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Leviticus 21:10 The priest who is highest among his brothers, who has had the anointing oil poured on his head and has been ordained to wear the priestly garments, must not let his hair hang loose or tear his garments.
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The anointing oil has been poured on his head, and he has been ordained to wear the priestly garments. He must never leave his hair uncombed or tear his clothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/leviticus/21.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“The priest who is chief among his brothers, on whose head the anointing oil is poured and who has been consecrated to wear the garments, shall not let the hair of his head hang loose nor tear his clothes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/leviticus/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The priest who is highest among his brothers, who has had the anointing oil poured on his head and has been ordained to wear the priestly garments, must not let his hair hang loose or tear his garments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/leviticus/21.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And <i>he that is</i> the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil was poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not uncover his head, nor rend his clothes;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/leviticus/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />‘<i>He who is</i> the high priest among his brethren, on whose head the anointing oil was poured and who is consecrated to wear the garments, shall not uncover his head nor tear his clothes;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/leviticus/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />‘The priest who is highest among his brothers, on whose head the anointing oil has been poured and who has been consecrated to wear the garments, shall not uncover his head nor tear his clothes;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/leviticus/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />‘The priest who is the highest among his brothers, on whose head the anointing oil has been poured and who has been consecrated to wear the garments, shall not uncover his head nor tear his clothes;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/leviticus/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />‘And the priest who is the highest among his brothers, on whose head the anointing oil has been poured, and who has been consecrated to wear the garments, shall not uncover his head, nor tear his clothes;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/leviticus/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />‘And the priest who is the highest among his brothers, on whose head the anointing oil has been poured and who has been ordained to wear the garments, shall not uncover his head nor tear his clothes;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/leviticus/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />‘But he who is the high priest among his brothers, on whose head the anointing oil has been poured and who has been consecrated to wear the [sacred] garments, shall not uncover his head nor tear his clothes [in mourning],<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/leviticus/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“The priest who is highest among his brothers, who has had the anointing oil poured on his head and has been ordained to wear the clothes, must not dishevel his hair or tear his clothes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/leviticus/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The priest who is highest among his brothers, who has had the anointing oil poured on his head and has been ordained to wear the garments, must not dishevel his hair or tear his garments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/leviticus/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And he that is the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil is poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not let the hair of his head go loose, nor rend his clothes;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/leviticus/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />If you are the high priest, you must not mess up your hair or tear your clothes in order to mourn for the dead. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/leviticus/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And he that is the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil is poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not let the hair of his head go loose, nor rend his clothes;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/leviticus/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"The priest who is anointed with oil and wears the chief priest's clothes is chief over his brothers. He must never mourn by leaving his hair uncombed or by tearing his clothes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/leviticus/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"The High Priest has had the anointing oil poured on his head and has been consecrated to wear the priestly garments, so he must not leave his hair uncombed or tear his clothes to show that he is in mourning. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/leviticus/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"The high priest among his relatives—whose head has been anointed with oil and who has been consecrated to put on the priestly clothing—is not to let his hair hang loose or to tear his clothes. