Leviticus 21:18

Authorized King James Version

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For whatsoever man he be that hath a blemish, he shall not approach: a blind man, or a lame, or he that hath a flat nose, or any thing superfluous,

Original Language Analysis

כִּ֥י H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כָל H3605
כָל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 2 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אִ֤ישׁ For whatsoever man H376
אִ֤ישׁ For whatsoever man
Strong's: H376
Word #: 3 of 16
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אֲשֶׁר H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 4 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בּ֥וֹ H0
בּ֥וֹ
Strong's: H0
Word #: 5 of 16
מ֖וּם he be that hath a blemish H3971
מ֖וּם he be that hath a blemish
Strong's: H3971
Word #: 6 of 16
a blemish (physically or morally)
לֹ֣א H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 7 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִקְרָ֑ב he shall not approach H7126
יִקְרָ֑ב he shall not approach
Strong's: H7126
Word #: 8 of 16
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
אִ֤ישׁ For whatsoever man H376
אִ֤ישׁ For whatsoever man
Strong's: H376
Word #: 9 of 16
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
עִוֵּר֙ a blind H5787
עִוֵּר֙ a blind
Strong's: H5787
Word #: 10 of 16
blind (literally or figuratively)
א֣וֹ H176
א֣וֹ
Strong's: H176
Word #: 11 of 16
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
פִסֵּ֔חַ or a lame H6455
פִסֵּ֔חַ or a lame
Strong's: H6455
Word #: 12 of 16
lame
א֥וֹ H176
א֥וֹ
Strong's: H176
Word #: 13 of 16
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
חָרֻ֖ם or he that hath a flat nose H2763
חָרֻ֖ם or he that hath a flat nose
Strong's: H2763
Word #: 14 of 16
to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to devote to religious uses (especially destruction); physical and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose
א֥וֹ H176
א֥וֹ
Strong's: H176
Word #: 15 of 16
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
שָׂרֽוּעַ׃ or any thing superfluous H8311
שָׂרֽוּעַ׃ or any thing superfluous
Strong's: H8311
Word #: 16 of 16
to prolong, i.e., (reflex) be deformed by excess of members

Analysis & Commentary

For whatsoever man he be that hath a blemish, he shall not approach: a blind man, or a lame, or he that hath a flat nose, or any thing superfluous,

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.


The New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with God.

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. Archaeological discoveries at sites like Ugarit reveal Canaanite religious practices Israel's laws explicitly rejected, confirming the Bible's historical reliability and the distinctiveness of Israelite worship.

Questions for Reflection

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