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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/21-17.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 17</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="/ad17.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/21-16.htm" title="Leviticus 21:16">◄</a> Leviticus 21:17 <a href="/leviticus/21-18.htm" title="Leviticus 21:18">►</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> &#8220Say to Aaron: &#8216For the generations to come none of your descendants who has a defect may come near to offer the food of his God. <a href="/nlt/leviticus/21.htm">New Living Translation</a> “Give the following instructions to Aaron: In all future generations, none of your descendants who has any defect will qualify to offer food to his God. <a href="/esv/leviticus/21.htm">English Standard Version</a> “Speak to Aaron, saying, None of your offspring throughout their generations who has a blemish may approach to offer the bread of his God. <a href="/bsb/leviticus/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “Say to Aaron, ‘For the generations to come, none of your descendants who has a physical defect may approach to offer the food of his God. <a href="/kjv/leviticus/21.htm">King James Bible</a> Speak unto Aaron, saying, Whosoever he be of thy seed in their generations that hath any blemish, let him not approach to offer the bread of his God. <a href="/nkjv/leviticus/21.htm">New King James Version</a> “Speak to Aaron, saying: ‘No man of your descendants in succeeding generations, who has any defect, may approach to offer the bread of his God. <a href="/nasb_/leviticus/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “Speak to Aaron, saying, ‘None of your descendants throughout their generations who has an impairment shall approach to offer the food of his God. <a href="/nasb/leviticus/21.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Speak to Aaron, saying, &#8216No man of your offspring throughout their generations who has a defect shall approach to offer the food of his God. <a href="/nasb77/leviticus/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Speak to Aaron, saying, ‘No man of your offspring throughout their generations who has a defect shall approach to offer the bread of his God. <a href="/lsb/leviticus/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “Speak to Aaron, saying, ‘No man of your seed throughout their generations who has a defect shall come near to offer the food of his God. <a href="/amp/leviticus/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “Say to Aaron, ‘Throughout their generations none of your descendants who has any [physical] defect shall approach [the altar] to present the food of his God. <a href="/csb/leviticus/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “Tell Aaron: None of your descendants throughout your generations who has a physical defect is to come near to present the food of his God. <a href="/hcsb/leviticus/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Tell Aaron: None of your descendants throughout your generations who has a physical defect is to come near to present the food of his God. <a href="/asv/leviticus/21.htm">American Standard Version</a> Speak unto Aaron, saying, Whosoever he be of thy seed throughout their generations that hath a blemish, let him not approach to offer the bread of his God. <a href="/erv/leviticus/21.htm">English Revised Version</a> Speak unto Aaron, saying, Whosoever he be of thy seed throughout their generations that hath a blemish, let him not approach to offer the bread of his God. <a href="/gwt/leviticus/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "Tell Aaron: If any of your descendants (now or in future generations) has a physical defect, he must never bring food to offer to God. <a href="/gnt/leviticus/21.htm">Good News Translation</a> to tell Aaron, "None of your descendants who has any physical defects may present the food offering to me. This applies for all time to come. <a href="/isv/leviticus/21.htm">International Standard Version</a> "Tell Aaron that whoever of your descendants throughout their generations has a bodily defect is not to approach to offer the food of his God. <a href="/msb/leviticus/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?Say to Aaron, ?For the generations to come, none of your descendants who has a physical defect may approach to offer the food of his God. <a href="/net/leviticus/21.htm">NET Bible</a> "Tell Aaron, 'No man from your descendants throughout their generations who has a physical flaw is to approach to present the food of his God. <a href="/nheb/leviticus/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> "Say to Aaron, 'None of your descendants throughout their generations who has a blemish, may approach to offer the bread of his God. <a href="/wbt/leviticus/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Speak to Aaron, saying, whoever he may be of thy seed in their generations that hath any blemish, let him not approach to offer the bread of his God: <a href="/web/leviticus/21.htm">World English Bible</a> “Say to Aaron, ‘None of your offspring throughout their generations who has a defect may approach to offer the bread of his God. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/leviticus/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> “Speak to Aaron, saying, No man of your seed throughout their generations in whom there is blemish draws near to bring the bread of his God near, <a href="/ylt/leviticus/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'Speak unto Aaron, saying, No man of thy seed to their generations in whom there is blemish doth draw near to bring near the bread of his God, <a href="/slt/leviticus/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Speak to Aaron saying, A man from thy seed according to their generations, to whom shall be in him a blemish, shall not come near to bring the bread of his God.