Leviticus 21:5 Meaning and Explanation
“They shall not make baldness upon their head, neither shall they shave off the corner of their beard, nor make any cuttings in their flesh.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Priests are forbidden from self-mutilation and grooming practices associated with foreign mourning rites.
The Context of Leviticus 21:5
Mourning practices forbidden to priests are outlined.
What Does Leviticus 21:5 Mean?
Mourning practices in surrounding cultures often involved dramatic bodily modification—shaving the head, cutting the beard, and cutting the flesh. Israel was explicitly told not to adopt these customs, which were tied to fertility religions and the worship of foreign gods. The prohibition set Israel apart and affirmed that grief expressed through self-harm conflicted with faith in God's power.
These rules protected priestly dignity and aligned with Israel's covenant identity. A priest entering the sanctuary with signs of pagan mourning would carry spiritual contradiction into the holy place. By forbidding these visible markings, the law ensured priests maintained their identity as representatives of Israel's God, not as practitioners of foreign religious customs.
Leviticus 21:5 in the Original Language
qorchah (קָרְחָה), 'baldness' — shaving the head as a mourning or idolatrous practice, explicitly tied to forbidden religious customs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 21:5
What does Leviticus 21:5 mean?
Priests are forbidden from self-mutilation and grooming practices associated with foreign mourning rites.
What is the context of Leviticus 21:5?
Mourning practices forbidden to priests are outlined.