Topical Encyclopedia The term "brokenfooted" appears in the context of the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Leviticus, where it is used to describe a physical condition that disqualifies a person from serving as a priest in the tabernacle or temple. This condition is part of a broader list of physical blemishes that are considered disqualifying for the priesthood.Biblical Reference: Leviticus 21:16-21 provides the primary reference for the term "brokenfooted." The passage states: "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Say to Aaron: None of your descendants throughout their generations who has a defect may approach to offer the food of his God. No man who has any defect may approach—no man who is blind, lame, disfigured, or deformed; no man who has a broken foot or hand, or who is a hunchback or dwarf, or who has an eye defect, a festering rash, scabs, or a crushed testicle. No descendant of Aaron the priest who has a defect shall approach to present the offerings made by fire to the LORD. He shall not approach to offer the food of his God.'" Theological Significance: In the Levitical law, physical perfection was required for those serving as priests, symbolizing the holiness and perfection of God. The priesthood was a sacred office, and those who served were to reflect the wholeness and purity of the divine. The requirement for priests to be without physical blemish, including being "brokenfooted," underscores the importance of holiness and the separation of the sacred from the profane. The condition of being "brokenfooted" is symbolic of imperfection and serves as a metaphor for spiritual wholeness. In the broader biblical narrative, physical imperfections often symbolize spiritual deficiencies or the fallen state of humanity. The exclusion of those with physical defects from priestly service highlights the need for spiritual purity and the ultimate restoration that comes through Christ. Christological Fulfillment: The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of the Old Testament priesthood in the person of Jesus Christ, who is described as the perfect High Priest. Hebrews 7:26 states, "Such a high priest truly befits us—One who is holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens." Jesus, being without blemish or defect, fulfills the requirements of the Levitical priesthood and offers a perfect sacrifice for sin. In Christ, the barriers that once separated individuals from serving God due to physical imperfections are removed. The New Covenant emphasizes spiritual wholeness and the inner transformation of believers, rather than external physical conditions. As such, the condition of being "brokenfooted" is transcended in the spiritual healing and restoration offered through faith in Jesus Christ. Practical Application: While the Levitical laws regarding physical defects are not applicable to the Christian priesthood of all believers, they serve as a reminder of the call to holiness and the pursuit of spiritual integrity. Believers are encouraged to present themselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1), reflecting the spiritual wholeness that comes through a relationship with Christ. The concept of being "brokenfooted" can also serve as a metaphor for the various ways individuals may feel inadequate or unworthy in their service to God. The grace of God, however, empowers believers to overcome these perceived deficiencies and to serve Him with a whole heart, relying on His strength and sufficiency. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BROKENFOOTEDbro'-k'-n-foot-ed (shebher reghel): In Leviticus 21:19, one of the blemishes which prevented a man of priestly descent from the execution of the priestly office. Library What Manner of Man Ought not to Come to Rule. Thesaurus Brokenfooted... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BROKENFOOTED. bro'-k'-n-foot-ed (shebher reghel): In Leviticus 21:19, one of the blemishes which ... /b/brokenfooted.htm - 6k Broken-footed (1 Occurrence) Broken (559 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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