Leviticus 21:23
Leviticus 21:23 in Multiple Translations
but because he has a defect, he must not go near the veil or approach the altar, so as not to desecrate My sanctuaries. For I am the LORD who sanctifies them.’”
Only he shall not go in unto the vail, nor come nigh unto the altar, because he hath a blemish; that he profane not my sanctuaries: for I the LORD do sanctify them.
only he shall not go in unto the veil, nor come nigh unto the altar, because he hath a blemish; that he profane not my sanctuaries: for I am Jehovah who sanctifieth them.
But he may not go inside the veil or come near the altar, because he is damaged; and he may not make my holy places common; for I the Lord have made them holy.
but because he has a defect, he is not allowed to go near the curtain or the altar, so that my sanctuary and everything in it are not made unclean, because I am the Lord who makes them holy.”
But he shall not goe in vnto the vaile, nor come neere the altar, because hee hath a blemish, least he pollute my Sanctuaries: for I am the Lord that sanctifie them.
only, unto the vail he doth not enter, and unto the altar he doth not draw nigh; for blemish [is] in him; and he doth not pollute My sanctuaries; for I [am] Jehovah, sanctifying them.'
He shall not come near to the veil, nor come near to the altar, because he has a defect; that he may not profane my sanctuaries, for I am the LORD who sanctifies them.’”
Only he shall not go in to the vail, nor come nigh to the altar, because he hath a blemish; that he may not profane my sanctuaries: for I the LORD do sanctify them.
Yet so that he enter not within the veil, nor approach to the altar, because he hath a blemish, and he must not defile my sanctuary. I am the Lord who sanctify them.
But because of their defects, they must not go near the curtain in the Sacred Tent or near the altar, because if they did that, they would desecrate my Sacred Tent. I am Yahweh, the one who sets those places apart as being holy.' ”
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 21:23
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 21:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַ֣ךְ
אֶל
הַ/פָּרֹ֜כֶת
לֹ֣א
יָבֹ֗א
וְ/אֶל
הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֛חַ
לֹ֥א
יִגַּ֖שׁ
כִּֽי
מ֣וּם
בּ֑/וֹ
וְ/לֹ֤א
יְחַלֵּל֙
אֶת
מִקְדָּשַׁ֔/י
כִּ֛י
אֲנִ֥י
יְהוָ֖ה
מְקַדְּשָֽׁ/ם
אַ֣ךְ
ʼak
H389
surely
DirObjM
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/פָּרֹ֜כֶת
pôreketh
H6532
curtain
Art | N-fs
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יָבֹ֗א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Conj | Prep
הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֛חַ
mizbêach
H4196
altar
Art | N-ms
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִגַּ֖שׁ
nâgash
H5066
to approach
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
מ֣וּם
mʼûwm
H3971
blemish
N-ms
בּ֑/וֹ
Prep | Suff
וְ/לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יְחַלֵּל֙
châlal
H2490
to bore
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מִקְדָּשַׁ֔/י
miqdâsh
H4720
sanctuary
N-mp | Suff
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֲנִ֥י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
מְקַדְּשָֽׁ/ם
qâdash
H6942
to consecrate
V-Piel | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 21:23
אַ֣ךְ
ʼak
H389
"surely"
DirObjM
This Hebrew word is used to emphasize something, like saying 'surely' or 'certainly'. It can also be used to limit or restrict something, like saying 'only' or 'but'.
Definition: 1) indeed, surely (emphatic) 2) howbeit, only, but, yet (restrictive)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: also, in any wise, at least, but, certainly, even, howbeit, nevertheless, notwithstanding, only, save, surely, of a surety, truly, verily, [phrase] wherefore, yet (but). See also: Genesis 7:23; 2 Kings 23:35; Psalms 23:6.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/פָּרֹ֜כֶת
pôreketh
H6532
"curtain"
Art | N-fs
This word refers to a curtain or veil, like a screen that separates one area from another. In the Bible, it is used to describe the veil in the Temple that separated the holy place from the most holy place.
