Leviticus 21:8 Meaning and Explanation
“Thou shalt sanctify him therefore; for he offereth the bread of thy God: he shall be holy unto thee: for I the LORD, which sanctify you, am holy.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God Himself sanctifies priests, and the people must respect and honor them accordingly.
The Context of Leviticus 21:8
God commands the people to honor and support the priest's sanctified status.
What Does Leviticus 21:8 Mean?
This verse shifts perspective: God is speaking to the people about how to treat priests. The community's responsibility is to recognize that a priest's holiness comes from God, not from his own effort alone. The phrase 'for I the LORD, which sanctify you' makes clear that God's sanctification is the source of all Israel's separation from surrounding nations, with priests as the apex of that distinction.
The command to 'sanctify him' means to treat him with respect, support his restrictions, and acknowledge his special status. God's own holiness sets the standard—He is separate, transcendent, and absolutely set apart. As priests represent Him, they must be visibly and carefully separated too. This was not arrogance but a structural requirement for a people in covenant with a holy God.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 21:8
What does Leviticus 21:8 mean?
God Himself sanctifies priests, and the people must respect and honor them accordingly.
What is the context of Leviticus 21:8?
God commands the people to honor and support the priest's sanctified status.