Leviticus 21:1 Meaning and Explanation
“And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto the priests the sons of Aaron, and say unto them, There shall none be defiled for the dead among his people:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Priests are forbidden to become ritually unclean by contact with the dead.
The Context of Leviticus 21:1
God instructs Moses about ritual purity standards that priests must maintain.
What Does Leviticus 21:1 Mean?
In ancient Israel, contact with a corpse created ritual impurity that required purification. Priests held special status as intermediaries between God and the people, requiring them to maintain a higher standard of holiness. This restriction protected the sanctuary from contamination and upheld the priest's role as a keeper of sacred space.
The prohibition applies to laypeople too, but priests face stricter enforcement. As the primary ministers at the altar, priests must be available for service without the weeks-long purification process that ordinary Israelites underwent after such contact. This reflects God's demand that those who serve in holy places maintain constant readiness.
Leviticus 21:1 in the Original Language
tame (טָמֵא), 'defiled' — to become ritually unclean, rendering one temporarily unsuitable for sacred service.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 21:1
What does Leviticus 21:1 mean?
Priests are forbidden to become ritually unclean by contact with the dead.
What is the context of Leviticus 21:1?
God instructs Moses about ritual purity standards that priests must maintain.