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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 21:23 but because he has a defect, he must not go near the veil or approach the altar, so as not to desecrate My sanctuaries. For I am the LORD who sanctifies them.'"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/leviticus/21-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/03_Lev_21_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Leviticus 21:23 - Restrictions Against Those with Blemishes" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="but because he has a defect, he must not go near the veil or approach the altar, so as not to desecrate My sanctuaries. For I am the LORD who sanctifies them.'" /><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/21-23.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/21-23.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 23</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="/ad3.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/21-22.htm" title="Leviticus 21:22">◄</a> Leviticus 21:23 <a href="/leviticus/21-24.htm" title="Leviticus 21:24">►</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">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/leviticus/21.htm">New International Version</a> yet because of his defect, he must not go near the curtain or approach the altar, and so desecrate my sanctuary. I am the LORD, who makes them holy.&#8217&#8221 <a href="/nlt/leviticus/21.htm">New Living Translation</a> Yet because of his physical defect, he may not enter the room behind the inner curtain or approach the altar, for this would defile my holy places. I am the LORD who makes them holy.” <a href="/esv/leviticus/21.htm">English Standard Version</a> but he shall not go through the veil or approach the altar, because he has a blemish, that he may not profane my sanctuaries, for I am the LORD who sanctifies them.” <a href="/bsb/leviticus/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> but because he has a defect, he must not go near the veil or approach the altar, so as not to desecrate My sanctuaries. For I am the LORD who sanctifies them.’” <a href="/kjv/leviticus/21.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/leviticus/21.htm">New King James Version</a> only he shall not go near the veil or approach the altar, because he has a defect, lest he profane My sanctuaries; for I the LORD sanctify them.’ ” <a href="/nasb_/leviticus/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> only he shall not come up to the veil or approach the altar, since he has an impairment, so that he does not profane My sanctuaries. For I am the LORD who sanctifies them.’” <a href="/nasb/leviticus/21.htm">NASB 1995</a> only he shall not go in to the veil or come near the altar because he has a defect, so that he will not profane My sanctuaries. For I am the LORD who sanctifies them.&#8217&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/leviticus/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a> only he shall not go in to the veil or come near the altar because he has a defect, that he may not profane My sanctuaries. For I am the LORD who sanctifies them.’” <a href="/lsb/leviticus/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> only he shall not go in to the veil or approach the altar because he has a defect, so that he will not profane My sanctuaries. For I am Yahweh who makes them holy.’” <a href="/amp/leviticus/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a> but he shall not go within the veil or approach the altar [of incense], because he has a defect, so that he will not profane My sanctuaries; for I am the LORD who sanctifies them.’” <a href="/csb/leviticus/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But because he has a defect, he must not go near the curtain or approach the altar. He is not to desecrate my holy places, for I am the LORD who sets them apart.” <a href="/hcsb/leviticus/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But because he has a defect, he must not go near the curtain or approach the altar. He is not to desecrate My sanctuaries, for I am Yahweh who sets them apart.&#8221 <a href="/asv/leviticus/21.htm">American Standard Version</a> only he shall not go in unto the veil, nor come nigh unto the altar, because he hath a blemish; that he profane not my sanctuaries: for I am Jehovah who sanctifieth them. <a href="/cev/leviticus/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> but they may not enter the sacred place or serve me at the altar. Remember--I am the LORD, the one who makes a priest holy. <a href="/erv/leviticus/21.htm">English Revised Version</a> Only he shall not go in unto the veil, nor come nigh unto the altar, because he hath a blemish; that he profane not my sanctuaries: for I am the LORD which sanctify them. <a href="/gwt/leviticus/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> However, he must never come up to the canopy or to the altar, since he has a physical defect. He must never dishonor the holy places because I, the LORD, set them apart as holy." <a href="/gnt/leviticus/21.htm">Good News Translation</a> but because he has a physical defect, he shall not come near the sacred curtain or approach the altar. He must not profane these holy things, because I am the LORD and I make them holy." <a href="/isv/leviticus/21.htm">International Standard Version</a> but he is not to enter through the curtain nor approach the altar, since he has a defect. That way, he won't defile my sanctuary, since I am the LORD, who sets you apart." <a href="/msb/leviticus/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> but because he has a defect, he must not go near the veil or approach the altar, so as not to desecrate My sanctuaries. For I am the LORD who sanctifies them.?? <a href="/net/leviticus/21.htm">NET Bible</a> but he must not go into the veil-canopy or step forward to the altar because he has a physical flaw. Thus he must not profane my holy places, for I am the LORD who sanctifies them.'" <a href="/nheb/leviticus/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> He shall not come near to the veil, nor come near to the altar, because he has a blemish; that he may not profane my sanctuaries, for I am the LORD who sanctifies them.'" <a href="/wbt/leviticus/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Only he shall not go in to the vail, nor come nigh to the altar, because he hath a blemish; that he may not profane my sanctuaries: for I the LORD do sanctify them. <a href="/web/leviticus/21.htm">World English Bible</a> He shall not come near to the veil, nor come near to the altar, because he has a defect; that he may not profane my sanctuaries, for I am Yahweh who sanctifies them.’” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/leviticus/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> only, he does not come toward the veil, and he does not draw near to the altar; for blemish [is] in him; and he does not defile My sanctuaries; for I [am] YHWH, sanctifying them.” <a href="/ylt/leviticus/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> only, unto the vail he doth not enter, and unto the altar he doth not draw nigh; for blemish is in him; and he doth not pollute My sanctuaries; for I am Jehovah, sanctifying them.' <a href="/slt/leviticus/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> But he shall not come in to the vail, and to the altar he shall not come near, for a blemish is in him; and he shall not profane my holy place: for I Jehovah consecrating them.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/leviticus/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Yet so that he enter not within the veil, nor approach to the altar, because he hath a blemish, and he must not defile my sanctuary. I am the Lord who sanctify them. <a href="/cpdv/leviticus/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But even so, he may not enter within the veil, nor approach to the altar. For he has a blemish, and he must not contaminate my Sanctuary. I am the Lord, who sanctifies them. <a href="/nabre/leviticus/21.htm">New American Bible</a> Only, he may not enter through the veil nor draw near to the altar on account of his blemish; he shall not profane my sacred precincts, for it is I, the LORD, who make them holy. <a href="/nrsvce/leviticus/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But he shall not come near the curtain or approach the altar, because he has a blemish, that he may not profane my sanctuaries; for I am the LORD; I sanctify them.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/leviticus/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But he shall not go in to the veil nor come near to the altar, because he has a blemish, that he may not profane my sanctuary; for I am the LORD who sanctifies them. <a href="/hpbt/leviticus/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> However he shall not enter within the face of the door and he shall not come to the altar, because a defect is in him, and he shall not pollute my holy place, because I AM LORD JEHOVAH who hallow them.’”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/leviticus/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Only he shall not go in unto the veil, nor come nigh unto the altar, because he hath a blemish; that he profane not My holy places; for I am the LORD who sanctify them. <a href="/sep/leviticus/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Only he shall not approach the veil, and he shall not draw nigh to the altar, because he has a blemish; and he shall not profane the sanctuary of his God, for I am the Lord that sanctifies them. <a href="/parallel/leviticus/21-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NWs_V1RyMFo?start=5716" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/leviticus/21.htm">Restrictions Against Those with Blemishes</a> …22He may eat the most holy food of his God as well as the holy food, 23<a href="/hebrew/389.htm" title="389: ’aḵ (Adv) -- Surely, howbeit. Akin to 'aken; a particle of affirmation, surely; hence only.">but</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/3971.htm" title="3971: mūm (N-ms) -- Blemish, defect. Usually muwm; as if passive participle from an unused root probably meaning to stain; a blemish.">he has a defect,</a> <a href="/hebrew/bōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <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."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">he must not</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: yā·ḇō (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">go</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: wə·’el- (Conj-w:: Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">near</a> <a href="/hebrew/6532.htm" title="6532: hap·pā·rō·ḵeṯ (Art:: N-fs) -- A curtain. Feminine active participle of the same as perek; a separatrix, i.e. screen.">the veil</a> <a href="/hebrew/5066.htm" title="5066: yig·gaš (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To draw near, approach. ">or approach</a> <a href="/hebrew/4196.htm" title="4196: ham·miz·bê·aḥ (Art:: N-ms) -- An altar. From zabach; an altar.">the altar,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles."></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.">so as not to desecrate</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4720.htm" title="4720: miq·dā·šay (N-mpc:: 1cs) -- A sacred place, sanctuary. Or miqqdash; from qadash; a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary or asylum.">My sanctuaries.</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·šām (V-Piel-Prtcpl-msc:: 3mp) -- To be set apart or consecrated. A primitive root; to be clean.">who sanctifies them.’”</a> 24Moses told this to Aaron and his sons and to all the Israelites.