Leviticus 21:19 Meaning and Explanation
“Or a man that is brokenfooted, or brokenhanded,”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Priests with broken or maimed feet or hands are barred from altar service.
The Context of Leviticus 21:19
Additional examples of disqualifying injuries are given.
What Does Leviticus 21:19 Mean?
A broken foot or hand represented visible damage and impairment. More importantly, it prevented full physical capability—the priest needed both feet for precise movement around the altar and both hands for handling the offerings. Unlike modern accommodations, the ancient system had no alternative methods and understood priestly service as requiring complete physical mobility.
These conditions carried added symbolic weight. Wholeness was not just functional but theological—the priest's body had to reflect the completeness and perfection demanded at the altar. A broken limb, even if healed, left a visible scar, reminding observers of the fracture and making it unacceptable for the most sacred ritual acts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 21:19
What does Leviticus 21:19 mean?
Priests with broken or maimed feet or hands are barred from altar service.
What is the context of Leviticus 21:19?
Additional examples of disqualifying injuries are given.