Leviticus 21:10

KJV

¶ And [he that is] the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil was poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not uncover his head, nor rend his clothes;

KJV (with Strong's)

And he that is the high {H1419} priest {H3548} among his brethren {H251}, upon whose head {H7218} the anointing {H4888} oil {H8081} was poured {H3332}, and that is consecrated {H4390}{H3027} to put {H3847} on the garments {H899}, shall not uncover {H6544} his head {H7218}, nor rend {H6533} his clothes {H899};

Complete Jewish Bible

"'The cohen who is ranked highest among his brothers, the one on whose head the anointing oil is poured and who is consecrated to put on the garments, is not to stop grooming his hair, tear his clothes,

Berean Standard Bible

The priest who is highest among his brothers, who has had the anointing oil poured on his head and has been ordained to wear the priestly garments, must not let his hair hang loose or tear his garments.

American Standard Version

And he that is the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil is poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not let the hair of his head go loose, nor rend his clothes;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 21:10 delineates the stringent regulations for the High Priest, underscoring his unparalleled sanctity and unique mediatorial role within Israel. This verse specifically prohibits him from outward expressions of personal grief, such as uncovering his head or tearing his garments, thereby mandating the perpetual maintenance of his consecrated appearance. This injunction symbolizes the unwavering holiness of his divinely appointed office, which superseded all personal concerns and ensured his continuous fitness to represent a holy God before His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Chapter 21 of Leviticus meticulously details the laws concerning the holiness required of priests, both common and high. While verses 1-9 establish prohibitions for all priests regarding contact with the dead, marriage, and physical blemishes, verse 10 introduces even more rigorous standards specifically for the High Priest. These heightened expectations underscore his unique position as the chief mediator between God and Israel, distinguishing him from his brethren. The chapter's progression reveals a gradient of holiness, culminating in the supreme sanctity demanded of the High Priest, whose life and conduct were to be an unblemished reflection of God's own purity. His role was not merely ceremonial but deeply spiritual, embodying the nation's covenant relationship with Yahweh.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The High Priest held the most sacred office in ancient Israel, serving as the spiritual head of the nation and the primary intercessor on behalf of the people. His duties included presiding over the most solemn rituals, most notably the annual Day of Atonement, as described in [Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement"). His consecration involved a special anointing with oil and the donning of elaborate garments, as detailed in [Exodus 29](/exodus/29 "Exodus 29 - Consecration of Priests"), marking him as set apart by God Himself. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, uncovering the head (often by letting hair become disheveled or removing a turban) and rending one's clothes were common and profound expressions of mourning, grief, or despair. For the High Priest, such displays were forbidden because his office symbolized the unbroken covenant and God's enduring presence. His personal sorrow could not be allowed to compromise his public function or suggest any defilement that might impede his ability to stand before a holy God on behalf of the nation. He was, in essence, a living icon of divine purity and continuity.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 21:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Primarily, it emphasizes **Holiness (קדש)**, demonstrating the meticulous standards God requires for those who draw near to Him, particularly the High Priest, who embodies the nation's spiritual purity. This verse also highlights the theme of **Separation (בדל)**, as the High Priest is set apart not only from common people but even from other priests, indicating his unique mediatorial role. His personal identity and emotional expressions are subordinated to the demands of his office, reinforcing the idea that his primary function is to represent a holy God to a sinful people and vice versa. Furthermore, it underscores the theme of **Divine Representation**, where the High Priest's unblemished appearance and conduct are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the covenant and ensuring the efficacy of atonement rituals. The prohibitions against mourning rituals, seen also in [Leviticus 10:6](/leviticus/10-6 "Leviticus 10:6 - Aaron's Sons Forbidden to Mourn") concerning Nadab and Abihu's deaths, reinforce the absolute necessity of upholding God's sanctity above all personal considerations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Priest (Hebrew, _kôhên_):** Active participle of כָּהַן; literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman); chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. In this context, referring to the "high priest," it denotes the singular individual chosen for the supreme sacred office, distinct from and superior to all other priests, carrying the heaviest responsibilities for the nation's spiritual well-being and mediation before God.
