Leviticus 21:2 Meaning and Explanation
“But for his kin, that is near unto him, that is, for his mother, and for his father, and for his son, and for his daughter, and for his brother,”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Exceptions allow priests to mourn immediate family members.
The Context of Leviticus 21:2
The beginning of specific exceptions to the death-contact prohibition.
What Does Leviticus 21:2 Mean?
This verse creates mercy within the holiness framework. A priest could become impure by contact with the dead bodies of his closest relatives—mother, father, son, daughter, or brother. Family bonds held sacred weight in Israel's culture, and the law recognizes that complete prohibition would be inhumanely rigid.
The list emphasizes the nearest blood relations—those living in the priest's household or with strongest claims on his loyalty. These exceptions prevent the purity laws from destroying human relationship and filial duty. Even in a system demanding separation from death, the law acknowledges what makes life worth living.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 21:2
What does Leviticus 21:2 mean?
Exceptions allow priests to mourn immediate family members.
What is the context of Leviticus 21:2?
The beginning of specific exceptions to the death-contact prohibition.