Leviticus 21:15 Meaning and Explanation
“Neither shall he profane his seed among his people: for I the LORD do sanctify him.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The high priest must preserve the purity of his descendants through careful marriage, as God has sanctified his line.
The Context of Leviticus 21:15
The broader consequences of the high priest's marriage choice are clarified.
What Does Leviticus 21:15 Mean?
The word 'seed' refers to his offspring, his heirs, and the continuation of the priestly line. To profane his seed would mean compromising the purity of his children through an unsuitable marriage—a choice that would taint their eligibility for priesthood and their standing in Israel. God's sanctification of the high priest extended to his descendants, making their status inseparable from the choices he made.
This verse reaffirms that the high priest's holiness was not personal but official and inherited. His restrictions were not arbitrary rules imposed on an individual but structural requirements for maintaining a line that stood between God and Israel. His marriage was a public, covenant act, not a private decision, and choosing wrongly would affect generations of mediators between heaven and earth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 21:15
What does Leviticus 21:15 mean?
The high priest must preserve the purity of his descendants through careful marriage, as God has sanctified his line.
What is the context of Leviticus 21:15?
The broader consequences of the high priest's marriage choice are clarified.