CINXE.COM

Leviticus 21:21 No descendant of Aaron the priest who has a defect shall approach to present the offerings made by fire to the LORD. Since he has a defect, he is not to come near to offer the food of his God.

<!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 21:21 No descendant of Aaron the priest who has a defect shall approach to present the offerings made by fire to the LORD. Since he has a defect, he is not to come near to offer the food of his God.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/leviticus/21-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/03_Lev_21_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Leviticus 21:21 - Restrictions Against Those with Blemishes" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="No descendant of Aaron the priest who has a defect shall approach to present the offerings made by fire to the LORD. Since he has a defect, he is not to come near to offer the food of his God." /><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/21-21.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/21-21.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 21</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="/ad1.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/21-20.htm" title="Leviticus 21:20">&#9668;</a> Leviticus 21:21 <a href="/leviticus/21-22.htm" title="Leviticus 21:22">&#9658;</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">&nbsp;Audio&nbsp;</a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References">&nbsp;Cross&nbsp;</a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible">&nbsp;Study&nbsp;</a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary">&nbsp;Comm&nbsp;</a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon">&nbsp;Heb&nbsp;</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">&nbsp; (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/leviticus/21.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />No descendant of Aaron the priest who has any defect is to come near to present the food offerings to the LORD. He has a defect; he must not come near to offer the food of his God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/leviticus/21.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />No descendant of Aaron who has a defect may approach the altar to present special gifts to the LORD. Since he has a defect, he may not approach the altar to offer food to his God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/leviticus/21.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />No man of the offspring of Aaron the priest who has a blemish shall come near to offer the LORD&#8217;s food offerings; since he has a blemish, he shall not come near to offer the bread of his God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/leviticus/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />No descendant of Aaron the priest who has a defect shall approach to present the food offerings to the LORD. Since he has a defect, he is not to come near to offer the food of his God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/leviticus/21.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/leviticus/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />No man of the descendants of Aaron the priest, who has a defect, shall come near to offer the offerings made by fire to the LORD. He has a defect; he shall not come near to offer the bread of his God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/leviticus/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />No man among the descendants of Aaron the priest who has an impairment is to come forward to offer the LORD&#8217;S offerings by fire; <i>since</i> he has an impairment, he shall not come forward to offer the food of his God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/leviticus/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />No man among the descendants of Aaron the priest who has a defect is to come near to offer the LORD&#8217S offerings by fire; since he has a defect, he shall not come near to offer the food of his God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/leviticus/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />&#8216;No man among the descendants of Aaron the priest, who has a defect, is to come near to offer the LORD&#8217;S offerings by fire; <i>since</i> he has a defect, he shall not come near to offer the bread of his God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/leviticus/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />No man among the seed of Aaron the priest who has a defect shall approach to bring near the offerings to Yahweh by fire; <i>since</i> he has a defect, he shall not approach to bring near the food of his God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/leviticus/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />No man among the descendants of Aaron the priest who has a [physical] defect <i>and</i> is disfigured <i>or</i> deformed is to approach [the altar] to present the offerings of the LORD by fire. He has a defect; he shall not approach [the altar] to present the food of his God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/leviticus/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />No descendant of the priest Aaron who has a defect is to come near to present the food offerings to the LORD. He has a defect and is not to come near to present the food of his God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/leviticus/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />No descendant of Aaron the priest who has a defect is to come near to present the fire offerings to the LORD. He has a defect and is not to come near to present the food of his God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/leviticus/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />no man of the seed of Aaron the priest, that hath a blemish, shall come nigh to offer the offerings of Jehovah