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/exodus/28-43.htm">Exodus 28:43</a> Aaron and his sons must wear them whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister in the Holy Place, so that they will not incur guilt and die. This is to be a permanent statute for Aaron and his descendants. <a href="/numbers/18-7.htm">Numbers 18:7</a> But only you and your sons shall attend to your priesthood for everything concerning the altar and what is inside the veil, and you are to perform that service. I am giving you the work of the priesthood as a gift, but any outsider who comes near the sanctuary must be put to death.” <a href="/leviticus/22-9.htm">Leviticus 22:9</a> The priests must keep My charge, lest they bear the guilt and die because they profane it. I am the LORD who sanctifies them. <a href="/leviticus/10-9.htm">Leviticus 10:9-11</a> “You and your sons are not to drink wine or strong drink when you enter the Tent of Meeting, or else you will die; this is a permanent statute for the generations to come. / You must distinguish between the holy and the common, between the clean and the unclean, / so that you may teach the Israelites all the statutes that the LORD has given them through Moses.” <a href="/ezekiel/44-9.htm">Ezekiel 44:9-14</a> This is what the Lord GOD says: No foreigner uncircumcised in heart and flesh may enter My sanctuary—not even a foreigner who lives among the Israelites. / Surely the Levites who wandered away from Me when Israel went astray, and who wandered away from Me after their idols, will bear the consequences of their iniquity. / Yet they shall be ministers in My sanctuary, having charge of the gates of the temple and ministering there. They shall slaughter the burnt offerings and other sacrifices for the people and stand before them to minister to them. ... <a href="/2_chronicles/26-18.htm">2 Chronicles 26:18-21</a> They took their stand against King Uzziah and said, “Uzziah, you have no right to offer incense to the LORD. Only the priests, the descendants of Aaron, are consecrated to burn incense. Leave the sanctuary, for you have acted unfaithfully; you will not receive honor from the LORD God.” / Uzziah, with a censer in his hand to offer incense, was enraged. But while he raged against the priests in their presence in the house of the LORD before the altar of incense, leprosy broke out on his forehead. / When Azariah the chief priest and all the priests turned to him and saw his leprous forehead, they rushed him out. Indeed, he himself hurried to get out, because the LORD had afflicted him. ... <a href="/leviticus/16-2.htm">Leviticus 16:2</a> And the LORD said to Moses: “Tell your brother Aaron not to enter freely into the Most Holy Place behind the veil in front of the mercy seat on the ark, or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud above the mercy seat. <a href="/hebrews/7-26.htm">Hebrews 7:26-28</a> Such a high priest truly befits us—One who is holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. / Unlike the other high priests, He does not need to offer daily sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people; He sacrificed for sin once for all when He offered up Himself. / For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever. <a href="/hebrews/9-7.htm">Hebrews 9:7</a> But only the high priest entered the second room, and then only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. <a href="/hebrews/5-1.htm">Hebrews 5:1-4</a> Every high priest is appointed from among men to represent them in matters relating to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. / He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and misguided, since he himself is subject to weakness. / That is why he is obligated to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. ... <a href="/1_peter/2-5.htm">1 Peter 2:5</a> you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. <a href="/1_peter/2-9.htm">1 Peter 2:9</a> 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. <a href="/isaiah/52-11.htm">Isaiah 52:11</a> Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing; come out from it, purify yourselves, you who carry the vessels of the LORD. <a href="/1_corinthians/6-19.htm">1 Corinthians 6:19-20</a> 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. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-16.htm">1 Corinthians 3:16-17</a> Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? / If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Only he shall not go in to the veil, nor come near to the altar, because he has a blemish; that he profane not my sanctuaries: for I the LORD do sanctify them.go in<a href="/exodus/30-6.htm">Exodus 30:6-8</a> And thou shalt put it before the vail that is by the ark of the testimony, before the mercy seat that is over the testimony, where I will meet with thee… <a href="/exodus/40-26.htm">Exodus 40:26,27</a> And he put the golden altar in the tent of the congregation before the vail: … <a href="/ezekiel/44-9.htm">Ezekiel 44:9-14</a> Thus saith the Lord GOD; No stranger, uncircumcised in heart, nor uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into my sanctuary, of any stranger that is among the children of Israel… profane<a href="/leviticus/21-12.htm">Leviticus 21:12</a> Neither shall he go out of the sanctuary, nor profane the sanctuary of his God; for the crown of the anointing oil of his God is upon him: I am the LORD.<a href="/leviticus/15-31.htm">Leviticus 15:31</a> Thus shall ye separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness; that they die not in their uncleanness, when they defile my tabernacle that is among them.for I the Lord<a href="/leviticus/21-8.htm">Leviticus 21:8</a> 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, am holy.