Leviticus 22:9

9 'They shall therefore keep 1My charge, so that 2they will not bear sin because of it and die thereby because they profane it; I am the LORD who sanctifies them.

Leviticus 22:9 Meaning and Commentary

Leviticus 22:9

They shall therefore keep mine ordinance
The observance of my word, as the Targums of Onkelos and Jonathan, of his word of command; either respecting the not eating of such creatures that died of themselves, or were torn by beasts; or else the not eating holy things in uncleanness, so Jarchi and Gersom; but Aben Ezra thinks the sanctuary is referred to, which was to be kept by the priests, and which seems to agree with what follows: lest they bear sin for it:
the sanctuary, by neglecting it, and so be charged with the guilt of sin, and be obliged to bear the punishment of it: and die therefore if they profane it;
by going into it in their uncleanness, and eating of the most holy things there when in such circumstances, and die by the hand of God, as Jarchi and Ben Gersom interpret it, as Nadab and Abihu did, and even in like manner, by fire, ( Leviticus 10:1 Leviticus 10:2 ) ; and so the Targum of Jonathan,

``lest they die by flaming fire:''
I the Lord do sanctify them;
the priests, who were separated from others, and devoted to his service, and therefore ought to be holy; or the holy things separated for the use of the priests, but not to be eaten in their uncleanness; the Arabic version renders it, "do sanctify that", the sanctuary, and therefore it should not be profaned, but be kept pure and holy.

Leviticus 22:9 In-Context

7 'But when the sun sets, he will be clean, and afterward he shall eat of the holy gifts, for it is his food.
8 'He shall not eat an animal which dies or is torn by beasts, becoming unclean by it; I am the LORD .
9 'They shall therefore keep My charge, so that they will not bear sin because of it and die thereby because they profane it; I am the LORD who sanctifies them.
10 'No layman, however, is to eat the holy gift; a sojourner with the priest or a hired man shall not eat of the holy gift.
11 'But if a priest buys a slave as his property with his money, that one may eat of it, and those who are born in his house may eat of his food.

Cross References 2

  • 1. Leviticus 18:30
  • 2. Exodus 28:43; Leviticus 22:16; Numbers 18:22
New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, California.  All rights reserved.