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/leviticus/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The priest who is highest among his brothers, who has had the anointing oil poured on his head and has been ordained to wear the priestly garments, must not let his hair hang loose or tear his garments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/leviticus/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"'The high priest--who is greater than his brothers, on whose head the anointing oil is poured, who has been ordained to wear the priestly garments--must neither dishevel the hair of his head nor tear his garments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/leviticus/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"'He who is the high priest among his brothers, upon whose head the anointing oil is poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not let the hair of his head hang loose, nor tear his clothes;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/leviticus/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And he that is the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil was poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not uncover his head, nor rend his clothes;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/leviticus/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“‘He who is the high priest among his brothers, upon whose head the anointing oil is poured, and who is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not let the hair of his head hang loose, or tear his clothes. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/leviticus/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the high priest of his brothers, on whose head the anointing oil is poured, and who has consecrated his hand to put on the garments, does not uncover his head, nor tear his garments,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/leviticus/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 'And the high priest of his brethren, on whose head is poured the anointing oil, and hath consecrated his hand to put on the garments, his head doth not uncover, nor rend his garments,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/leviticus/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the great priest from his brethren which the anointing oil shall be poured upon his head, and he filled his hand to put on the garments, his head he shall not uncover, and his garments he shall not rend.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/leviticus/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The high priest, that is to say, the priest, is the greatest among his brethren. upon whose head the oil of unction hath been poured, and whose hands have been consecrated for the priesthood, and who hath been vested with the holy vestments, shall not uncover his head, he shall not rend his garments: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/leviticus/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The high priest, that is, the priest who is the greatest among his brothers, upon whose head the oil of anointing has been poured, and whose hands have been consecrated for the priesthood, and who has been vested with the holy vestments: he shall not expose his head; he shall not rend his vestments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/leviticus/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The most exalted of the priests, upon whose head the anointing oil has been poured and who has been ordained to wear the special vestments, shall not dishevel his hair or rend his garments,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/leviticus/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The priest who is exalted above his fellows, on whose head the anointing oil has been poured and who has been consecrated to wear the vestments, shall not dishevel his hair, nor tear his vestments.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/leviticus/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the priest who is the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil was poured, and who is consecrated to put on the vestments, shall not shave his head nor rend his clothes;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/leviticus/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the Great Priest of his brothers, on whose head the oil of the anointing is poured, and whose hand is consecrated to wear the garments, he shall not shave his head, and he shall not tear his garments;<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/leviticus/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the priest that is highest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil is poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not let the hair of his head go loose, nor rend his clothes;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/leviticus/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the priest that is chief among his brethren, the oil having been poured upon the head of the anointed one, and he having been consecrated to put on the garments, shall not take the mitre off his head, and shall not rend his garments:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/leviticus/21-10.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NWs_V1RyMFo?start=5620" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/leviticus/21.htm">Holiness Required of Priests</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">9</span>If a priest’s daughter defiles herself by prostituting herself, she profanes her father; she must be burned in the fire. <span class="reftext">10</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3548.htm" title="3548: wə·hak·kō·hên (Conj-w, Art:: N-ms) -- Priest. Active participle of kahan; literally, one officiating, a priest; also an acting priest.">The priest</a> <a href="/hebrew/1419.htm" title="1419: hag·gā·ḏō·wl (Art:: Adj-ms) -- Great. Or gadol; from gadal; great; hence, older; also insolent.">who is highest</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: mê·’e·ḥāw (Prep-m:: N-mpc:: 3ms) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">among his brothers,</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ăšer- (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/4888.htm" title="4888: ham·miš·ḥāh (Art:: N-fs) -- Unction, a consecratory gift. Or moshchah; from mashach; unction; by implication, a consecratory gift.">has had the anointing</a> <a href="/hebrew/8081.htm" title="8081: še·men (N-msc) -- Fat, oil. From shaman; grease, especially liquid; figuratively, richness.">oil</a> <a href="/hebrew/3332.htm" title="3332: yū·ṣaq (V-Hofal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to pour out; by implication, to melt or cast as metal; by extension, to place firmly, to stiffen or grow hard.">poured</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">on</a> <a href="/hebrew/7218.htm" title="7218: rō·šōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Head. From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head, whether literal or figurative.">his head</a> <a href="/hebrew/4390.htm" title="4390: ū·mil·lê (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To be full, to fill. Or malae; a primitive root, to fill or be full of, in a wide application.">and has been ordained</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/3027.htm" title="3027: yā·ḏōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)"></a> <a href="/hebrew/3847.htm" title="3847: lil·bōš (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- Or labesh; a primitive root; properly, wrap around, i.e. to put on a garment or clothe, literally or figuratively.">to wear</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/899.htm" title="899: hab·bə·ḡā·ḏîm (Art:: N-mp) -- A covering, clothing, treachery, pillage. From bagad; a covering, i.e. Clothing; also treachery or pillage.">the priestly garments,</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/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">must not let</a> <a href="/hebrew/7218.htm" title="7218: rō·šōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Head. From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head, whether literal or figurative.">his hair</a> <a href="/hebrew/6544.htm" title="6544: yip̄·rā‘ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to loosen; by implication, to expose, dismiss; figuratively, absolve, begin.">hang loose</a> <a href="/hebrew/6533.htm" title="6533: yip̄·rōm (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To tear or rend (a garment). A primitive root; to tear.">or tear</a> <a href="/hebrew/899.htm" title="899: ū·ḇə·ḡā·ḏāw (Conj-w:: N-mpc:: 3ms) -- A covering, clothing, treachery, pillage. From bagad; a covering, i.e. Clothing; also treachery or pillage.">his garments.</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> </span><span class="reftext">11</span>He must not go near any dead body; he must not defile himself, even for his father or mother.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/28-36.htm">Exodus 28:36-38</a></span><br />You are to make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD. / Fasten to it a blue cord to mount it on the turban; it shall be on the front of the turban. / And it will be worn on Aaron’s forehead, so that he may bear the iniquity of the holy things that the sons of Israel consecrate with regard to all their holy gifts. It shall always be on his forehead, so that they may be acceptable before the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/29-6.htm">Exodus 29:6-9</a></span><br />Put the turban on his head and attach the holy diadem to the turban. / Then take the anointing oil and anoint him by pouring it on his head. / Present his sons as well and clothe them with tunics. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/8-12.htm">Leviticus 8:12</a></span><br />He also poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him to consecrate him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/10-6.htm">Leviticus 10:6-7</a></span><br />Then Moses said to Aaron and his sons Eleazar and Ithamar, “Do not let your hair become disheveled and do not tear your garments, or else you will die, and the LORD will be angry with the whole congregation. But your brothers, the whole house of Israel, may mourn on account of the fire that the LORD has ignited. / You shall not go outside the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, or you will die, for the LORD’s anointing oil is on you.” So they did as Moses instructed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/35-25.htm">Numbers 35:25</a></span><br />The assembly is to protect the manslayer from the hand of the avenger of blood. Then the assembly will return him to the city of refuge to which he fled, and he must live there until the death of the high priest, who was anointed with the holy oil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/2-28.htm">1 Samuel 2:28</a></span><br />And out of all the tribes of Israel I selected your father to be My priest, to offer sacrifices on My altar, to burn incense, and to wear an ephod in My presence. I also gave to the house of your father all the food offerings of the Israelites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/11-12.htm">2 Kings 11:12</a></span><br />Then Jehoiada brought out the king’s son, put the crown on him, presented him with the Testimony, and proclaimed him king. They anointed him, and the people clapped their hands and declared, “Long live the king!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/133-2.htm">Psalm 133:2</a></span><br />It is like fine oil on the head, running down on the beard, running down Aaron’s beard over the collar of his robes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/44-17.htm">Ezekiel 44:17-18</a></span><br />When they enter the gates of the inner court, they are to wear linen garments; they must not wear anything made of wool when they minister at the gates of the inner court or inside the temple. / They are to wear linen turbans on their heads and linen undergarments around their waists. They must not wear anything that makes them perspire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/3-5.htm">Zechariah 3:5</a></span><br />Then I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So a clean turban was placed on his head, and they clothed him, as the angel of the LORD stood by.