made by fire: he hath a blemish; he shall not come nigh to offer the bread of his God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/leviticus/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />These men may not serve as my priests and burn sacrifices to me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/leviticus/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />no man of the seed of Aaron the priest, that hath a blemish, 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/leviticus/21.htm">GOD'S WORD&reg; Translation</a></span><br />If a descendant of the priest Aaron has a physical defect, he must never bring sacrifices by fire to the LORD. He has a defect. He must never bring food to offer to God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/leviticus/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />No descendant of Aaron the priest who has any physical defects may present the food offering to me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/leviticus/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />None of the descendants of Aaron the priest who has a defect is to approach to bring offerings of the LORD made by fire, since he has a defect. He is not to approach to offer the food of his God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/leviticus/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />No descendant of Aaron the priest who has a defect shall approach to present the food offerings to the LORD. Since he has a defect, he is not to come near to offer the food of his God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/leviticus/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />No man from the descendants of Aaron the priest who has a physical flaw may step forward to present the LORD's gifts; he has a physical flaw, so he must not step forward to present the food of his God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/leviticus/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />no man of the descendants of Aaron the priest, who has a blemish, shall come near to present offerings to your God made by fire. Since he has a blemish, he shall not come near to offer the bread of his God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/leviticus/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />No man of the seed of Aaron the priest, that hath a blemish, 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/leviticus/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />No man of the offspring of Aaron the priest who has a defect shall come near to offer the offerings of Yahweh made by fire. Since he has a defect, he shall not come near to offer the bread of his God. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/leviticus/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />No man in whom is blemish (of the seed of Aaron the priest) comes near to bring the fire-offerings of YHWH near; blemish [is] in him; he does not come near to bring the bread of his God near.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/leviticus/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> No man in whom is blemish (of the seed of Aaron the priest) doth come nigh to bring near the fire-offerings of Jehovah; blemish is in him; the bread of his God he doth not come nigh to bring near.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/leviticus/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Any man to whom in him a blemish from the seed of Aaron the priest, shall not come near to bring the sacrifices of Jehovah: a blemish is in him, the bread of his God he shall not come near to bring.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/leviticus/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Whosoever of the seed of Aaron the priest hath a blemish, he shall not approach to offer sacrifices to the Lord, nor bread to his God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/leviticus/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Anyone from the offspring of Aaron, the priest, who has a blemish, shall not approach to offer sacrifices to the Lord, nor the bread to his God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/leviticus/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />No descendant of Aaron the priest who has any such blemish may draw near to offer the oblations of the LORD; on account of his blemish he may not draw near to offer the food of his God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/leviticus/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />No descendant of Aaron the priest who has a blemish shall come near to offer the LORD&#8217;s offerings by fire; since he has a blemish, he shall not come near to offer the food of his God.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/leviticus/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />No man of the descendants of Aaron the priest who has a blemish shall come near to offer the offerings of the LORD made by fire; for he has a blemish; he shall not come near to offer the bread of his God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/leviticus/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />No man who has a defect in him of the seed of Ahron the Priest shall come near to offer the offering of LORD JEHOVAH, because of that blemish in him; he shall not come to offer the bread of his God.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/leviticus/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />no man of the seed of Aaron the priest, that hath a blemish, 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/leviticus/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Whoever of the seed of Aaron the priest has a blemish on him, shall not draw nigh to offer sacrifices to thy God, because he has a blemish on him; he shall not draw nigh to offer the gifts of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/leviticus/21-21.