Definition: curtain, veil
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: vail. See also: Exodus 26:31; Exodus 40:22; 2 Chronicles 3:14.
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.
יָבֹ֗א
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.
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֛חַ
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
Art | N-ms
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
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.
יִגַּ֖שׁ
nâgash
H5066
"to approach"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To approach or draw near, like Moses to the burning bush, and can also mean to worship or present an argument, as in Genesis 18:23.
Definition: : approach 1) to draw near, approach 1a) (Qal) to draw or come near 1a1) of humans 1a1a) of sexual intercourse 1a2) of inanimate subject 1a2a) to approach one another 1b) (Niphal) to draw near 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to approach, bring near, bring 1d) (Hophal) to be brought near 1e) (Hithpael) to draw near Also means: na.gash (נָגַשׁ ": bring" H5066H)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: (make to) approach (nigh), bring (forth, hither, near), (cause to) come (hither, near, nigh), give place, go hard (up), (be, draw, go) near (nigh), offer, overtake, present, put, stand. See also: Genesis 18:23; 1 Samuel 28:25; Psalms 91:7.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
מ֣וּם
mʼûwm
H3971
"blemish"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a flaw or imperfection, either physical or moral, like a stain on someone's character. It appears in books like Leviticus and Deuteronomy. The KJV translates it as 'blemish' or 'spot'.
Definition: 1) blemish, spot, defect 1a) of physical defect 1b) of moral stain
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: blemish, blot, spot. See also: Leviticus 21:17; Numbers 19:2; Proverbs 9:7.
בּ֑/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | 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.
יְחַלֵּל֙
châlal
H2490
"to bore"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to profane or begin, like starting something new or breaking a rule. It appears in the Bible when someone disrespects God or a person, like in Ezekiel 22:26. It can also mean to play music or start a project.
Definition: 1) to wound (fatally), bore through, pierce, bore 1a) (Qal) to pierce 1b) (Pual) to be slain 1c) (Poel) to wound, pierce 1d) (Poal) to be wounded
Usage: Occurs in 132 OT verses. KJV: begin ([idiom] men began), defile, [idiom] break, defile, [idiom] eat (as common things), [idiom] first, [idiom] gather the grape thereof, [idiom] take inheritance, pipe, player on instruments, pollute, (cast as) profane (self), prostitute, slay (slain), sorrow, stain, wound. See also: Genesis 4:26; Ezra 3:8; Psalms 55:21.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מִקְדָּשַׁ֔/י
miqdâsh
H4720
"sanctuary"
N-mp | Suff
A sanctuary or holy place, like a temple or palace, set apart for God or idols, a sacred space.
Definition: 1) sacred place, sanctuary, holy place 1a) sanctuary 1a1) of the temple 1a2) of the tabernacle 1a3) of Ezekiel's temple 1a4) of Jehovah
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: chapel, hallowed part, holy place, sanctuary. See also: Exodus 15:17; Lamentations 1:10; Psalms 68:36.
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אֲנִ֥י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
מְקַדְּשָֽׁ/ם
qâdash
H6942
"to consecrate"
V-Piel | Suff
To consecrate means to set something or someone apart as holy or sacred, like the priests in Exodus. This word is about making something clean or pure. It is used in the Bible to describe sacred rituals and moral purity.
Definition: : consecate/sanctify 1) to consecrate, sanctify, prepare, dedicate, be hallowed, be holy, be sanctified, be separate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be set apart, be consecrated 1a2) to be hallowed 1a3) consecrated, tabooed 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to show oneself sacred or majestic 1b2) to be honoured, be treated as sacred 1b3) to be holy 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to set apart as sacred, consecrate, dedicate 1c2) to observe as holy, keep sacred 1c3) to honour as sacred, hallow 1c4) to consecrate 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be consecrated 1d2) consecrated, dedicated 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to set apart, devote, consecrate 1e2) to regard or treat as sacred or hallow 1e3) to consecrate 1f) (Hithpael) 1f1) to keep oneself apart or separate 1f2) to cause Himself to be hallowed (of God) 1f3) to be observed as holy 1f4) to consecrate oneself
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: appoint, bid, consecrate, dedicate, defile, hallow, (be, keep) holy(-er, place), keep, prepare, proclaim, purify, sanctify(-ied one, self), [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 2:3; 2 Samuel 11:4; Isaiah 5:16.
