King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
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.
Complete Jewish Bible:
He may not leave the sanctuary then or profane the sanctuary of his God, because the consecration of the anointing oil of his God is on him; I am ADONAI.
Berean Standard Bible:
He must not leave or desecrate the sanctuary of his God, for the consecration of the anointing oil of his God is on him. I am the LORD.
American Standard Version:
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 Jehovah.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Neither shall he go out{H3318} of the sanctuary{H4720}, nor profane{H2490} the sanctuary{H4720} of his God{H430}; for the crown{H5145} of the anointing{H4888} oil{H8081} of his God{H430} is upon him: I am the LORD{H3068}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Leviticus 10:7
- And ye shall not go out from the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: for the anointing oil of the LORD [is] upon you. And they did according to the word of Moses.
Leviticus 8:9
- And he put the mitre upon his head; also upon the mitre, [even] upon his forefront, did he put the golden plate, the holy crown; as the LORD commanded Moses.
Leviticus 8:12
- And he poured of the anointing oil upon Aaron's head, and anointed him, to sanctify him.
Exodus 28:36
- And thou shalt make a plate [of] pure gold, and grave upon it, [like] the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.
Exodus 29:6
- And thou shalt put the mitre upon his head, and put the holy crown upon the mitre.
Exodus 29:7
- Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and pour [it] upon his head, and anoint him.
Leviticus 8:30
- And Moses took of the anointing oil, and of the blood which [was] upon the altar, and sprinkled [it] upon Aaron, [and] upon his garments, and upon his sons, and upon his sons' garments with him; and sanctified Aaron, [and] his garments, and his sons, and his sons' garments with him.
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Commentary for Leviticus 21:12
Leviticus 21:12 is part of a larger section in the book of Leviticus that outlines the regulations for the priests, particularly the high priest, in their service to God. The verse emphasizes the sanctity and purity required of the high priest, who has been consecrated with the anointing oil.
**Themes:**
1. **Holiness of the Priesthood:** The verse underscores the special status of the high priest, who must maintain a state of holiness to serve in the sanctuary.
2. **Respect for Sacred Spaces:** It emphasizes the importance of not profaning the sanctuary, which is a sacred space dedicated to God.
3. **Anointing Oil:** The mention of anointing oil signifies the consecration of the high priest, setting him apart for divine service.
4. **Divine Authority:** The statement "I am the LORD" reinforces that these commands come directly from God, establishing His authority over the priesthood and the sanctuary.
**Historical Context:**
The book of Leviticus is traditionally ascribed to Moses and is part of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. It contains laws and rituals given to the Israelites after their Exodus from Egypt, while they were in the wilderness. Leviticus 21 falls within the section known as the Holiness Code (Leviticus 17-26), which details various laws concerning holiness, ritual purity, and ethical conduct.
During this period, the priesthood was central to Israelite religious life, and the high priest held a unique role in mediating between God and the people. The instructions in Leviticus 21:12 would have been particularly relevant during the time when the Tabernacle (and later the Temple) served as the locus of worship and sacrifice. The high priest's ability to enter the Holy of Holies, the most sacred part of the sanctuary, was contingent upon his adherence to these strict regulations.
In summary, Leviticus 21:12 reflects the importance of the high priest's role, the need for him to remain ritually pure, and the sanctity of the sanctuary where God's presence dwells. It is a directive from God to ensure that His sanctuary is treated with the reverence it deserves, with the high priest serving as a model of holiness for the people of Israel.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H3318
There are 992 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יָצָא
Transliteration: yâtsâʼ
Pronunciation: yaw-tsaw'
Description: a primitive root; to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.; [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. - Strong's Number: H4720
There are 71 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מִקְדָּשׁ
Transliteration: miqdâsh
Pronunciation: mik-dawsh'
Description: or מִקְּדָשׁ; (Exodus 15:17), from קָדַשׁ; a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of Jehovah or of idols) or asylum; chapel, hallowed part, holy place, sanctuary. - Strong's Number: H2490
There are 131 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חָלַל
Transliteration: châlal
Pronunciation: khaw-lal'
Description: a primitive root (compare חָלָה); also denominative (from חָלִיל); 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 (as if by an 'opening wedge'); to play (the flute); begin ([idiom] men began), defile, [idiom] break, defile, [idiom] eat (as common things), [idiom] first, [idiom] gather the grape thereof, [idiom] take inheritance, pipe, player on instruments, pollute, (cast as) profane (self), prostitute, slay (slain), sorrow, stain, wound. - Strong's Number: H430
There are 2334 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אֱלֹהִים
Transliteration: ʼĕlôhîym
Pronunciation: el-o-heem'
Description: plural of אֱלוֹהַּ; 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 deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative; angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. - Strong's Number: H5145
There are 22 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: נֶזֶר
Transliteration: nezer
Pronunciation: neh'-zer
Description: or נֵזֶר; from נָזַר; properly, something set apart, i.e. (abstractly) dedication (of a priet or Nazirite); hence (concretely) unshorn locks; also (by implication) a chaplet (especially of royalty); consecration, crown, hair, separation. - Strong's Number: H4888
There are 24 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מִשְׁחָה
Transliteration: mishchâh
Pronunciation: meesh-khaw'
Description: or מׇשְׁחָה; from מָשַׁח; unction (the act); by implication, a consecratory gift; (to be) anointed(-ing), ointment. - Strong's Number: H8081
There are 176 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שֶׁמֶן
Transliteration: shemen
Pronunciation: sheh'-men
Description: from שָׁמַן; grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness; anointing, [idiom] fat (things), [idiom] fruitful, oil(-ed), ointment, olive, [phrase] pine. - Strong's Number: H3068
There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יְהֹוָה
Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה.