or who is a hunchback or dwarf, or who has an eye defect, a festering rash, scabs, or a crushed testicle. hunchbackThe Hebrew word used here is "גִּבֵּן" (gibben), which refers to someone with a physical deformity, specifically a curvature of the spine. In the ancient Near Eastern context, physical wholeness was often seen as a reflection of spiritual and ritual purity. The priesthood, as representatives of God’s holiness, were required to be without physical blemish, symbolizing the perfection and holiness of God. This requirement underscores the importance of presenting oneself wholly before God, emphasizing the spiritual truth that God desires our complete devotion and purity. dwarf
The term "דַּק" (daq) in Hebrew refers to someone of small stature. In the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel, physical stature was often associated with strength and capability. The exclusion of those with physical limitations from priestly service was not a reflection of their worth in God’s eyes but rather a symbolic representation of the need for spiritual completeness and the ideal of perfection in service to God. This highlights the call for believers to strive for spiritual maturity and growth in their walk with God. eye defect
The phrase "מְרוּחַ עַיִן" (meruach ayin) refers to any imperfection or blemish in the eye. In biblical symbolism, the eye often represents perception and insight. A defect in the eye could symbolize a lack of spiritual vision or clarity. This requirement for priests to have perfect vision serves as a metaphor for the need for spiritual leaders to have clear insight and understanding of God’s will and His Word, guiding others with wisdom and discernment. festering rash
The Hebrew word "גָּרָב" (garab) indicates a skin disease or eruption. Skin conditions in the ancient world were often seen as outward manifestations of inner impurity. The exclusion of those with such conditions from priestly duties underscores the importance of inner purity and cleanliness before God. It serves as a reminder of the need for spiritual cleansing and the transformative power of God’s grace to heal and purify our hearts. scabs
The term "יַלֶּפֶת" (yallephet) refers to scabs or sores. In the Levitical law, physical blemishes were symbolic of spiritual imperfections. The presence of scabs could represent unresolved sin or spiritual wounds that need healing. This highlights the necessity for believers to seek God’s healing and forgiveness, allowing Him to restore and renew us so that we can serve Him wholeheartedly. crushed testicle
The phrase "מְרוֹחַ אָשֶׁךְ" (meruach ashekh) refers to a physical injury affecting one’s reproductive ability. In the biblical context, fertility and the ability to produce offspring were highly valued. This requirement for priests symbolizes the need for spiritual fruitfulness and vitality in service to God. It serves as a call for believers to be spiritually productive, bearing fruit in their lives through the power of the Holy Spirit and the work of God’s kingdom. Persons / Places / Events 1. PriestsThe primary focus of Leviticus 21 is on the qualifications and conduct of the priests in Israel. This chapter outlines the physical and moral standards required for those serving in the priestly office. 2. TabernacleThe place where the priests served, representing the presence of God among His people. The tabernacle was a holy place, and those serving there were required to meet specific standards of holiness and purity. 3. MosesThe author of Leviticus, who received the laws from God and communicated them to the Israelites. Moses served as the mediator between God and the people. Teaching Points Holiness in ServiceGod requires those who serve Him to be set apart and holy. While physical defects disqualified priests in the Old Testament, today, God calls us to spiritual purity and integrity in our service. Symbolism of PerfectionThe physical requirements for priests symbolize the perfection and holiness of God. They point to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the perfect High Priest. Inclusivity in ChristWhile the Old Testament law had strict physical requirements, the New Testament reveals that in Christ, all are included regardless of physical condition. Our worthiness comes from Christ's righteousness, not our physical attributes. Spiritual WholenessJust as physical wholeness was required for Old Testament priests, spiritual wholeness is essential for believers today. We are called to pursue spiritual health and maturity in our walk with God. Bible Study Questions 1. How do the physical requirements for priests in Leviticus 21:20 reflect the holiness of God, and how can we apply this principle to our lives today? 2. In what ways does the priesthood of Jesus Christ, as described in Hebrews 7, fulfill and transcend the requirements of the Levitical priesthood? 3. How does 1 Peter 2:9 challenge us to live as a "royal priesthood" in our daily lives, and what practical steps can we take to embody this calling? 4. Considering the inclusivity of the Gospel, how can we ensure that our churches and communities reflect the acceptance and love of Christ for all people, regardless of physical or social status? 5. What areas of spiritual "defect" or immaturity might God be calling you to address, and how can you seek His help in becoming spiritually whole and mature? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 28This chapter describes the garments and consecration of the priests, emphasizing the importance of holiness and purity in those who serve before God. Hebrews 7This New Testament passage discusses the priesthood of Jesus Christ, who is without defect and serves as our perfect High Priest. 1 Peter 2:9This verse speaks to the priesthood of all believers, calling Christians to live holy lives as a royal priesthood. People Aaron, Israelites, MosesPlaces TemanTopics Bent, Blemish, Broken, Broken-testicled, Crookbacked, Crook-backed, Crooked-backed, Crushed, Damaged, Defect, Disease, Diseased, Dwarf, Dwarfed, Eczema, Eye, Festering, Hump-backed, Hunchback, Hunchbacked, Itch, Itching, Members, Mixture, Overspread, Peculiar, Running, Scabbed, Scabs, Scurvy, Sex, Sight, Skin, Sores, Spot, Stones, Testicles, Unnaturally, WitheredDictionary of Bible Themes Leviticus 21:10-23 1065 God, holiness of Leviticus 21:16-23 5296 disabilities Leviticus 21:17-22 7768 priests, OT function Leviticus 21:17-23 6118 blemish Library What Manner of Man Ought not to Come to Rule.
