Leviticus 21:10 Meaning and Explanation
“And he that is the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil was poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not uncover his head, nor rend his clothes;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The high priest faces stricter restrictions on mourning than ordinary priests.
The Context of Leviticus 21:10
The high priest's restrictions are introduced, showing he must observe even stricter standards.
What Does Leviticus 21:10 Mean?
The high priest held the supreme position in Israel's priestly system, anointed with oil and consecrated to wear the special priestly garments. Unlike ordinary priests who could perform mourning for immediate family, the high priest had almost no such permission. Uncovering the head and rending clothes were standard mourning gestures; the prohibition meant he could not display grief publicly even at significant losses.
This extreme restriction reflects the high priest's unique role as the mediator between God and Israel, especially on Yom Kippur when he alone entered the Holy of Holies. His consecration was total and his separation from ordinary life complete. The burden was immense—he could not show grief in human ways—but it underscored that his primary relationship was with God, not with family ties.
Leviticus 21:10 in the Original Language
galach (גָּלַח), 'uncover his head' — to shave or make bald, a mourning practice explicitly forbidden to the high priest.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 21:10
What does Leviticus 21:10 mean?
The high priest faces stricter restrictions on mourning than ordinary priests.
What is the context of Leviticus 21:10?
The high priest's restrictions are introduced, showing he must observe even stricter standards.