Leviticus 21:11
Leviticus 21:11 in Multiple Translations
He must not go near any dead body; he must not defile himself, even for his father or mother.
Neither shall he go in to any dead body, nor defile himself for his father, or for his mother;
neither shall he go in to any dead body, nor defile himself for his father, or for his mother;
He may not go near any dead body or make himself unclean for his father or his mother;
He is not to go near any dead body. He must not make himself unclean, even if it is for his own father or mother.
Neither shall he goe to any dead bodie, nor make him selfe vncleane by his father or by his mother,
nor beside any dead person doth he come; for his father and for his mother he doth not defile himself;
He must not go in to any dead body, or defile himself for his father or for his mother.
Neither shall he go in to any dead body, nor defile himself for his father, or for his mother;
Nor shall he go in at all to any dead person: not even for his father, or his mother, shall he be defiled:
He must not enter some place where there is a corpse. He must not do that and cause himself to become unfit for his work, even if it is his father or his mother who has died.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 21:11
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Leviticus 21:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עַ֛ל
כָּל
נַפְשֹׁ֥ת
מֵ֖ת
לֹ֣א
יָבֹ֑א
לְ/אָבִ֥י/ו
וּ/לְ/אִמּ֖/וֹ
לֹ֥א
יִטַּמָּֽא
וְ/עַ֛ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
נַפְשֹׁ֥ת
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cp
מֵ֖ת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יָבֹ֑א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לְ/אָבִ֥י/ו
ʼâb
H1
father
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וּ/לְ/אִמּ֖/וֹ
ʼêm
H517
mother
Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִטַּמָּֽא
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
to defile
V-Hithpael-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 21:11
וְ/עַ֛ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
נַפְשֹׁ֥ת
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cp
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
מֵ֖ת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָבֹ֑א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
לְ/אָבִ֥י/ו
ʼâb
H1
"father"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
וּ/לְ/אִמּ֖/וֹ
ʼêm
H517
"mother"
Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'mother' is used in the Bible to describe a female parent or a maternal figure. It can also refer to the source or origin of something, such as a river or a family. In some cases, it is used figuratively to describe a person's relationship to others.
Definition: 1) mother 1a) of humans 1b) of Deborah's relationship to the people (fig.) 1c) of animals 2) point of departure or division
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: dam, mother, [idiom] parting. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Kings 4:19; Psalms 22:10.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִטַּמָּֽא
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
"to defile"
V-Hithpael-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to be foul or contaminated, often in a moral or ceremonial sense. It is used in the Bible to describe something that is unclean or polluted. In the book of Leviticus, it talks about being unclean and how to become clean again.
Definition: 1) to be unclean, become unclean, become impure 1a) (Qal) to be or become unclean 1a1) sexually 1a2) religiously 1a3) ceremonially 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to defile oneself, be defiled 1b1a) sexually 1b1b) by idolatry 1b1c) ceremonially 1b2) to be regarded as unclean 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to defile 1c1a) sexually 1c1b) religiously 1c1c) ceremonially 1c2) to pronounce unclean, declare unclean (ceremonially) 1c3) to profane (God's name) 1d) (Pual) to be defiled 1e) (Hithpael) to be unclean 1f) (Hothpael) to be defiled
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: defile (self), pollute (self), be (make, make self, pronounce) unclean, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 34:5; Leviticus 22:5; Psalms 79:1.
Study Notes — Leviticus 21:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 21:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 21:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 21:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 21:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 21:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 21:11
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 21:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 21:11
- Sermons on Leviticus 21:11
Context — Holiness Required of Priests
9If a priest’s daughter defiles herself by prostituting herself, she profanes her father; she must be burned in the fire.
10The 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.
11He must not go near any dead body; he must not defile himself, even for his father or mother.
12He must not leave or desecrate the sanctuary of his God, for the consecration of the anointing oil of his God is on him. I am the LORD. 13The woman he marries must be a virgin.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 19:14 | This is the law when a person dies in a tent: Everyone who enters the tent and everyone already in the tent will be unclean for seven days, |
| 2 | Leviticus 21:1–2 | Then the LORD said to Moses, “Speak to Aaron’s sons, the priests, and tell them that a priest is not to defile himself for a dead person among his people, except for his immediate family—his mother, father, son, daughter, or brother, |
| 3 | Numbers 6:7 | Even if his father or mother or brother or sister should die, he is not to defile himself, because the crown of consecration to his God is upon his head. |
| 4 | Leviticus 19:28 | You must not make any cuts in your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD. |
| 5 | Matthew 12:46–50 | While Jesus was still speaking to the crowds, His mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to Him. Someone told Him, “Look, Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to You.” But Jesus replied, “Who is My mother, and who are My brothers?” Pointing to His disciples, He said, “Here are My mother and My brothers. For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.” |
| 6 | Luke 9:59–60 | Then He said to another man, “Follow Me.” The man replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” But Jesus told him, “Let the dead bury their own dead. You, however, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” |
| 7 | Matthew 8:21–22 | Another of His disciples requested, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” But Jesus told him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.” |
| 8 | Luke 14:26 | “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be My disciple. |
| 9 | 2 Corinthians 5:16 | So from now on we regard no one according to the flesh. Although we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 33:9 | He said of his father and mother, ‘I do not consider them.’ He disregarded his brothers and did not know his own sons, for he kept Your word and maintained Your covenant. |
Leviticus 21:11 Summary
[This verse is saying that the priests, who are special leaders in the church, need to be very careful about what they do and who they are around, so they can stay pure and close to God, just like it says in Psalm 15:1-5. They are not even allowed to go to funerals, not even for their own parents, because being around dead bodies would make them unclean. This is because, as leaders, they have a special role in representing God to the people, as seen in Hebrews 13:7. By staying pure, they can show God's love and holiness to everyone.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are priests in the Bible not allowed to go near dead bodies?