Wherefore let every one measure himself wisely, lest he venture to assume a place of rule, while in himself vice still reigns unto condemnation; lest one whom his own guilt depraves desire to become an intercessor for the faults of others. For on this account it is said to Moses by the supernal voice, Speak unto Aaron; Whosoever he be of thy seed throughout their generations that hath a blemish, he shall not offer loaves of bread to the Lord his God (Lev. xxi. 17). And it is also immediately subjoined; …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the GreatThirtieth Day. The Unction from the Holy One.
And ye have an anointing from the Holy One, and ye know all things. And as for you, the anointing which ye received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any one teach you; but as His anointing teacheth you concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie, and even as it taught you, ye abide in Him.'--1 John ii. 20, 27. In the revelation by Moses of God's Holiness and His way of making holy, the priests, and specially the high priests, were the chief expression of God's Holiness in man. …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ Brief Directions How to Read the Holy Scriptures once Every Year Over, with Ease, Profit, and Reverence.
But forasmuch, that as faith is the soul, so reading and meditating on the word of God, are the parent's of prayer, therefore, before thou prayest in the morning, first read a chapter in the word of God; then meditate awhile with thyself, how many excellent things thou canst remember out of it. As--First, what good counsels or exhortations to good works and to holy life. Secondly, what threatenings of judgments against such and such a sin; and what fearful examples of God's punishment or vengeance …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament The Monks.
In the story of St. Athanasius, monks have been more than once mentioned, and it is now time to give some account of these people and of their ways. The word "monk" properly means one who leads a "lonely" life; and the name was given to persons who professed to withdraw from the world and its business that they might give themselves up to serve God in religious thoughts and exercises. Among the Jews there had been whole classes of people who practised this sort of retirement: some, called "Essenes", …
J. C. Roberston—Sketches of Church History, from AD 33 to the Reformation Sanctification
'For this is the will of God, even your sanctification.' I Thess 4:4. The word sanctification signifies to consecrate and set apart to a holy use: thus they are sanctified persons who are separated from the world, and set apart for God's service. Sanctification has a privative and a positive part. I. A privative part, which lies in the purging out of sin. Sin is compared to leaven, which sours; and to leprosy, which defiles. Sanctification purges out the old leaven.' I Cor 5:5. Though it takes not …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Thirtieth Lesson. An Holy Priesthood;'
An holy priesthood;' Or, The Ministry of Intercession. An holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.'--I Peter ii. 5. Ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord.'--Isaiah lxi. 6. THE Spirit of the Lord God is upon me: because the Lord hath anointed me.' These are the words of Jesus in Isaiah. As the fruit of His work all redeemed ones are priests, fellow-partakers with Him of His anointing with the Spirit as High Priest. Like the precious ointment upon …
Andrew Murray—With Christ in the School of Prayer Eleventh Day. The Holy one of Israel.
I am the Lord that brought you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God; ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy. I the Lord which make you holy, am holy.'--Lev. xi. 45, xxi. 8. 'I am the Lord Thy God, the Holy One of Israel, Thy Saviour. Thus saith the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King.'--Isa. xliii. 3, 14, 15. In the book of Exodus we found God making provision for the Holiness of His people. In the holy …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Leviticus 21:20 NIVLeviticus 21:20 NLTLeviticus 21:20 ESVLeviticus 21:20 NASBLeviticus 21:20 KJV
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