·qad·də·šōw (V-Piel-Prtcpl-msc:: 3ms) -- To be set apart or consecrated. A primitive root; to be clean.">who sanctifies him.”</a> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/19-6.htm">Exodus 19:6</a></span><br />And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you are to speak to the Israelites.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-9.htm">1 Peter 2:9</a></span><br />But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/7-6.htm">Deuteronomy 7:6</a></span><br />For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession out of all peoples on the face of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/6-19.htm">1 Corinthians 6:19-20</a></span><br />Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; / you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-7.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:7</a></span><br />For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-14.htm">Hebrews 12:14</a></span><br />Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/3-2.htm">1 Timothy 3:2</a></span><br />An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/3-12.htm">1 Timothy 3:12</a></span><br />A deacon must be the husband of but one wife, a good manager of his children and of his own household.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/6-17.htm">2 Corinthians 6:17</a></span><br />“Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-27.htm">Ephesians 5:27</a></span><br />and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/6-2.htm">Numbers 6:2-8</a></span><br />“Speak to the Israelites and tell them that if a man or woman makes a special vow, the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to the LORD, / he is to abstain from wine and strong drink. He must not drink vinegar made from wine or strong drink, and he must not drink any grape juice or eat fresh grapes or raisins. / All the days of his separation, he is not to eat anything that comes from the grapevine, not even the seeds or skins. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/2-15.htm">Malachi 2:15</a></span><br />Has not the LORD made them one, having a portion of the Spirit? And why one? Because He seeks godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit and do not break faith with the wife of your youth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-14.htm">1 Corinthians 7:14</a></span><br />For the unbelieving husband is sanctified through his believing wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-13.htm">1 Corinthians 9:13</a></span><br />Do you not know that those who work in the temple eat of its food, and those who serve at the altar partake of its offerings?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-15.htm">1 Peter 1:15-16</a></span><br />But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, / for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Neither shall he profane his seed among his people: for I the LORD do sanctify him.</p><p class="hdg">profane</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/18-19.htm">Genesis 18:19</a></b></br> For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezra/2-62.htm">Ezra 2:62</a></b></br> These sought their register <i>among</i> those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezra/9-2.htm">Ezra 9:2</a></b></br> For they have taken of their daughters for themselves, and for their sons: so that the holy seed have mingled themselves with the people of <i>those</i> lands: yea, the hand of the princes and rulers hath been chief in this trespass.</p><p class="hdg">for I the</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/21-8.htm">Leviticus 21:8</a></b></br> Thou shalt sanctify him therefore; for he offereth the bread of thy God: he shall be holy unto thee: for I the LORD, which sanctify you, <i>am</i> holy.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/leviticus/20-21.htm">Children</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-11.htm">Defile</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-8.htm">Hallow</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-12.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-9.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/leviticus/20-3.htm">Offspring</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-14.htm">Peoples</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-12.htm">Pollute</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-8.htm">Sanctifies</a> <a href="/leviticus/20-8.htm">Sanctifieth</a> <a href="/leviticus/20-8.htm">Sanctify</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-8.htm">Sanctifying</a> <a href="/leviticus/20-4.htm">Seed</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-11.htm">Unclean</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/leviticus/21-24.htm">Children</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-8.htm">Defile</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-23.htm">Hallow</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-22.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-23.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-17.htm">Offspring</a> <a href="/leviticus/23-29.htm">Peoples</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-23.htm">Pollute</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-23.htm">Sanctifies</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-23.htm">Sanctifieth</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-23.htm">Sanctify</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-23.htm">Sanctifying</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-17.htm">Seed</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-4.htm">Unclean</a><div class="vheading2">Leviticus 21</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/leviticus/21-1.htm">Of the priests' mourning</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/leviticus/21-6.htm">Of their holiness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/leviticus/21-7.htm">Of their marriages</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/leviticus/21-8.htm">Of their estimation</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/leviticus/21-9.htm">Of the high priest's holiness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/leviticus/21-10.htm">Of his marriage</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/leviticus/21-13.htm">The priests that have blemishes must not minister in the sanctuary</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/leviticus/21.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/leviticus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/leviticus/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>so that he does not defile his offspring among his people</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the importance of maintaining purity and holiness within the priestly lineage. In the context of Leviticus, the priests were set apart to serve God and were required to adhere to strict standards of conduct and purity. The defilement of offspring could refer to marrying someone who was not considered pure according to the Levitical laws, which could lead to a compromised priestly line. This reflects the broader biblical theme of holiness and separation from sin, as seen in passages like <a href="/1_peter/1-16.htm">1 Peter 1:16</a>, "Be holy, because I am holy." The concern for purity among the people of Israel is a recurring theme, highlighting the need for a community that reflects God's holiness.<p><b>for I am the LORD who sanctifies him.