In Leviticus 21:11, priests are commanded not to go near any dead body to maintain their ceremonial purity, as they are representatives of God and must be set apart, similar to the commands in Numbers 19:11-22 and Ezekiel 44:25-27.
Does this verse mean that priests are not allowed to mourn the death of their parents?
While Leviticus 21:11 says a priest must not defile himself even for his father or mother, it's about maintaining ceremonial purity, not about showing love or respect for parents, as seen in Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16, which command honoring parents.
How does this apply to believers today?
Although this specific command is for Old Testament priests, the principle of being set apart for God and maintaining purity still applies to believers today, as seen in 1 Peter 1:15-16 and 2 Corinthians 7:1, where we are called to live holy lives.
What is the significance of ceremonial purity in the Bible?
Ceremonial purity, as seen in Leviticus 21:11, is important because it symbolizes the believer's separation from sin and dedication to God, as also taught in Romans 12:1-2 and 2 Timothy 2:21.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can maintain spiritual purity in my own life, and how can I prioritize my relationship with God?
- How can I balance the need to show respect and love for my family with the need to maintain my own spiritual purity and dedication to God?
- What are some potential 'dead bodies' or sources of spiritual defilement in my own life that I need to avoid, and how can I practically apply the principles of Leviticus 21:11?
- In what ways can I, like the priest in Leviticus 21:11, be a representative of God to those around me, and how can I live a life that honors Him?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 21:11
Neither shall he go in to any dead body,.... That is, into a tent or house where any dead body lies, as Jarchi and Aben Ezra interpret it, for whoever went into such a place was unclean seven days;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 21:11
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; He that is the high priest.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 21:11
Neither shall he go, to wit, into the chamber or house where they lie. This and divers other rites here prescribed were from hence translated by the heathens into their use, whose priests were put under the same obligations. Nor defile himself for his father; because upon his father’ s death he was actually high priest, having been consecrated to this office in his father’ s lifetime.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 21:11
Leviticus 21:11 Neither shall he go in to any dead body, nor defile himself for his father, or for his mother;Ver. 11. Nor defile himself.] But appear impassionate, as it were, and more than a man.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 21:11
(11) Neither shall he go in to any dead body.—Not only is he to abstain from the manifestation of sorrow for the troubles which befell the community, or those whom he loves, but in the case of death he is not to enter into a tent, house, or place where a human corpse was lying (Numbers 19:14), lest he should contract defilement. According to the administrators of the Law during the second Temple, the expression any dead body extends to any portion of it, so that when the pontiff entered a place where a certain quantity of the blood of the dead body was to be found, he became defiled. Accordingly, “any dead soul,” which is literally the meaning of the phrase here translated by “dead body,” denotes the blood which constitutes the soul or life. (See Leviticus 17:10-14.) Nor defile himself for his father . . . —Better, not for his father . . . shall he defile himself or, not even for his father, &c. As the rigorous enactment in the preceding clause constitutes already the difference between the high priest and the ordinary priest, this clause simply adduces an instance to illustrate it. Whilst the ordinary priest was not only permitted, but even obliged, to attend the funeral ceremonies of no less than seven of his relations (see Leviticus 21:2-3), the high priest was not even allowed to join in the obsequies of his parents. The only exception made in his case was when he found a human body in an isolated place. Under such circumstances he was not only permitted, but it was a meritorious act on his part, to bury it. (See Leviticus 21:1.)
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 21:11
11. for his father, or for his mother] i.e. not even in such cases, where filial affection would otherwise prescribe it.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 21:11
11. Neither… go in to any dead body — Literally, dead soul. The Hebrew nephesh is here used in the sense of the common expression, “dead person,” without meaning to say that the personality lies in the body.
Sermons on Leviticus 21:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Peoples Church, Toronto Pm by Richard Wurmbrand | In this video, the speaker shares about various ministries in the Hong Kong field that are supported by the audience. One of the ministries mentioned is the Tell Evangelism Ministr |
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The Beard, Its Historical and Biblical Significance by John Weaver | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the significance of unity among brethren. He urges the audience to judge righteous judgment, emphasizing the importance of looking beyond ou |
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Body Piercing - a Return to Paganism by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the importance of Christians being set apart and holy, contrasting the worldly trend of body modification with the biblical call to honor God with our bod |
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Guidelines for the Godly Man by Eli Brayley | Eli Brayley preaches on the calling of the man of God to live a life of full consecration, obedience, and service unto the Kingdom of God. The purpose of the man of God is to confo |
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The Amaturisation of Missions by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond addresses the concerning trend of the amateurization of missions, highlighting the influx of untrained, ill-equipped, and short-term 'missionaries' who often hinder r |
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Absalom by Jacob Prasch | This sermon emphasizes the importance of sharing the full gospel message, including the need for repentance and the reality of trials, not just the blessings and feel-good aspects. |
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Authority in the Scriptures - Part 2 by Colin Anderson | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on various passages from the Bible, highlighting the fulfillment of God's word through Jesus. The preacher emphasizes Jesus' obedience and sil |