Leviticus 21:1-15

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Leviticus 21:1-9

It was before appointed that the priests should teach the people the statutes God had given concerning the difference between clean and unclean, Lev. 10:10, 11. Now here it is provided that they should themselves observe what they were to teach the people. Note, Those whose office it is to instruct must do it by example as well as precept, 1 Tim. 4:12. The priests were to draw nearer to God than any of the people, and to be more intimately conversant with sacred things, and therefore it was... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Leviticus 21:10-15

More was expected from a priest than from other people, but more from the high priest than from other priests, because upon his head the anointing oil was poured, and he was consecrated to put on the garments (Lev. 21:10), both which were typical of the anointing and adorning of the Lord Jesus, with all the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit, which he received without measure. It is called the crown of the anointing oil of his God (Lev. 21:12); for the anointing of the Spirit is, to all that... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Leviticus 21:1

And the Lord said unto Moses ,.... According to some Jewish writers this was said on the day the tabernacle was set up; no doubt it was delivered at the same time the above laws were given; and as care was taken for the purity and holiness of the Israelites in general, it was necessary that the priests that were concerned in a more especial manner in the service and worship of God should be holy also, and have some instructions given them to take care and keep themselves from all... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Leviticus 21:2

But for his kin that is near unto him ,.... For such he might be defiled and mourn, or be where they were, and take care of, and attend their funerals: this clause some take to be general, of which the particulars follow, as Aben Ezra; but others take it to be the first particular excepted, and instanced in, and intends his wife; for it may be rendered, as by some, "for his flesh", or "the rest of him" F16 לשארו "carne sua", Pagninus, Montanus. , the other part of himself, his wife,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Leviticus 21:3

And for his sister a virgin, that is nigh unto him ,.... That is, his sister by both father's and mother's side, as Aben Ezra; though, according to Gersom, his sister by his father's side, and not by his mother's side, is meant; but, according to Alphes, by his mother's side: perhaps this may signify not nearness of kin, which is expressed by being his sister, but nearness of place, for, being unmarried, she remained unto her death in her father's house: which hath had no husband ;... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Leviticus 21:4

But he shall not defile himself, being a chief man among his people ,.... Which is not to be understood of any lord or nobleman or any chief ruler or governor of the people; for the context speaks only of priests, and not of other personages; besides, such might defile themselves, or mourn for their dead, as Abraham did for Sarah; nor of any husband for his wife, for even a priest, as has been observed, might do this for his wife, and much more a private person; nor is there any need to... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Leviticus 21:5

They shall not make baldness upon their head ,.... For the dead, as Jarchi, Aben Ezra, and Ben Gersom; not shave their heads, or round the corners of them, or make baldness between their eyes on that account; as those things were forbid the Israelites, so the priests also; this and what follow being superstitious customs used among the Heathens in their mournings for the dead, particularly by the Chaldeans, as Aben Ezra observes; and so by the Grecians; when Hephestion, one of Alexander's... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Leviticus 21:6

They shall be holy unto their God ,.... Sacred to his service, and wholly given up to it, and not interest themselves in things which hindered from it, or made them unfit for it; and such care becomes the ministers of the word, who should give up themselves to it, and not entangle themselves with other affairs; they should be clean, pure, and holy, that bear the vessels of the Lord, and minister in holy things, and should set an example of purity and holiness to others: and not profane... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Leviticus 21:7

They shall not take a wife that is a whore, or profane ,.... By the former is meant a common whore, that prostitutes herself to any one through lust or for gain; and by the latter one whose chastity is violated, but either unwillingly, that has been forced and ravished, or else willingly, being enticed, persuaded, and prevailed upon, but did not make a practice of it; this seems to be the true sense of the words: but the Jewish writers understand them differently; by a "whore" they suppose... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Leviticus 21:8

Thou shalt sanctify him therefore ,.... In thought and word, as Aben Ezra, by thinking and speaking well of him; should esteem and reckon him a holy person, being in a sacred office, and honour him as such; and do all that can be done to preserve him from unholiness and impurity, and particularly from marrying with improper and unsuitable persons, such as would bring a scandal on him and his sacred office: this seems to be spoken to Moses, and so to the civil magistrate in succession, who... read more

Group of Brands