Leviticus 21:6 Meaning and Explanation
“They shall be holy unto their God, and not profane the name of their God: for the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and the bread of their God, they do offer: therefore they shall be holy.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Holiness is the defining requirement for priests who handle sacred offerings.
The Context of Leviticus 21:6
The fundamental principle underlying all priestly restrictions.
What Does Leviticus 21:6 Mean?
Priests occupied an extraordinary role: they offered the sacrifices and tended the sacred meal in the sanctuary. Because they handled things dedicated to God, their own persons had to be set apart. 'Holy' did not mean morally perfect but ritually pure—physically and spiritually separated for God's use, reflecting His own transcendence and apartness.
The verse connects behavior to the function: priests must be holy because they manage the offerings made by fire and the bread (showbread). Their sanctity protected the integrity of worship. Profaning the name of God meant causing His reputation to suffer through priestly misconduct or ritual impurity, making holiness not just a personal virtue but a public witness.
Leviticus 21:6 in the Original Language
qodesh (קֹדֶשׁ), 'holy' — set apart, consecrated, or separated for divine use; the state of being suitable for sacred service.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 21:6
What does Leviticus 21:6 mean?
Holiness is the defining requirement for priests who handle sacred offerings.
What is the context of Leviticus 21:6?
The fundamental principle underlying all priestly restrictions.