Leviticus 21:12

Authorized King James Version

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Neither shall he go out of the sanctuary, nor profane the sanctuary of his God; for the crown of the anointing oil of his God is upon him: I am the LORD.

Original Language Analysis

וּמִן H4480
וּמִן
Strong's: H4480
Word #: 1 of 17
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
מִקְדַּ֣שׁ of the sanctuary H4720
מִקְדַּ֣שׁ of the sanctuary
Strong's: H4720
Word #: 2 of 17
a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum
לֹ֣א H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 3 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יֵצֵ֔א Neither shall he go out H3318
יֵצֵ֔א Neither shall he go out
Strong's: H3318
Word #: 4 of 17
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
וְלֹ֣א H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 5 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יְחַלֵּ֔ל nor profane H2490
יְחַלֵּ֔ל nor profane
Strong's: H2490
Word #: 6 of 17
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
אֵ֖ת H853
אֵ֖ת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 7 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִקְדַּ֣שׁ of the sanctuary H4720
מִקְדַּ֣שׁ of the sanctuary
Strong's: H4720
Word #: 8 of 17
a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum
אֱלֹהָ֛יו of his God H430
אֱלֹהָ֛יו of his God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 9 of 17
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
כִּ֡י H3588
כִּ֡י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 10 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נֵ֠זֶר for the crown H5145
נֵ֠זֶר for the crown
Strong's: H5145
Word #: 11 of 17
properly, something set apart, i.e., (abstractly) dedication (of a priet or nazirite); hence (concretely) unshorn locks; also (by implication) a chapl
שֶׁ֣מֶן oil H8081
שֶׁ֣מֶן oil
Strong's: H8081
Word #: 12 of 17
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
מִשְׁחַ֧ת of the anointing H4888
מִשְׁחַ֧ת of the anointing
Strong's: H4888
Word #: 13 of 17
unction (the act); by implication, a consecratory gift
אֱלֹהָ֛יו of his God H430
אֱלֹהָ֛יו of his God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 14 of 17
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
עָלָ֖יו H5921
עָלָ֖יו
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 15 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֲנִ֥י H589
אֲנִ֥י
Strong's: H589
Word #: 16 of 17
i
יְהוָֽה׃ is upon him I am the LORD H3068
יְהוָֽה׃ is upon him I am the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 17 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis & Commentary

Neither shall he go out of the sanctuary, nor profane the sanctuary of his God; for the crown of the anointing oil of his God is upon him: I am the LORD.

This verse falls within the section on Priestly Holiness. Higher standards for priests due to their sacred role, including restrictions on mourning practices and marriage.


Every sacrifice and ritual in Leviticus points forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the entire sacrificial system as both perfect sacrifice and eternal high priest.

Historical Context

Higher standards for priests due to their sacred role, including restrictions on mourning practices and marriage. Chapters 17-27, often called the 'Holiness Code,' expand covenant obligations beyond ritual to encompass all of life—sexuality, economics, justice, and relationships. The repeated refrain 'I am the LORD' grounds these laws in God's character and covenant relationship with Israel. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

Questions for Reflection

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