Study Notes — Leviticus 21:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 21:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 21:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 21:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 21:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 21:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 21:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 21:23
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 21:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 21:23
- Sermons on Leviticus 21:23
Context — Restrictions against Those with Blemishes
21No 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.
22He may eat the most holy food of his God as well as the holy food,
23but because he has a defect, he must not go near the veil or approach the altar, so as not to desecrate My sanctuaries. For I am the LORD who sanctifies them.’”
24Moses told this to Aaron and his sons and to all the Israelites.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 21:12 | He 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. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 44:9–14 | This is what the Lord GOD says: No foreigner uncircumcised in heart and flesh may enter My sanctuary—not even a foreigner who lives among the Israelites. Surely the Levites who wandered away from Me when Israel went astray, and who wandered away from Me after their idols, will bear the consequences of their iniquity. Yet they shall be ministers in My sanctuary, having charge of the gates of the temple and ministering there. They shall slaughter the burnt offerings and other sacrifices for the people and stand before them to minister to them. Because they ministered before their idols and became a stumbling block of iniquity to the house of Israel, therefore I swore with an uplifted hand concerning them that they would bear the consequences of their iniquity, declares the Lord GOD. They must not approach Me to serve Me as priests or come near any of My holy things or the most holy things. They will bear the shame of the abominations they have committed. Yet I will appoint them to keep charge of all the work for the temple and everything to be done in it. |
| 3 | Exodus 30:6–8 | Place the altar in front of the veil that is before the ark of the Testimony —before the mercy seat that is over the Testimony—where I will meet with you. And Aaron is to burn fragrant incense on it every morning when he tends the lamps. When Aaron sets up the lamps at twilight, he must burn the incense perpetually before the LORD for the generations to come. |
| 4 | Exodus 40:26–27 | Moses placed the gold altar in the Tent of Meeting, in front of the veil, and he burned fragrant incense on it, just as the LORD had commanded him. |
| 5 | Leviticus 15:31 | You must keep the children of Israel separate from their uncleanness, so that they do not die by defiling My tabernacle, which is among them. |
Leviticus 21:23 Summary
In Leviticus 21:23, God says that priests with physical defects cannot approach the altar or veil because it would desecrate His sanctuaries. This means that God wants His worship to be pure and perfect, just like He is (as seen in Psalm 93:5). He wants us to come before Him with reverence and respect, recognizing His holiness and perfection. By restricting priests with defects, God is emphasizing the importance of purity and wholeness in our relationship with Him, as taught in Exodus 28:2-5 and Leviticus 11:44-45.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does God restrict priests with defects from approaching the altar in Leviticus 21:23?
God restricts priests with defects from approaching the altar because He wants to maintain the sanctity and purity of worship, as seen in Leviticus 21:23, and to emphasize the importance of wholeness and perfection in representing God to the people, as taught in Exodus 28:2-5.
What kind of defects are being referred to in this verse?
The defects being referred to in Leviticus 21:23 are physical defects, such as blindness, lameness, or disfigurement, which would have made the priest unfit to perform his duties, as mentioned in Leviticus 21:18-20.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's holiness?
This verse highlights God's holiness and His desire to be worshiped in a way that reflects His perfection and purity, as stated in Leviticus 11:44-45 and Isaiah 6:1-5.
What does this verse teach us about God's character?
This verse teaches us that God is a God of order, purity, and holiness, who desires to be worshiped in a way that honors His character, as seen in Leviticus 21:23 and Psalm 93:5.
Reflection Questions
- How does this verse challenge my understanding of God's holiness and my approach to worship?
- In what ways can I, like the priests, ensure that my worship and service to God are pure and undefiled?
- How does the concept of physical defects in this verse relate to the spiritual defects that I may have, and how can I seek God's purification and restoration?
