Leviticus 21:10-12

10 “ ‘The high priest, the one among his brothers who has had the anointing oil poured on his head and who has been ordained to wear the priestly garments, must not let his hair become unkempt[a] or tear his clothes.
11 He must not enter a place where there is a dead body. He must not make himself unclean, even for his father or mother,
12 nor leave the sanctuary of his God or desecrate it, because he has been dedicated by the anointing oil of his God. I am the LORD.

Leviticus 21:10-12 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO LEVITICUS 21

This chapter respects the priests, the sons of Aaron, and forbids their mourning for the dead, unless in some cases, Le 21:1-6; or their marriage with an whore or a divorced woman, Le 21:7,8; and the daughters of any of them to commit fornication, which is made punishable with death, Le 21:9; and it contains particular laws for the high priest to observe, who was not to mourn for any, even for his parents, Le 21:10,11; nor to go out of the sanctuary, Le 21:12; nor to marry any woman but a virgin, Le 21:13-15; and it also directs, that none of the priests having any blemish in them should be employed in divine service, though they might eat of the holy things, Le 21:16-24.

Cross References 8

  • 1. S Exodus 29:7
  • 2. S Lev 8:7-9,13; S Leviticus 16:4; Leviticus 16:32
  • 3. S Leviticus 10:6
  • 4. Numbers 5:2; Numbers 6:6; Numbers 9:6; Numbers 19:11,13,14; Numbers 31:19
  • 5. Leviticus 19:28
  • 6. ver 2
  • 7. S Exodus 25:8
  • 8. S Exodus 28:41; Exodus 29:6-7; Leviticus 10:7

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Or "not uncover his head"
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