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/leviticus/17-11.htm">Altar</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-18.htm">Approach</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-21.htm">Blemish</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-14.htm">Common</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-15.htm">Curtain</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-21.htm">Damaged</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-21.htm">Defect</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-12.htm">Desecrate</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-18.htm">Draw</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-15.htm">Hallow</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-22.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-15.htm">Inside</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-15.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-21.htm">Nigh</a> <a href="/leviticus/3-17.htm">Places</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-15.htm">Pollute</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-14.htm">Profane</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-15.htm">Sanctifies</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-15.htm">Sanctifieth</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-15.htm">Sanctify</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-15.htm">Sanctifying</a> <a href="/acts/19-24.htm">Sanctuaries</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-12.htm">Sanctuary</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-15.htm">Vail</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-15.htm">Veil</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/leviticus/22-22.htm">Altar</a> <a href="/numbers/4-19.htm">Approach</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-19.htm">Blemish</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-2.htm">Common</a> <a href="/leviticus/24-3.htm">Curtain</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-22.htm">Damaged</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-19.htm">Defect</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-15.htm">Desecrate</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-33.htm">Draw</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-2.htm">Hallow</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-2.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/numbers/18-7.htm">Inside</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-5.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-49.htm">Nigh</a> <a href="/leviticus/23-17.htm">Places</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-2.htm">Pollute</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-2.htm">Profane</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-9.htm">Sanctifies</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-9.htm">Sanctifieth</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-9.htm">Sanctify</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-9.htm">Sanctifying</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-31.htm">Sanctuaries</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-2.htm">Sanctuary</a> <a href="/leviticus/24-3.htm">Vail</a> <a href="/leviticus/24-3.htm">Veil</a><div class="vheading2">Leviticus 21</div>1. <a href="/leviticus/21-1.htm">Of the priests' mourning</a> 6. <a href="/leviticus/21-6.htm">Of their holiness</a> 7. <a href="/leviticus/21-7.htm">Of their marriages</a> 8. <a href="/leviticus/21-8.htm">Of their estimation</a> 9. <a href="/leviticus/21-9.htm">Of the high priest's holiness</a> 10. <a href="/leviticus/21-10.htm">Of his marriage</a> 13. <a href="/leviticus/21-13.htm">The priests that have blemishes must not minister in the sanctuary</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>but because he has a defect In the Levitical law, physical perfection was required for priests serving in the tabernacle. This requirement symbolized the holiness and perfection of God. The defect here refers to any physical blemish or imperfection, which in the ancient Near Eastern context, was often seen as a sign of incompleteness or impurity. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's holiness and the need for purity in His presence.he must not go near the veil The veil separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle, where God's presence dwelt. Only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement. The restriction for those with defects underscores the sacredness of the space and the need for those who serve there to be without blemish, symbolizing spiritual purity.or approach the altar The altar was central to the sacrificial system, where offerings were made to atone for sin and maintain the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The prohibition against those with defects approaching the altar highlights the importance of maintaining the sanctity of the sacrificial system, which pointed forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who was without blemish or defect.so as not to desecrate My sanctuaries Desecration refers to the act of making something holy into something common or unclean. The sanctuaries, including the tabernacle and later the temple, were places where God's presence dwelt among His people. The emphasis on not desecrating these spaces reflects the broader biblical theme of God's holiness and the need for His people to approach Him with reverence and purity.For I am the LORD who sanctifies them.’” This phrase emphasizes God's role in setting apart His people and His sanctuary as holy. The sanctification process is initiated and completed by God, underscoring His sovereignty and grace. This connects to the New Testament understanding of sanctification through Jesus Christ, who makes believers holy through His sacrifice and the work of the Holy Spirit.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a> The covenant God of Israel, who is holy and sets apart His people and His sanctuary. 2. <a href="/topical/p/priests.htm">Priests</a> Specifically, the descendants of Aaron who serve in the tabernacle and later in the temple, responsible for maintaining the holiness of the sanctuary. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_veil.htm">The Veil</a> The curtain separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle/temple, symbolizing the separation between God and humanity. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_altar.htm">The Altar</a> The place of sacrifice and offering, central to the worship and atonement practices of Israel. 5. <a href="/topical/s/sanctuaries.htm">Sanctuaries</a> The holy places where God's presence dwells, requiring purity and holiness from those who serve there.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/h/holiness_and_perfection.htm">Holiness and Perfection</a> God's standard for those who serve Him is holiness and perfection, reflecting His own nature. Physical defects in priests symbolize the spiritual perfection required to approach God. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_priesthood.htm">The Role of the Priesthood</a> The priesthood serves as a mediator between God and the people, highlighting the need for purity in those who represent God. In Christ, believers are called to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices. <a href="/topical/t/the_sanctity_of_worship.htm">The Sanctity of Worship</a> Worship is a sacred act that requires preparation and reverence, acknowledging God's holiness. The physical requirements for priests remind us of the spiritual preparation needed for worship today. <a href="/topical/c/christ_as_the_perfect_high_priest.htm">Christ as the Perfect High Priest</a> Jesus, without defect, fulfills the role of the perfect High Priest, granting believers access to God. Through Christ, the barriers symbolized by the veil are removed, allowing direct access to God's presence.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_leviticus_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 21</a> <a href="/q/how_does_lev_22_compare_to_nt_grace.htm">How do Leviticus 22's rules compare with New Testament teachings on grace and accessibility for all believers?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_profaning_the_covenant_in_malachi.htm">What does profaning the covenant mean in Malachi 2:10?</a> <a href="/q/why_exclude_priests_with_defects_today.htm">Why does Leviticus 21:17-23 exclude priests with physical defects, and how does this align with modern understandings of equality?</a> <a href="/q/how_do_lev._22_19-24's_rules_fit_modern_views.htm">How do Leviticus 22:19-24's strict requirements for unblemished animal sacrifices align with modern views on fairness and the value of imperfection?</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>(23) Only he shall not go in unto the vail.--That is, into the holy place which was before the vail. <a href="/commentaries/leviticus/21-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>but אַ֣ךְ (’aḵ) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_389.htm">Strong's 389: </a> A particle of affirmation, surely because כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction he has a defect, מ֣וּם (mūm) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3971.htm">Strong's 3971: </a> To stain, a blemish he must not לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no go יָבֹ֗א (yā·ḇō) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go near אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the curtain הַפָּרֹ֜כֶת (hap·pā·rō·ḵeṯ) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6532.htm">Strong's 6532: </a> A separatrix, screen or approach יִגַּ֖שׁ (yig·gaš) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5066.htm">Strong's 5066: </a> To draw near, approach the altar, הַמִּזְבֵּ֛חַ (ham·miz·bê·aḥ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4196.htm">Strong's 4196: </a> An altar so as not to desecrate יְחַלֵּל֙ (yə·ḥal·lêl) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2490.htm">Strong's 2490: </a> To bore, to wound, to dissolve, to profane, to break, to begin, to play My sanctuaries. מִקְדָּשַׁ֔י (miq·dā·šay) Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4720.htm">Strong's 4720: </a> A consecrated thing, place, a palace, sanctuary, asylum For כִּ֛י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction I אֲנִ֥י (’ă·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> I am the LORD יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel who sanctifies them.’” מְקַדְּשָֽׁם׃ (mə·qad·də·šām) Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6942.htm">Strong's 6942: </a> To be set apart or consecrated <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/leviticus/21-23.htm">Leviticus 21:23 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/leviticus/21-23.htm">Leviticus 21:23 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/leviticus/21-23.htm">Leviticus 21:23 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/leviticus/21-23.htm">Leviticus 21:23 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/leviticus/21-23.htm">Leviticus 21:23 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/leviticus/21-23.htm">Leviticus 21:23 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/leviticus/21-23.htm">Leviticus 21:23 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/leviticus/21-23.htm">Leviticus 21:23 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/leviticus/21-23.htm">Leviticus 21:23 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/leviticus/21-23.htm">Leviticus 21:23 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-23.htm">OT Law: Leviticus 21:23 He shall not come near to (Le Lv Lev.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/leviticus/21-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Leviticus 21:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Leviticus 21:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/leviticus/21-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Leviticus 21:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Leviticus 21:24" /></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>