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-65.htm">Matthew 26:65</a></span><br />At this, the high priest tore his clothes and declared, “He has blasphemed! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/14-63.htm">Mark 14:63</a></span><br />At this, the high priest tore his clothes and declared, “Why do we need any more witnesses?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/1-9.htm">Luke 1:9</a></span><br />he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/18-13.htm">John 18:13</a></span><br />They brought Him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/23-5.htm">Acts 23:5</a></span><br />“Brothers,” Paul replied, “I was not aware that he was the high priest, for it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And he that is the high priest among his brothers, on whose head the anointing oil was poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not uncover his head, nor rend his clothes;</p><p class="hdg">upon</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/8-12.htm">Leviticus 8:12</a></b></br> And he poured of the anointing oil upon Aaron's head, and anointed him, to sanctify him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/10-7.htm">Leviticus 10:7</a></b></br> And ye shall not go out from the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: for the anointing oil of the LORD <i>is</i> upon you. And they did according to the word of Moses.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/16-32.htm">Leviticus 16:32</a></b></br> And the priest, whom he shall anoint, and whom he shall consecrate to minister in the priest's office in his father's stead, shall make the atonement, and shall put on the linen clothes, <i>even</i> the holy garments:</p><p class="hdg">consecrated</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/8-7.htm">Leviticus 8:7-9</a></b></br> And he put upon him the coat, and girded him with the girdle, and clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod upon him, and he girded him with the curious girdle of the ephod, and bound <i>it</i> unto him therewith… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/28-2.htm">Exodus 28:2-4</a></b></br> And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty… </p><p class="hdg">uncover</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/10-6.htm">Leviticus 10:6,7</a></b></br> And Moses said unto Aaron, and unto Eleazar and unto Ithamar, his sons, Uncover not your heads, neither rend your clothes; lest ye die, and lest wrath come upon all the people: but let your brethren, the whole house of Israel, bewail the burning which the LORD hath kindled… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/13-45.htm">Leviticus 13:45</a></b></br> And the leper in whom the plague <i>is</i>, his clothes shall be rent, and his head bare, and he shall put a covering upon his upper lip, and shall cry, Unclean, unclean.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/15-30.htm">2 Samuel 15:30</a></b></br> And David went up by the ascent of <i>mount</i> Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot: and all the people that <i>was</i> with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up.</p><p class="hdg">not rend</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/37-34.htm">Genesis 37:34</a></b></br> And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/1-20.htm">Job 1:20</a></b></br> Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/26-65.htm">Matthew 26:65</a></b></br> Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/leviticus/10-7.htm">Anointing</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-4.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/leviticus/17-16.htm">Clothes</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-32.htm">Consecrated</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-32.htm">Garments</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-5.htm">Hair</a> <a href="/leviticus/13-45.htm">Hang</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-5.htm">Head</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-32.htm">High</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">Highest</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-29.htm">Loose</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-32.htm">Oil</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-32.htm">Ordained</a> <a href="/leviticus/14-41.htm">Poured</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-9.htm">Priest</a> <a href="/romans/15-16.htm">Priestly</a> <a href="/leviticus/13-56.htm">Rend</a> <a href="/leviticus/14-45.htm">Tear</a> <a href="/leviticus/20-19.htm">Uncover</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-4.htm">Wear</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/leviticus/21-12.htm">Anointing</a> <a href="/numbers/2-3.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/numbers/8-7.htm">Clothes</a> <a href="/numbers/3-3.htm">Consecrated</a> <a href="/numbers/8-21.htm">Garments</a> <a href="/numbers/5-18.htm">Hair</a> <a href="/numbers/25-4.htm">Hang</a> <a href="/leviticus/24-14.htm">Head</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-13.htm">High</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/10-14.htm">Highest</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-14.htm">Loose</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-12.htm">Oil</a> <a href="/numbers/3-3.htm">Ordained</a> <a href="/numbers/28-7.htm">Poured</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-14.htm">Priest</a> <a href="/numbers/10-8.htm">Priestly</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-31.htm">Rend</a> <a href="/numbers/24-17.htm">Tear</a> <a href="/numbers/5-18.htm">Uncover</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-12.htm">Wear</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 /> <script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "ca-pub-3753401421161123"; /* 200 x 200 Parallel Bible */ google_ad_slot = "7676643937"; google_ad_width = 200; google_ad_height = 200; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/leviticus/21.