* **Anointing (Hebrew, _mishchâh_):** From מָשַׁח; unction (the act); by implication, a consecratory gift; (to be) anointed(-ing), ointment. This refers to the sacred act of pouring specially prepared oil upon the High Priest's head, which was the physical sign of his divine appointment, spiritual endowment, and setting apart for holy service. It signified God's Spirit empowering him for his sacred duties and marking him as uniquely dedicated to Yahweh.
* **Uncover (Hebrew, _pâraʻ_):** A primitive root; to loosen; by implication, to expose, dismiss; figuratively, absolve, begin; avenge, avoid, bare, go back, let, (make) naked, set at nought, perish, refuse, uncover. In this prohibition, it specifically refers to allowing one's hair to become disheveled or removing the priestly turban, which was a customary sign of mourning, degradation, or disgrace. For the High Priest, maintaining a composed and ordered appearance was crucial, as any such public display would contradict the solemn dignity and unwavering sanctity required of his office.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he that is the high priest among his brethren":** This opening phrase immediately sets the subject apart, emphasizing his unique and elevated status within the priestly lineage. He is distinct from and superior to all other priests, bearing a singular responsibility.
* **"upon whose head the anointing oil was poured":** This clause highlights the divine origin and nature of his appointment. The anointing oil was not merely a ritual but a tangible sign of God's selection, sanctification, and empowerment, setting him apart for sacred service.
* **"and that is consecrated to put on the garments":** The elaborate priestly garments were integral to the High Priest's consecration and function, designed for "glory and for beauty" ([Exodus 28:2](/exodus/28-2 "Exodus 28:2 - Priestly Garments for Glory and Beauty")). This phrase underscores that his office was not merely about personal character but also about the sacred vestments that symbolized his role and facilitated his mediation.
* **"shall not uncover his head":** This is the first specific prohibition, forbidding the High Priest from letting his hair become disheveled or removing his turban. Such an action, typically a sign of mourning or disgrace, would be unfitting for his holy office, which demanded a constant state of dignity and readiness for divine service.
* **"nor rend his clothes":** The second prohibition forbids the High Priest from tearing his garments, a common and profound expression of grief or horror. This restriction ensures that his public appearance remains unblemished by personal sorrow, maintaining the symbolic purity and unwavering composure necessary for his role as the nation's representative before God.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 21:10 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the High Priest himself, the anointing oil, and his sacred garments all serving as potent symbols. The oil symbolizes divine consecration and empowerment, while the garments represent the glory and beauty of his holy office. The High Priest's person, by extension, symbolizes the purity and unbroken covenant between God and Israel. The verse also utilizes **Contrast**, setting the High Priest's stringent regulations apart from those of common priests or the general populace, who were permitted certain expressions of mourning. This contrast highlights the unparalleled sanctity and unique burden of his office. Furthermore, there is an element of **Metonymy**, where "uncover his head" and "rend his clothes" stand metonymically for a state of defilement or overwhelming personal grief that would compromise the High Priest's sacred duties and public representation of God's holiness. The very body and attire of the High Priest become extensions of his sacred role, demanding a level of control and composure that transcends personal emotion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 21:10 profoundly articulates the theological principles of divine holiness, the necessity of mediation, and the concept of vicarious representation. The High Priest's exceptional separation from ordinary life, even from expressions of personal sorrow, signifies the absolute purity required to stand before a holy God on behalf of a sinful people. This verse underscores the immense chasm between human sinfulness and divine perfection, highlighting that only an unblemished, consecrated mediator could bridge this gap. The High Priest's office was not merely a job but a sacred calling that demanded his entire being, subordinating personal grief to the public and spiritual well-being of the nation. This principle of a perfectly consecrated representative foreshadows the ultimate need for a divine-human mediator who could truly represent humanity without being tainted by sin or personal limitation, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative of salvation.