</b><br>This phrase underscores the divine authority and role of God in the sanctification process. The sanctification of the priests was not merely a result of their adherence to the law but was ultimately an act of God. This reflects the broader biblical principle that holiness and sanctification are gifts from God, as seen in passages like <a href="/hebrews/10-10.htm">Hebrews 10:10</a>, "And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." The phrase also points to the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God sets apart His people for His purposes. The sanctification of the priests serves as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate High Priest, sanctifying believers through His sacrifice.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_priests.htm">The Priests</a></b><br>The primary focus of <a href="/bsb/leviticus/21.htm">Leviticus 21</a> is on the priests, specifically the high priest, who is held to a higher standard of holiness due to his role in mediating between God and the people.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_offspring.htm">The Offspring</a></b><br>The verse refers to the offspring of the priests, emphasizing the importance of maintaining purity and holiness within the priestly lineage.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a></b><br>God Himself is the one who sanctifies the priests, setting them apart for His service and requiring them to adhere to His standards of holiness.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The broader community among whom the priests serve and whose spiritual well-being is impacted by the priests' adherence to God's commands.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_tabernacle.htm">The Tabernacle</a></b><br>The central place of worship where the priests perform their duties, symbolizing God's presence among His people.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/h/holiness_in_leadership.htm">Holiness in Leadership</a></b><br>Leaders in the church are called to a higher standard of holiness, reflecting God's character to those they lead.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/generational_impact.htm">Generational Impact</a></b><br>The spiritual integrity of leaders affects not only their immediate ministry but also future generations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sanctification.htm">God's Sanctification</a></b><br>It is God who sanctifies and sets apart His people for His purposes. Our role is to respond in obedience to His call.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_responsibility.htm">Community Responsibility</a></b><br>The holiness of leaders impacts the entire community, underscoring the importance of accountability and support within the body of Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/christ_as_our_high_priest.htm">Christ as Our High Priest</a></b><br>Jesus fulfills the role of the perfect high priest, and through Him, we are called to live lives of holiness and service.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_leviticus_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 21</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_hacking.htm">What does the Bible say about being defiled?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_leviticus_21_1-4_historically_accurate.htm">How historically accurate is the claim in Leviticus 21:1-4 that any contact with the dead (apart from immediate family) defiled a priest?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_seminal_emission_seen_as_defiling.htm">Leviticus 15:16-18 - Why consider a man's seminal emission defiling despite it being a regular, healthy process?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_amos_teach_about_justice.htm">What does 'ceremonially unclean' mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/leviticus/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) <span class= "bld">Neither shall he profane his seed.</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">And he shall not profane; </span>that is, he is not to contract any of these forbidden marriages, lest he should thereby degrade his offspring, since the children of such an issue, as well as their mother, were debarred the privileges of the priesthood, and were not permitted to partake of those portions of the sacrifices which formed the perquisites of the officiating priests.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/leviticus/21-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">so that he does not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹֽא־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">defile</span><br /><span class="heb">יְחַלֵּ֥ל</span> <span class="translit">(yə·ḥal·lêl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2490.htm">Strong's 2490: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bore, to wound, to dissolve, to profane, to break, to begin, to play</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his offspring</span><br /><span class="heb">זַרְע֖וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(zar·‘ōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2233.htm">Strong's 2233: </a> </span><span class="str2">Seed, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">among his people,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּעַמָּ֑יו</span> <span class="translit">(bə·‘am·māw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֛י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲנִ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> </span><span class="str2">I</span><br /><br /><span class="word">am the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3069.htm">Strong's 3069: </a> </span><span class="str2">YHWH</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who sanctifies him.’”</span><br /><span class="heb">מְקַדְּשֽׁוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(mə·qad·də·šōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6942.htm">Strong's 6942: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be set apart or consecrated</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/leviticus/21-15.htm">Leviticus 21:15 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/leviticus/21-15.htm">Leviticus 21:15 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/leviticus/21-15.htm">Leviticus 21:15 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/leviticus/21-15.htm">Leviticus 21:15 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/leviticus/21-15.htm">Leviticus 21:15 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/leviticus/21-15.htm">Leviticus 21:15 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/leviticus/21-15.htm">Leviticus 21:15 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/leviticus/21-15.htm">Leviticus 21:15 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/leviticus/21-15.htm">Leviticus 21:15 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/leviticus/21-15.htm">Leviticus 21:15 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/leviticus/21-15.htm">OT Law: Leviticus 21:15 He shall not profane his seed among (Le Lv Lev.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/leviticus/21-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Leviticus 21:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Leviticus 21:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/leviticus/21-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Leviticus 21:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Leviticus 21:16" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>