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>The priest who is highest among his brothers</b><br />This phrase refers to the High Priest, a position of supreme spiritual authority among the Israelites. The Hebrew word for "highest" is "gadol," which signifies greatness or prominence. Historically, the High Priest held a unique role, serving as the primary mediator between God and the people. This position was not just about hierarchy but about spiritual responsibility and leadership, emphasizing the High Priest's role in maintaining the sanctity and purity of worship.<p><b>on whose head the anointing oil has been poured</b><br />Anointing with oil was a significant ritual in ancient Israel, symbolizing consecration and the Holy Spirit's empowerment. The Hebrew word for "anointing" is "mashach," from which we derive "Messiah," meaning "the anointed one." This act set the High Priest apart for divine service, marking him as chosen by God. The anointing oil itself was a sacred mixture, as described in <a href="/exodus/30-22.htm">Exodus 30:22-25</a>, underscoring the holiness and divine approval of the High Priest's office.<p><b>and who has been ordained to wear the garments</b><br />The High Priest's garments were not merely clothing but were imbued with deep spiritual significance. The Hebrew term for "ordained" is "male," meaning to fill or fulfill, indicating that wearing these garments was a fulfillment of divine command. Each piece of the High Priest's attire, from the ephod to the breastplate, was designed according to God's instructions (Exodus 28), symbolizing various aspects of holiness, judgment, and the covenant relationship between God and Israel.<p><b>must not let his hair hang loose</b><br />This instruction reflects the cultural and religious norms of mourning practices in ancient Israel. Letting one's hair hang loose was a sign of mourning or distress. The High Priest, however, was to maintain a demeanor of dignity and composure, even in times of personal grief, to reflect the constancy and holiness of God. This command underscores the idea that the High Priest's life was wholly dedicated to God, transcending personal emotions.<p><b>or tear his garments</b><br />Tearing one's garments was another traditional expression of mourning or extreme emotional distress. For the High Priest, such actions were prohibited to maintain the sanctity and order of the priestly office. This prohibition highlights the principle that the High Priest's duties and appearance were to remain consistent, reflecting the unchanging nature of God's holiness and the perpetual intercession required for the people.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/leviticus/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(10) <span class= "bld">And he that is the high priest among his brethren.</span>--That is, among his priestly brethren, the one who is distinguished among them by this office.<p><span class= "bld">Upon whose head the anointing oil was poured.</span>--This profuse pouring of oil was the distinctive feature in the consecration of the high priest. (See <a href="/leviticus/8-12.htm" title="And he poured of the anointing oil on Aaron's head, and anointed him, to sanctify him.">Leviticus 8:12</a>.)<p><span class= "bld">Consecrated to put on the garments.</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">consecrated by putting on the garments. </span>The robing of the high priest by Moses, as well as the anointing him, constituted part of the consecration ceremony. (See <a href="/context/leviticus/8-7.htm" title="And he put on him the coat, and girded him with the girdle, and clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod on him, and he girded him with the curious girdle of the ephod, and bound it to him therewith.">Leviticus 8:7-11</a>.)<p><span class= "bld">Shall not uncover his head.</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">shall not let his head be dishevelled, </span>which was a sign of mourning. (See <a href="/leviticus/10-6.htm" title="And Moses said to Aaron, and to Eleazar and to Ithamar, his sons, Uncover not your heads, neither rend your clothes; lest you die, and lest wrath come on all the people: but let your brothers, the whole house of Israel, mourn the burning which the LORD has kindled.">Leviticus 10:6</a>.)<p><span class= "bld">Nor rend his clothes.</span>--That is, "in the time of distress," as the ancient Chaldee version of Jonathan rightly adds after it. Sustaining this high position, and being the intercessor between God and man, such outward expressions of sorrow might lead those in whose behalf he ministers in the sanctuary to believe that he thereby impugns the justice of the Divine judgment.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/leviticus/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 10-15.</span> - The high priest, <span class="cmt_word">upon whose head the anointing off was poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments,</span> symbolizing in his person the Holy One in a more special manner than the other priests, has to aim so much the more at symbolical holiness. He may not, therefore. incur legal uncleanness by taking part in the funeral rites, even of his father or mother, not being permitted to absent himself from the sanctuary, which he would have to do if he had thus ceremonially defiled himself. Nor is it enough that he should abstain from taking an immoral or a divorced wife; he may only wed <span class="cmt_word">a virgin and of his own people,</span> whereas the other priests might marry widows and the daughters of strangers dwelling among the Israelites. In the ordinances for priests given in <a href="/ezekiel/44.htm">Ezekiel 44</a>, the ordinary priests, as well as the high priest, are forbidden to marry widows, unless they be the widows of priests (<a href="/ezekiel/44-22.htm">Ezekiel 44:22</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/leviticus/21-10.