- What are some ways that I can honor God's desire for purity and perfection in my own life and worship?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 21:23
Only he shall not go in unto the vail,.... So far as to the vail, which divided between the holy and the holy of holies; that is, he shall not go into the holy place which was before the vail; not to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 21:23
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Any blemish. Since visible things exert a strong influence on the minds of men, any physical infirmity or malformation of body in the ministers of religion,
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 21:23
In unto the veil i.e. to the second veil, which was between the holy and the most holy place, ,36, to burn incense, to order the shew-bread, and to dress the lamps, which were nigh unto that veil, though without. Nor come nigh unto the altar, i.e. the altar of burnt-offering, which was without the sanctuary. The sense is, He shall not execute the priest’ s office, which was to be done in those two places. My sanctuary, Heb. my sanctuaries, in the plural number, as it is also ; for though the sanctuary was but one, yet there were divers parts, to wit, the court, the holy place, and the most holy, each of which was in a large sense a sanctuary, or a holy place set apart for God’ s worship. I the Lord do sanctify them, i.e. do set them apart for high and holy uses, to manifest my presence and grace, and to receive my worship and service in them. And therefore I will not have them polluted or disparaged by the admission of defiled or deformed priests to minister therein.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 21:23
Leviticus 21:23 Only he shall not go in unto the vail, nor come nigh unto the altar, because he hath a blemish; that he profane not my sanctuaries: for I the LORD do sanctify them.Ver. 23. For I the Lord do sanctify them.] By my presence, and services there performed.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 21:23
(23) Only he shall not go in unto the vail.—That is, into the holy place which was before the vail.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 21:23
Verse 23. He shall not go in unto the veil] The priest with a blemish was not permitted to enter into the holy of holies, nor to burn incense, nor to offer the shew-bread, nor to light the golden candlestick, c. In short, he was not permitted to perform any essential function of the priesthood. 1. THE great perfection required in the Jewish high priest was intended principally to point out the perfection of that priesthood of which the Jewish was only the type. And yet, as the apostle assures us, that law made nothing perfect, but pointed out that most perfect priesthood and sacrifice by which we draw near to God. 2. As none who had a blemish could enter into the holy of holies, and this holy of holies was a type of the kingdom of God, so nothing that is defiled can enter into heaven for he gave himself for his Church that he might purify it to himself, and present it at last before the presence of the Divine glory having neither spot nor wrinkle, nor any such thing, Ephesians 5:27; a passage which evidently refers to the directions in the preceding verse. Reader, art thou become a king and priest unto God and the Lamb? and hast thou obtained, or art thou earnestly seeking, that holiness without which thou canst not see the kingdom of heaven?
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 21:23
23. my sanctuaries] The plural may have reference to the sacred building and its surroundings, as in Jeremiah 51:51.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 21:23
FOR THE , Leviticus 21:17-24.The arduous labours demanded of the priests required that they should be able-bodied men.
Sermons on Leviticus 21:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
God's Work in the Darkness by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that entertainment is a substitute for true joy and that the glory of God needs to be restored. He mentions the importance of being anointed |
|
Twenty-Seventh Day: "Thou Anointest My Head With oil." by J. Wilbur Chapman | J. Wilbur Chapman preaches on the significance of anointing the head with oil, symbolizing the work of the Holy Spirit in preparing us to come before God. Just as the high priest w |
|
The Ministry of the Church by R. Edward Miller | In this sermon, the pastor shares a story about a new pastor who constantly hears comparisons to the previous pastor's sermons and services. One day, the new pastor visits a young |
|
Can Two Walk Together? by James Macginlay | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prayer and dismisses the idea of fake religions that rely on visions, dreams, and hallucinations. He encourages the congre |
|
The Incense Altar by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches about the significance of the Golden Altar in the Tabernacle, symbolizing the Incense of the courts above and pointing to Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice and int |
|
God's Handbook on Holiness - Part 1 by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the writing and purpose of the book of Leviticus in the Bible. He emphasizes that the book was inspired by God and written by Moses. The speak |