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=5699" 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">Restrictions Against Those with Blemishes</a></span><br>&#8230;<span class="reftext">20</span>or who is a hunchback or dwarf, or who has an eye defect, a festering rash, scabs, or a crushed testicle. <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: k&#257;l- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">No</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: &#8217;&#238;&#353; (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/2233.htm" title="2233: miz&#183;ze&#183;ra&#8216; (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- A sowing, seed, offspring. From zara'; seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity.">descendant</a> <a href="/hebrew/175.htm" title="175: &#8217;a&#183;ha&#774;&#183;r&#333;n (N-proper-ms) -- An elder brother of Moses. Of uncertain derivation; Aharon, the brother of Moses.">of Aaron</a> <a href="/hebrew/3548.htm" title="3548: hak&#183;k&#333;&#183;h&#234;n (Art:: N-ms) -- Priest. Active participle of kahan; literally, one officiating, a priest; also an acting priest.">the priest</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: l&#333; (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles."></a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: &#8217;a&#774;&#183;&#353;er- (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/b&#333;w (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3971.htm" title="3971: m&#363;m (N-ms) -- Blemish, defect. Usually muwm; as if passive participle from an unused root probably meaning to stain; a blemish.">has a defect</a> <a href="/hebrew/5066.htm" title="5066: yig&#183;ga&#353; (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To draw near, approach. ">shall approach</a> <a href="/hebrew/7126.htm" title="7126: l&#601;&#183;haq&#183;r&#238;&#7687; (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- To come near, approach. A primitive root; to approach for whatever purpose.">to present</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: &#8217;e&#7791;- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/801.htm" title="801: &#8217;i&#353;&#183;&#353;&#234; (N-mpc) -- The same as 'eshshah, but used in a liturgical sense; properly, a burnt-offering; but occasionally of any sacrifice.">the offerings made by fire</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah&#183;weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">to the LORD.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3971.htm" title="3971: m&#363;m (N-ms) -- Blemish, defect. Usually muwm; as if passive participle from an unused root probably meaning to stain; a blemish.">Since he has a defect,</a> <a href="/hebrew/b&#333;w (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: &#8217;&#234;&#7791; (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: l&#333; (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">he is not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5066.htm" title="5066: yig&#183;ga&#353; (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To draw near, approach. ">to come near</a> <a href="/hebrew/7126.htm" title="7126: l&#601;&#183;haq&#183;r&#238;&#7687; (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&#183;&#7717;em (N-msc) -- Bread, food. From lacham; food, especially bread, or grain.">the food</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: &#8217;&#277;&#183;l&#333;&#183;h&#257;w (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">of his God.</a> </span><span class="reftext">22</span>He may eat the most holy food of his God as well as the holy food,&#8230;<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> &middot; <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="/leviticus/22-20.htm">Leviticus 22:20-25</a></span><br />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. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/15-21.htm">Deuteronomy 15:21</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/1-8.htm">Malachi 1:8</a></span><br />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?&#8221; asks the LORD of Hosts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/1-14.htm">Malachi 1:14</a></span><br />&#8220;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,&#8221; says the LORD of Hosts, &#8220;and My name is to be feared among the nations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/7-26.htm">Hebrews 7:26-28</a></span><br />Such a high priest truly befits us&#8212;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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-19.htm">1 Peter 1:19</a></span><br />but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/18-19.htm">Numbers 18:19</a></span><br />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.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/17-1.htm">Deuteronomy 17:1</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/56-7.htm">Isaiah 56:7</a></span><br />I will bring them to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on My altar, for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/44-22.htm">Ezekiel 44:22-23</a></span><br />And they shall not marry a widow or a divorced woman, but must marry a virgin of the descendants of the house of Israel, or a widow of a priest. / They are to teach My people the difference between the holy and the common and show them how to discern between the clean and the unclean.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-48.htm">Matthew 5:48</a></span><br />Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.<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/3-8.htm">1 Timothy 3:8-10</a></span><br />Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued or given to much wine or greedy for money. / They must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. / Additionally, they must first be tested. Then, if they are above reproach, let them serve as deacons.