Leviticus 21:1-4,Leviticus 21:11-12

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

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

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Leviticus 21:1

There shall none be defiled for the dead - No priest shall assist in laying out a dead body, or preparing it for interment. Any contact with the dead was supposed to be of a defiling nature, probably because putrefaction had then taken place; and animal putrefaction was ever held in detestation by all men. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Leviticus 21:4

A chief man among his people - The word בעל baal signifies a master, chief, husband, etc., and is as variously translated here. He being a chief among the people, it would be improper to see him in such a state of humiliation as mourning for the dead necessarily implies. 2. Though a husband he shall not defile himself even for the death of a wife, because the anointing of his God is upon him. But the first sense appears to be the best. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Leviticus 21:1

Verse 1 1.Speak unto the priests. All these things which follow tend to the same end, i.e., that the priests may differ from the rest of the people by notable marks, as if separated from ordinary men; for special purity became those who represented the person of Christ. It seems, indeed, as if God here gave precepts respecting small and unimportant things; but we have elsewhere said that the legal rites were as it were steps by which the Israelites might ascend to the study of true holiness.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Leviticus 21:1-6

The first paragraph refers to ceremonial uncleanness derived to the priest from his family relations. The priest may not take part in any funeral rites, the effect of which was legal defilement, except in the case of the death of his father, mother, son, daughter, brother, and unmarried sister. These are all that appear to be mentioned. But what, then, are we to understand regarding his wife? Was the priest allowed to lake part in mourning ceremonies for her or not? It is thought by some that... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Leviticus 21:1-15

Distinctions and degrees in obligation. In the kingdom of God there is, as a rule, but one law for all subjects. What applies to one applies to another. The same principles of righteousness are obligatory on both sexes, on all classes, conditions, nations, generations of men. This is importantly true; but it is a truth subject to certain not unimportant qualifications. Of this latter we have— I. ILLUSTRATIONS IS THE MOSAIC LAW . 1 . Respecting ceremonial defilement... read more

Leviticus 21:1-4,leviticus 21:11-12

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

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

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

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

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

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Leviticus 21:1

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Leviticus 21:4

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Leviticus 21:1

The Pulpit Commentary - Leviticus 21:1-6

The Pulpit Commentary - Leviticus 21:1-15

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