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">The priest</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהַכֹּהֵן֩</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hak·kō·hên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Article | 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 is highest</span><br /><span class="heb">הַגָּד֨וֹל</span> <span class="translit">(hag·gā·ḏō·wl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1419.htm">Strong's 1419: </a> </span><span class="str2">Great, older, insolent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">among his brothers,</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵאֶחָ֜יו</span> <span class="translit">(mê·’e·ḥāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> </span><span class="str2">A brother, )</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲ‍ֽשֶׁר־</span> <span class="translit">(’ăšer-)</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 had the anointing</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמִּשְׁחָה֙</span> <span class="translit">(ham·miš·ḥāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4888.htm">Strong's 4888: </a> </span><span class="str2">Unction, a consecratory gift</span><br /><br /><span class="word">oil</span><br /><span class="heb">שֶׁ֤מֶן</span> <span class="translit">(še·men)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8081.htm">Strong's 8081: </a> </span><span class="str2">Grease, liquid, richness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">poured</span><br /><span class="heb">יוּצַ֥ק</span> <span class="translit">(yū·ṣaq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hofal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3332.htm">Strong's 3332: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pour out, to melt, cast as metal, to place firmly, to stiffen, grow hard</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his head</span><br /><span class="heb">רֹאשׁ֣וֹ ׀</span> <span class="translit">(rō·šōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7218.htm">Strong's 7218: </a> </span><span class="str2">The head</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and has been ordained</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמִלֵּ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mil·lê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4390.htm">Strong's 4390: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fill, be full of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to wear</span><br /><span class="heb">לִלְבֹּ֖שׁ</span> <span class="translit">(lil·bōš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3847.htm">Strong's 3847: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wrap around, to put on a, garment, clothe</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the priestly garments,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַבְּגָדִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(hab·bə·ḡā·ḏîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_899.htm">Strong's 899: </a> </span><span class="str2">A covering, clothing, treachery, pillage</span><br /><br /><span class="word">must not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</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">dishevel</span><br /><span class="heb">יִפְרָ֔ע</span> <span class="translit">(yip̄·rā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6544.htm">Strong's 6544: </a> </span><span class="str2">To loosen, to expose, dismiss, absolve, begin</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his hair</span><br /><span class="heb">רֹאשׁוֹ֙</span> <span class="translit">(rō·šōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7218.htm">Strong's 7218: </a> </span><span class="str2">The head</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or tear</span><br /><span class="heb">יִפְרֹֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(yip̄·rōm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6533.htm">Strong's 6533: </a> </span><span class="str2">To tear or rend (a garment)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his garments.</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבְגָדָ֖יו</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇə·ḡā·ḏāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_899.htm">Strong's 899: </a> </span><span class="str2">A covering, clothing, treachery, pillage</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/leviticus/21-10.htm">Leviticus 21:10 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/leviticus/21-10.htm">Leviticus 21:10 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/leviticus/21-10.htm">Leviticus 21:10 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/leviticus/21-10.htm">Leviticus 21:10 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/leviticus/21-10.htm">Leviticus 21:10 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/leviticus/21-10.htm">Leviticus 21:10 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/leviticus/21-10.htm">Leviticus 21:10 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/leviticus/21-10.htm">Leviticus 21:10 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/leviticus/21-10.htm">Leviticus 21:10 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/leviticus/21-10.htm">Leviticus 21:10 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/leviticus/21-10.htm">OT Law: Leviticus 21:10 He who is the high priest among (Le Lv Lev.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/leviticus/21-9.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Leviticus 21:9"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Leviticus 21:9" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/leviticus/21-11.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Leviticus 21:11"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Leviticus 21:11" /></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>