<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="/titus/1-6.htm">Titus 1:6-7</a></span><br />An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, having children who are believers and who are not open to accusation of indiscretion or insubordination. / As God&#8217;s steward, an overseer must be above reproach&#8212;not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">No man that has a blemish of the seed of Aaron the priest shall come near to offer the offerings of the LORD made by fire: he has a blemish; he shall not come near to offer the bread of his God.</p><p class="hdg">to offer</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/21-6.htm">Leviticus 21:6,8,17</a></b></br> They shall be holy unto their God, and not profane the name of their God: for the offerings of the LORD made by fire, <i>and</i> the bread of their God, they do offer: therefore they shall be holy&#8230; </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/leviticus/21-17.htm">Aaron</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-20.htm">Blemish</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-17.htm">Body</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-17.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-20.htm">Damaged</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-20.htm">Defect</a> <a href="/leviticus/6-18.htm">Descendant</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-9.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-17.htm">Food</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-3.htm">Nigh</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-17.htm">Offer</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-6.htm">Offerings</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-17.htm">Offspring</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-17.htm">Present</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-14.htm">Priest</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-17.htm">Seed</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-4.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/leviticus/21-24.htm">Aaron</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-23.htm">Blemish</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-6.htm">Body</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-22.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-23.htm">Damaged</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-23.htm">Defect</a> <a href="/numbers/26-59.htm">Descendant</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-22.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-22.htm">Food</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-23.htm">Nigh</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-15.htm">Offer</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-2.htm">Offerings</a> <a href="/numbers/3-12.htm">Offspring</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-15.htm">Present</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-10.htm">Priest</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-3.htm">Seed</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-5.htm">Way</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 /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <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&nbsp;&#9702;</a>&nbsp;<a href="/study/chapters/leviticus/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter&nbsp;</a></tr></table></div><b>No descendant of Aaron the priest who has a defect</b><br>This phrase establishes a standard for the priesthood, emphasizing the importance of physical wholeness in those who serve in the sanctuary. The descendants of Aaron were set apart for priestly duties, and any physical defect disqualified them from performing certain sacred functions. This requirement underscores the holiness and perfection expected in those who serve God, reflecting the perfection of God Himself. In the broader biblical context, this can be seen as a type pointing to Jesus Christ, the perfect High Priest, who was without blemish or defect (<a href="/hebrews/7-26.htm">Hebrews 7:26-28</a>).<p><b>shall approach to present the food offerings to the LORD.</b><br>The food offerings, also known as grain offerings, were a significant part of the sacrificial system, symbolizing the dedication of the fruits of labor to God. The priest's role in presenting these offerings was crucial, as it represented the people's worship and devotion. The restriction on those with defects highlights the need for purity and holiness in worship, a theme that runs throughout Leviticus. This also foreshadows the ultimate offering of Christ, who presented Himself as the perfect sacrifice to God (<a href="/ephesians/5-2.htm">Ephesians 5:2</a>).<p><b>Since he has a defect,</b><br>The repetition of the term "defect" emphasizes the importance of physical integrity in the priestly service. In the ancient Near Eastern context, physical perfection was often associated with divine favor and suitability for religious roles. This requirement served as a constant reminder of the need for holiness and the separation from anything that might symbolize imperfection or sin.<p><b>he is not to come near to offer the food of his God.</b><br>The prohibition against approaching to offer the food of God underscores the sanctity of the priestly office and the offerings themselves. The phrase "food of his God" refers to the offerings that were considered as God's portion, symbolizing His provision and sustenance. This restriction serves as a reminder of the reverence due to God and the seriousness of approaching Him in worship. It also points to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who, as the sinless High Priest, offers believers access to God (<a href="/hebrews/4-14.htm">Hebrews 4:14-16</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/aaron.htm">Aaron</a></b><br>The first high priest of Israel, brother of Moses, and ancestor of the Levitical priesthood. His descendants were set apart for priestly duties.