Leviticus 21:8

Authorized King James Version

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Thou shalt sanctify him therefore; for he offereth the bread of thy God: he shall be holy unto thee: for I the LORD, which sanctify you, am holy.

Original Language Analysis

מְקַדִּשְׁכֶֽם׃ Thou shalt sanctify H6942
מְקַדִּשְׁכֶֽם׃ Thou shalt sanctify
Strong's: H6942
Word #: 1 of 15
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 2 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 3 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לֶ֥חֶם the bread H3899
לֶ֥חֶם the bread
Strong's: H3899
Word #: 4 of 15
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ of thy God H430
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ of thy God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 5 of 15
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
ה֣וּא H1931
ה֣וּא
Strong's: H1931
Word #: 6 of 15
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
מַקְרִ֑יב him therefore for he offereth H7126
מַקְרִ֑יב him therefore for he offereth
Strong's: H7126
Word #: 7 of 15
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
קָד֔וֹשׁ he shall be holy H6918
קָד֔וֹשׁ he shall be holy
Strong's: H6918
Word #: 8 of 15
sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary
יִֽהְיֶה H1961
יִֽהְיֶה
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 9 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לָּ֔ךְ H0
לָּ֔ךְ
Strong's: H0
Word #: 10 of 15
כִּ֣י H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 11 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
קָד֔וֹשׁ he shall be holy H6918
קָד֔וֹשׁ he shall be holy
Strong's: H6918
Word #: 12 of 15
sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary
אֲנִ֥י H589
אֲנִ֥י
Strong's: H589
Word #: 13 of 15
i
יְהוָ֖ה unto thee for I the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֖ה unto thee for I the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 14 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מְקַדִּשְׁכֶֽם׃ Thou shalt sanctify H6942
מְקַדִּשְׁכֶֽם׃ Thou shalt sanctify
Strong's: H6942
Word #: 15 of 15
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

Analysis & Commentary

Thou shalt sanctify him therefore; for he offereth the bread of thy God: he shall be holy unto thee: for I the LORD, which sanctify you, am holy.

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 central theme of Leviticus is God's holiness and the call for His people to be holy. The Hebrew word qadosh (קָדוֹשׁ) means 'set apart' or 'sacred,' emphasizing both separation from sin and consecration to God's purposes.
Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

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. The tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

Questions for Reflection

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