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/leviticus/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Say to Aaron: Whosoever of thy seed throughout their families, hath a blemish, he shall not offer bread to his God. <a href="/cpdv/leviticus/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Say to Aaron: A man from your offspring, throughout their families, who has a blemish, shall not offer the bread to his God. <a href="/nabre/leviticus/21.htm">New American Bible</a> Say to Aaron: None of your descendants, throughout their generations, who has any blemish shall come forward to offer the food of his God. <a href="/nrsvce/leviticus/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Speak to Aaron and say: No one of your offspring throughout their generations who has a blemish may approach to offer the food of his God.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/leviticus/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Speak to Aaron and say to him, Whosoever he be of your descendants throughout their generations who has any blemish, let him not approach to offer the bread of his God. <a href="/hpbt/leviticus/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> “Speak with Ahron and say to him: ‘A man of your seed for their generations who will have a defect in him shall not come to bring the bread of his God.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/leviticus/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Speak unto Aaron, saying: Whosoever he be of thy seed throughout their generations that hath a blemish, let him not approach to offer the bread of his God. <a href="/sep/leviticus/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Say to Aaron, A man of thy tribe throughout your generations, who shall have a blemish on him, shall not draw nigh to offer the gifts of his God. <a href="/parallel/leviticus/21-17.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=5671" 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> 16Then the LORD said to Moses, 17<a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: dab·bêr (V-Piel-Imp-ms) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">“Say</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/175.htm" title="175: ’a·hă·rōn (N-proper-ms) -- An elder brother of Moses. Of uncertain derivation; Aharon, the brother of Moses.">Aaron,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: lê·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1755.htm" title="1755: lə·ḏō·rō·ṯām (Prep-l:: N-mpc:: 3mp) -- Period, generation, dwelling. Or dor; from duwr; properly, a revolution of time, i.e. An age or generation; also a dwelling.">‘For the generations to come,</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term."></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.">none</a> <a href="/hebrew/2233.htm" title="2233: miz·zar·‘ă·ḵā (Prep-m:: N-msc:: 2ms) -- A sowing, seed, offspring. From zara'; seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity.">of your descendants</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">who</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: yih·yeh (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">has</a> <a href="/hebrew/ḇōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></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.">a physical defect</a> <a href="/hebrew/7126.htm" title="7126: yiq·raḇ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To come near, approach. A primitive root; to approach for whatever purpose.">may approach</a> <a href="/hebrew/7126.htm" title="7126: lə·haq·rîḇ (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- To come near, approach. A primitive root; to approach for whatever purpose.">to offer</a> <a href="/hebrew/3899.htm" title="3899: le·ḥem (N-msc) -- Bread, food. From lacham; food, especially bread, or grain.">the food</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">of his God.</a> 18No man who has any defect may approach—no man who is blind, lame, disfigured, or deformed;…<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="/numbers/18-19.htm">Numbers 18:19-22</a> All the holy offerings that the Israelites present to the LORD I give to you and to your sons and daughters as a permanent statute. It is a permanent covenant of salt before the LORD for you and your offspring.” / Then the LORD said to Aaron, “You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any portion among them. I am your portion and your inheritance among the Israelites. / Behold, I have given to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they do, the service of the Tent of Meeting. ... <a href="/deuteronomy/15-21.htm">Deuteronomy 15:21</a> But if an animal has a defect, is lame or blind, or has any serious flaw, you must not sacrifice it to the LORD your God. <a href="/malachi/1-8.htm">Malachi 1:8</a> When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is it not wrong? And when you present the lame and sick ones, is it not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you or show you favor?” asks the LORD of Hosts. <a href="/malachi/1-14.htm">Malachi 1:14</a> “But cursed is the deceiver who has an acceptable male in his flock and vows to give it, but sacrifices a defective animal to the Lord. For I am a great King,” says the LORD of Hosts, “and My name is to be feared among the nations. <a href="/leviticus/22-20.htm">Leviticus 22:20-25</a> You must not present anything with a defect, because it will not be accepted on your behalf. / When a man presents a peace offering to the LORD from the herd or flock to fulfill a vow or as a freewill offering, it must be without blemish or defect to be acceptable. / You are not to present to the LORD any animal that is blind, injured, or maimed, or anything with a running sore, a festering rash, or a scab; you must not put any of these on the altar as a food offering to the LORD. ... <a href="/deuteronomy/17-1.htm">Deuteronomy 17:1</a> You shall not sacrifice to the LORD your God an ox or a sheep with any defect or serious flaw, for that is detestable to the LORD your God. <a href="/isaiah/56-3.htm">Isaiah 56:3-5</a> Let no foreigner who has joined himself to the LORD say, “The LORD will utterly exclude me from His people.” And let the eunuch not say, “I am but a dry tree.” / For this is what the LORD says: “To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, who choose what pleases Me and hold fast to My covenant— / I will give them, in My house and within My walls, a memorial and a name better than that of sons and daughters. I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off. <a href="/2_samuel/5-8.htm">2 Samuel 5:8</a> On that day he said, “Whoever attacks the Jebusites must use the water shaft to reach the lame and blind who are despised by David.” That is why it is said, “The blind and the lame will never enter the palace.” <a href="/ezekiel/44-10.htm">Ezekiel 44:10-13</a> 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. / Because they ministered before their idols and became a stumbling block of iniquity to the house of Israel, therefore I swore with an uplifted hand concerning them that they would bear the consequences of their iniquity, declares the Lord GOD. ... <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/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="/matthew/5-48.htm">Matthew 5:48</a> Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. <a href="/matthew/21-14.htm">Matthew 21:14</a> The blind and the lame came to Him at the temple, and He healed them.