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/priests.htm">Priests</a></b><br>The descendants of Aaron who were responsible for performing sacrifices and maintaining the rituals of the Tabernacle and later the Temple.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/physical_defect.htm">Physical Defect</a></b><br>Refers to any physical imperfection or disability that would disqualify a priest from performing certain sacred duties.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/f/food_offerings.htm">Food Offerings</a></b><br>Sacrificial offerings made to God, which were a central part of Israelite worship and included grain, oil, and animal sacrifices.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a></b><br>The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who established the laws and rituals for His people, Israel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/h/holiness_and_perfection_in_service.htm">Holiness and Perfection in Service</a></b><br>The requirement for priests to be without physical defect underscores the holiness and perfection expected in those who serve God. This reflects God's perfect nature and the need for purity in worship.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/symbolism_of_physical_perfection.htm">Symbolism of Physical Perfection</a></b><br>Physical perfection in the priesthood symbolizes spiritual purity and the need for those who approach God to be without blemish. This points to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is spiritually and morally perfect.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/inclusivity_in_the_new_covenant.htm">Inclusivity in the New Covenant</a></b><br>While the Old Testament law restricted those with physical defects from priestly service, the New Covenant, through Christ, opens the way for all believers to serve God, regardless of physical condition.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/christ_as_the_perfect_high_priest.htm">Christ as the Perfect High Priest</a></b><br>Jesus Christ, as the sinless and perfect high priest, fulfills the requirements of the law and offers believers access to God, highlighting the grace and mercy available through Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_wholeness_over_physical_perfection.htm">Spiritual Wholeness Over Physical Perfection</a></b><br>In the New Testament, the emphasis shifts from physical perfection to spiritual wholeness, encouraging believers to focus on inner purity and holiness.<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/why_doesn't_leviticus_16_address_sin_gaps.htm">Why does Leviticus 16 not address inevitable scientific gaps in the concept of sin transference and ritual purification despite later translations or commentaries?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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><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/bible's_view_on_tithes,_offerings.htm">What does the Bible say about tithes and offerings?</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>(21) <span class= "bld">No man that hath a blemish.</span>--The addition of this general remark to the twelve instances adduced in the preceding verses, shows that the cases in question were simply typical, and that it was left to the administrators of the Law, not only to decide the minute details and various stages of these cases, but also to determine whether other bodily infirmities are included or not in this summary statement. Hence, during the second Temple, the authorities registered no less than one hundred and forty-two defects which disqualify the priest for serving at the altar. There was a chamber in the court of the Temple in which the Sanhedrim examined all the priests prior to their being received into the staff of those who officiated in the sanctuary. At the conclusion of this periodical examination, all the priests were divided into two classes. Those who were pronounced physically disqualified "put on black garments, wrapped themselves up in black cloaks, and went away in silence"; whilst those who were declared qualified put on white garments and white cloaks, and forthwith joined their brethren to assist in the sacred office. They celebrated the day by giving a feast to all their friends, which they opened with the following benediction: "Blessed be the Lord! Blessed be He because no blemish hath been found in the seed of Aaron, the priest; and blessed be He because He hath chosen Aaron and his sons to stand and to serve before the Lord in His most holy sanctuary." Those priests who were declared physically unfit, were employed in the chamber for wood at the north-east of the court of the women, to select the proper wood for the altar, since any piece which was worm-eaten could not be burnt on it. (See <a href="/leviticus/1-7.htm" title="And the sons of Aaron the priest shall put fire on the altar, and lay the wood in order on the fire:">Leviticus 1:7</a>.)<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/leviticus/21-21.