Leviticus 22:9 Meaning and Explanation
“They shall therefore keep mine ordinance, lest they bear sin for it, and die therefore, if they profane it: I the LORD do sanctify them.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Priests must obey these laws to avoid sin, death, and profaning the holy; God alone makes them holy.
The Context of Leviticus 22:9
Obedience to these laws preserves the priest's sanctified status; violation brings sin and death.
What Does Leviticus 22:9 Mean?
The consequence of ignoring these ordinances is grave: bearing sin and death. This is not arbitrary punishment but the natural result of profaning the holy in God's presence. A priest who violates these laws takes sin upon himself and his household—a serious matter given his role in the community.
The final phrase—'I the LORD do sanctify them'—is crucial. God is the source of the priests' holiness. They are not inherently holy but are made holy by God's choice and action. This grace carries responsibility: they must honor what God has made them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 22:9
What does Leviticus 22:9 mean?
Priests must obey these laws to avoid sin, death, and profaning the holy; God alone makes them holy.
What is the context of Leviticus 22:9?
Obedience to these laws preserves the priest's sanctified status; violation brings sin and death.