Exodus 19:22
And let the priests also, which come near to the LORD, sanctify themselves, lest the LORD break forth upon them.
Original Language Analysis
וְגַ֧ם
H1571
וְגַ֧ם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֛ים
And let the priests
H3548
הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֛ים
And let the priests
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
2 of 10
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
הַנִּגָּשִׁ֥ים
also which come near
H5066
הַנִּגָּשִׁ֥ים
also which come near
Strong's:
H5066
Word #:
3 of 10
to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
יְהוָֽה׃
themselves lest the LORD
H3068
יְהוָֽה׃
themselves lest the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
יִתְקַדָּ֑שׁוּ
sanctify
H6942
יִתְקַדָּ֑שׁוּ
sanctify
Strong's:
H6942
Word #:
6 of 10
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
פֶּן
H6435
פֶּן
Strong's:
H6435
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest
Historical Context
The mention of priests before the Aaronic priesthood's formal institution (Exodus 28-29) suggests an earlier system, possibly firstborn sons serving as family priests. Ancient Near Eastern priests always underwent purification before serving deity.
Questions for Reflection
- Why do those closer to God (priests, leaders) face stricter judgment for irreverence?
- How does the requirement for priests to sanctify themselves apply to Christian ministers and leaders?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And let the priests also, which come near to the LORD, sanctify themselves, lest the LORD break forth upon them.
Even priests, though closer to God than laity, must consecrate themselves—proximity intensifies responsibility. 'Which come near' (הַנִּגָּשִׁים, haniggashim) describes priestly function—approaching God on behalf of others. 'Sanctify themselves' (יִתְקַדָּשׁוּ, yitqaddash) is reflexive—they must actively pursue holiness. 'Lest the LORD break forth' (יִפְרֹץ, yifrotz) uses the same verb as people 'breaking through' (v. 21)—God may 'break out' in judgment against those who 'break in' presumptuously. This seems to refer to pre-Aaronic priests (perhaps firstborn sons), since the Aaronic priesthood hasn't yet been formally instituted. Privilege demands purity; access requires consecration.