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">No</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1499;&#1468;&#1464;&#1500;&#1470;</span> <span class="translit">(k&#257;l-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">descendant</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1502;&#1460;&#1494;&#1468;&#1462;&#1433;&#1512;&#1463;&#1506;&#1433;</span> <span class="translit">(miz&#183;ze&#183;ra&#8216;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m &#124; Noun - masculine singular construct<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">of Aaron</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1488;&#1463;&#1492;&#1458;&#1512;&#1465;&#1443;&#1503;</span> <span class="translit">(&#8217;a&#183;ha&#774;&#183;r&#333;n)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_175.htm">Strong's 175: </a> </span><span class="str2">Aaron -- an elder brother of Moses</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the priest</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1492;&#1463;&#1499;&#1468;&#1465;&#1492;&#1461;&#1428;&#1503;</span> <span class="translit">(hak&#183;k&#333;&#183;h&#234;n)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article &#124; Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3548.htm">Strong's 3548: </a> </span><span class="str2">Priest</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1488;&#1458;&#1513;&#1473;&#1462;&#1512;&#1470;</span> <span class="translit">(&#8217;a&#774;&#183;&#353;er-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">has a defect</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1502;&#1431;&#1493;&#1468;&#1501;</span> <span class="translit">(m&#363;m)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3971.htm">Strong's 3971: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stain, a blemish</span><br /><br /><span class="word">shall approach</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1497;&#1460;&#1490;&#1468;&#1463;&#1428;&#1513;&#1473;</span> <span class="translit">(yig&#183;ga&#353;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5066.htm">Strong's 5066: </a> </span><span class="str2">To draw near, approach</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to present</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1500;&#1456;&#1492;&#1463;&#1511;&#1456;&#1512;&#1460;&#1430;&#1497;&#1489;</span> <span class="translit">(l&#601;&#183;haq&#183;r&#238;&#7687;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l &#124; Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7126.htm">Strong's 7126: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come near, approach</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the offerings made by fire</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1488;&#1460;&#1513;&#1473;&#1468;&#1461;&#1443;&#1497;</span> <span class="translit">(&#8217;i&#353;&#183;&#353;&#234;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_801.htm">Strong's 801: </a> </span><span class="str2">A burnt-offering, a sacrifice</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the LORD.</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1497;&#1456;&#1492;&#1493;&#1464;&#1425;&#1492;</span> <span class="translit">(Yah&#183;weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[Since] he has a defect,</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1502;&#1443;&#1493;&#1468;&#1501;</span> <span class="translit">(m&#363;m)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3971.htm">Strong's 3971: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stain, a blemish</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he is not</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1500;&#1465;&#1445;&#1488;</span> <span class="translit">(l&#333;)</span><br /><span class="parse">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">to come near</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1497;&#1460;&#1490;&#1468;&#1463;&#1430;&#1513;&#1473;</span> <span class="translit">(yig&#183;ga&#353;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5066.htm">Strong's 5066: </a> </span><span class="str2">To draw near, approach</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to offer</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1500;&#1456;&#1492;&#1463;&#1511;&#1456;&#1512;&#1460;&#1469;&#1497;&#1489;&#1475;</span> <span class="translit">(l&#601;&#183;haq&#183;r&#238;&#7687;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l &#124; Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7126.htm">Strong's 7126: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come near, approach</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the food</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1500;&#1462;&#1443;&#1495;&#1462;&#1501;</span> <span class="translit">(le&#183;&#7717;em)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3899.htm">Strong's 3899: </a> </span><span class="str2">Food, bread, grain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of his God.</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1488;&#1457;&#1500;&#1465;&#1492;&#1464;&#1428;&#1497;&#1493;</span> <span class="translit">(&#8217;&#277;&#183;l&#333;&#183;h&#257;w)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct &#124; third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/leviticus/21-21.htm">Leviticus 21:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/leviticus/21-21.htm">Leviticus 21:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/leviticus/21-21.htm">Leviticus 21:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/leviticus/21-21.htm">Leviticus 21:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/leviticus/21-21.htm">Leviticus 21:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/leviticus/21-21.htm">Leviticus 21:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/leviticus/21-21.htm">Leviticus 21:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/leviticus/21-21.htm">Leviticus 21:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/leviticus/21-21.htm">Leviticus 21:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/leviticus/21-21.htm">Leviticus 21:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/leviticus/21-21.htm">OT Law: Leviticus 21:21 No man of the seed of Aaron (Le Lv Lev.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/leviticus/21-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Leviticus 21:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Leviticus 21:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/leviticus/21-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Leviticus 21:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Leviticus 21:22" /></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>

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10