* [Leviticus 10:6](/leviticus/10-6 "Leviticus 10:6 - Aaron's Sons Forbidden to Mourn")
* [Numbers 6:7](/numbers/6-7 "Numbers 6:7 - Nazirite Vow and Defilement")
* [Exodus 28:36](/exodus/28-36 "Exodus 28:36 - Holiness to the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific ceremonial laws of Leviticus 21:10 applied to the Levitical High Priest under the Old Covenant, the underlying principles offer timeless insights for believers today, particularly those in spiritual leadership. This verse challenges us to consider the immense responsibility and high standards expected of those called to represent God. It reminds us that spiritual service often demands a prioritization of God's kingdom and His people over personal comfort or emotional indulgence. For leaders, it underscores the importance of maintaining integrity, composure, and a consistent witness, even amidst personal trials, so as not to bring disrepute to the name of Christ or undermine the confidence of those they serve. For all believers, it highlights the seriousness of our calling as "a royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), urging us to live lives set apart for God's glory, prioritizing His will above our own transient feelings or circumstances. It calls us to embody a holiness that reflects the God we serve, demonstrating unwavering dedication and trust in His sovereign plan, even when life brings sorrow.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the High Priest's separation for service challenge my own priorities in ministry or daily life?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to allow personal grief or distractions to compromise my spiritual witness or service?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the sanctity and seriousness of God's calling on His people, and how can I apply that understanding to my own walk with Him?**

### FAQ
**Why was the High Priest forbidden from mourning in ways permitted for others?**

Answer: The High Priest was forbidden from customary mourning practices like uncovering his head or tearing his clothes primarily due to his unique and paramount role as the chief mediator between God and Israel. His office demanded an unparalleled level of ritual purity and symbolic perfection. Unlike common individuals or even other priests, the High Priest was the sole individual permitted to enter the Most Holy Place on the Day of Atonement ([Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement")), bearing the sins of the nation. Any outward sign of defilement, disgrace, or overwhelming personal grief could compromise his sacred duties and undermine the symbolic integrity of his office. He was a living symbol of God's unbroken covenant and enduring holiness; therefore, his personal sorrow could not be allowed to overshadow his public duty to represent a holy God and maintain the spiritual well-being of the entire nation. His consecrated status meant he was perpetually dedicated to God's service, even in the face of death or calamity, and could not abandon his post or appear diminished by human tragedy (cf. [Leviticus 21:12](/leviticus/21-12 "Leviticus 21:12 - High Priest Not to Leave Sanctuary")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 21:10, with its stringent regulations for the Levitical High Priest, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest. Unlike the earthly high priest, who was subject to human frailties, sin, and death, Jesus is inherently holy, blameless, and undefiled, "separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens" ([Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Jesus, Our Holy High Priest")). He needed no anointing oil or special garments for consecration, for He was consecrated by God Himself and possessed a sinless nature. The Levitical high priest's inability to mourn in customary ways foreshadowed Christ's perfect composure and unwavering dedication to His divine mission. While Jesus indeed "bore our griefs and carried our sorrows" ([Isaiah 53:4](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4 - Christ Bears Our Sorrows")), His suffering and death were a purposeful, atoning sacrifice, not a result of personal defilement or a compromise of His holy office. He never needed to mourn His own imperfections, for He had none. He perfectly embodies the sanctity and unwavering commitment to God's will, entering into God's presence on our behalf, not with the blood of animals, but with His own precious blood, providing ultimate and eternal atonement for sin ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Sacrifice and Eternal Redemption")). As our eternal High Priest, He ever lives to make intercession for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")), never needing to "uncover His head" or "rend His clothes" due to personal sin or the limitations of His priesthood, for His is a priesthood "forever, after the order of Melchizedek" ([Hebrews 7:17](/hebrews/7-17 "Hebrews 7:17 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 10:6

And Moses said unto Aaron, and unto Eleazar and unto Ithamar, his sons, Uncover not your heads, neither rend your clothes; lest ye die, and lest wrath come upon all the people: but let your brethren, the whole house of Israel, bewail the burning which the LORD hath kindled.

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 16:32

And the priest, whom he shall anoint, and whom he shall consecrate to minister in the priest's office in his father's stead, shall make the atonement, and shall put on the linen clothes, [even] the holy garments:

Matthew 26:65

Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.

Numbers 35:25

And the congregation shall deliver the slayer out of the hand of the revenger of blood, and the congregation shall restore him to the city of his refuge, whither he was fled: and he shall abide in it unto the death of the high priest, which was anointed with the holy oil.

Leviticus 8:12

And he poured of the anointing oil upon Aaron's head, and anointed him, to sanctify him.

Exodus 29:29

And the holy garments of Aaron shall be his sons' after him, to be anointed therein, and to be consecrated in them.