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Speak to Aaron, saying, Whoever he be of your seed in their generations that has any blemish, let him not approach to offer the bread of his God.blemish<a href="/leviticus/22-20.htm">Leviticus 22:20-25</a> But whatsoever hath a blemish, that shall ye not offer: for it shall not be acceptable for you… <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-10.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:10</a> Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:<a href="/1_timothy/3-2.htm">1 Timothy 3:2</a> A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;let him<a href="/leviticus/21-21.htm">Leviticus 21:21</a> No man that hath a blemish of the seed of Aaron the priest shall come nigh to offer the offerings of the LORD made by fire: he hath a blemish; he shall not come nigh to offer the bread of his God.<a href="/leviticus/10-3.htm">Leviticus 10:3</a> Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.<a href="/numbers/16-5.htm">Numbers 16:5</a> And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will shew who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him.bread.<a href="/leviticus/3-11.htm">Leviticus 3:11,16</a> And the priest shall burn it upon the altar: it is the food of the offering made by fire unto the LORD… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/leviticus/21-1.htm">Aaron</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-11.htm">Approach</a> <a href="/leviticus/14-10.htm">Blemish</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-11.htm">Body</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-8.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/exodus/22-14.htm">Damaged</a> <a href="/leviticus/14-10.htm">Defect</a> <a href="/exodus/30-21.htm">Descendants</a> <a href="/leviticus/20-5.htm">Family</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-8.htm">Food</a> <a href="/exodus/34-7.htm">Generation</a> <a href="/leviticus/17-7.htm">Generations</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-8.htm">Offer</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-24.htm">Offering</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-15.htm">Offspring</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-6.htm">Present</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-15.htm">Seed</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-1.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/leviticus/17-7.htm">Throughout</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/leviticus/21-21.htm">Aaron</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-18.htm">Approach</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-18.htm">Blemish</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-21.htm">Body</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-21.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-18.htm">Damaged</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-18.htm">Defect</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-3.htm">Descendants</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-10.htm">Family</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-21.htm">Food</a> <a href="/leviticus/23-41.htm">Generation</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-3.htm">Generations</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-21.htm">Offer</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-10.htm">Offering</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-21.htm">Offspring</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-21.htm">Present</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-21.htm">Seed</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-2.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-3.htm">Throughout</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>Say to Aaron Aaron, the brother of Moses, was the first high priest of Israel. His role was crucial in establishing the priestly lineage and the Levitical priesthood. This command is directed to him as the head of the priestly family, emphasizing the importance of maintaining holiness and purity in those who serve in the sanctuary.For the generations to come This phrase indicates that the command is not temporary but is intended to be a lasting ordinance for Aaron's descendants. It underscores the perpetual nature of the priestly duties and the standards required for those who serve in the temple, reflecting God's unchanging holiness.None of your descendants who has a physical defect The requirement for physical wholeness in priests symbolizes the perfection and holiness required to approach God. In the ancient Near Eastern context, physical defects were often seen as a sign of imperfection or impurity. This standard foreshadows the ultimate perfection found in Jesus Christ, the sinless High Priest.May approach to offer the food of his God The "food of his God" refers to the offerings and sacrifices presented in the temple. Only those who were physically whole could perform these sacred duties, highlighting the sanctity of the offerings and the need for purity in worship. This requirement points to the need for spiritual purity and integrity in those who lead worship and serve God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/a/aaron.htm">Aaron</a> The brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. He represents the priestly line through which the Levitical laws were given. 2. <a href="/topical/d/descendants_of_aaron.htm">Descendants of Aaron</a> Refers to the future generations of priests who would serve in the tabernacle and later in the temple. 3. <a href="/topical/p/physical_defect.htm">Physical Defect</a> Any physical imperfection or disability that would disqualify a priest from performing certain sacred duties. 4. <a href="/topical/o/offering_the_food_of_god.htm">Offering the Food of God</a> The act of presenting sacrifices and offerings to God, a central duty of the priesthood. 5. <a href="/topical/g/generations_to_come.htm">Generations to Come</a> Indicates the perpetual nature of this commandment for the priestly line.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/h/holiness_in_service.htm">Holiness in Service</a> The requirement for priests to be without physical defect underscores the importance of holiness and purity in those who serve God. While physical perfection is not required of believers today, spiritual integrity and holiness are essential. <a href="/topical/s/symbolism_of_perfection.htm">Symbolism of Perfection</a> The physical requirements for priests symbolize the spiritual perfection found in Christ, our ultimate High Priest. Believers are called to strive for spiritual maturity and holiness. <a href="/topical/i/inclusivity_in_christ.htm">Inclusivity in Christ</a> While the Old Testament law had specific requirements, the New Testament reveals that in Christ, all are made perfect through His sacrifice, regardless of physical or spiritual imperfections. <a href="/topical/r/role_of_the_priesthood.htm">Role of the Priesthood</a> The priesthood in the Old Testament points to the greater priesthood of all believers in the New Testament, who are called to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God. <a href="/topical/g/god's_standards.htm">God's Standards</a> God's standards for those who serve Him are high, reflecting His holiness. Believers are encouraged to pursue a life that honors God in all aspects.<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/do_other_bible_texts_align_with_lev._21.htm">How do other biblical passages reconcile or contradict Leviticus 21’s strict requirements for priestly purity and appearance? </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_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/why_claim_god_gathers_outcasts_if_no_event.htm">Why does Micah 4:6–7 claim God will gather the lame and outcasts if no recorded mass restoration event for these groups exists? </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>(17) Whosoever he be of thy seed.--Better, any man of thy seed throughout their generations; that is, any of the descendants, to all future times, who have not been disqualified for service in the sanctuary by their parents contracting illegal alliances, are yet to be subject to the following regulations.To offer the bread of his God.--That is, shall not officiate at the sacrifices. (See <a href="/leviticus/21-6.htm" title="They shall be holy to 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.">Leviticus 21:6</a> -<a href="/leviticus/3-2.htm" title="And he shall lay his hand on the head of his offering, and kill it at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron's sons the priests shall sprinkle the blood on the altar round about.">Leviticus 3:2</a>.) <a href="/commentaries/leviticus/21-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>“Say דַּבֵּ֥ר (dab·bêr) Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> To arrange, to speak, to subdue to אֶֽל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to Aaron, אַהֲרֹ֖ן (’a·hă·rōn) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_175.htm">Strong's 175: </a> Aaron -- an elder brother of Moses ‘For the generations to come, לְדֹרֹתָ֗ם (lə·ḏō·rō·ṯām) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1755.htm">Strong's 1755: </a> A revolution of time, an age, generation, a dwelling none לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no of your descendants מִֽזַּרְעֲךָ֞ (miz·zar·‘ă·ḵā) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2233.htm">Strong's 2233: </a> Seed, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity who אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that has יִהְיֶ֥ה (yih·yeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be a physical defect מ֔וּם (mūm) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3971.htm">Strong's 3971: </a> To stain, a blemish may approach יִקְרַ֔ב (yiq·raḇ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7126.htm">Strong's 7126: </a> To come near, approach to offer לְהַקְרִ֖יב (lə·haq·rîḇ) Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7126.htm">Strong's 7126: </a> To come near, approach the food לֶ֥חֶם (le·ḥem) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3899.htm">Strong's 3899: </a> Food, bread, grain of his God. אֱלֹהָֽיו׃ (’ĕ·lō·hāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/leviticus/21-17.htm">Leviticus 21:17 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/leviticus/21-17.htm">Leviticus 21:17 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/leviticus/21-17.htm">Leviticus 21:17 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/leviticus/21-17.htm">Leviticus 21:17 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/leviticus/21-17.htm">Leviticus 21:17 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/leviticus/21-17.htm">Leviticus 21:17 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/leviticus/21-17.htm">Leviticus 21:17 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/leviticus/21-17.htm">Leviticus 21:17 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/leviticus/21-17.htm">Leviticus 21:17 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/leviticus/21-17.htm">Leviticus 21:17 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-17.htm">OT Law: Leviticus 21:17 Say to Aaron 'None of your seed (Le Lv Lev.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/leviticus/21-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Leviticus 21:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Leviticus 21:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/leviticus/21-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Leviticus 21:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Leviticus 21:18" /></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>