Leviticus 21:18

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,

For whatsoever man {H376} he be that hath a blemish {H3971}, he shall not approach {H7126}: a blind {H5787} man {H376}, or a lame {H6455}, or he that hath a flat nose {H2763}, or any thing superfluous {H8311},

No one with a defect may approach - no one blind, lame, with a mutilated face or a limb too long,

No man who has any defect may approach—no man who is blind, lame, disfigured, or deformed;

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 anything superfluous,

Commentary

Leviticus 21:18 is part of a detailed set of regulations concerning the priests of ancient Israel, specifically those from the lineage of Aaron. This verse outlines various physical imperfections or "blemishes" that would disqualify a man from actively serving in the sacred duties of the tabernacle or, later, the Temple. It underscores the rigorous standards of physical wholeness and purity required for those who mediated between God and His people.

Context

Chapters 21 and 22 of Leviticus are dedicated to the holiness of the priesthood. Following general laws for the people of Israel, these chapters focus on the specific conduct and physical qualifications required for the priests. The underlying principle is that those who drew near to God's holy presence and handled sacred objects had to reflect a certain standard of perfection. This wasn't a judgment on the inherent worth of individuals with disabilities, but a symbolic requirement for the sacred service itself, emphasizing the absolute perfection of God and the purity required in His worship. The priests represented both God to the people and the people to God, making their blamelessness in service paramount.

Key Themes

  • Holiness and Purity: The primary theme is God's demand for holiness in all aspects of worship. The physical perfection of the priests symbolized the spiritual perfection and purity God expects from those who approach Him.
  • Symbolic Representation: The physical requirements for the priests were symbolic. They pointed to the ideal of a perfect sacrifice and a perfect mediator, foreshadowing the coming of Jesus Christ, our High Priest, who was without blemish or sin.
  • Divine Order: These laws established a clear divine order for worship, ensuring reverence, discipline, and the maintenance of the sacred space as distinct from the common.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "blemish" is mum (מֻום), which broadly refers to a defect, stain, or imperfection. The specific list in verse 18 includes "a blind man" (עִוֵּר - 'iwwer), "a lame" (פִּסֵּחַ - pisseach), and "he that hath a flat nose" (חָרֻם - charum, possibly meaning a slit or mutilated nose). "Anything superfluous" (שָׂרוּעַ - sarua) is a less common term, often interpreted as having an extra limb, digit, or perhaps a rupture or elongated member. These terms collectively emphasize visible physical imperfections that would be considered deviations from an ideal wholeness, which was necessary for priestly service in the Old Covenant.

Spiritual Application

While the Old Testament laws regarding physical blemishes for priests were literal, their spiritual significance points to profound truths for believers today. Under the New Covenant, the emphasis shifts from outward physical perfection to inward spiritual purity. We are called to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Our qualification for service is not based on physical appearance or ability, but on the righteousness imputed to us through faith in Christ, who was the ultimate, unblemished sacrifice. God looks not at the outward appearance, but at the heart. This verse reminds us that God is holy and demands holiness from those who serve Him, now understood as spiritual integrity and devotion enabled by the perfect work of Jesus.

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

Cross-References

  • 1 Timothy 3:2

    A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

  • 1 Timothy 3:3

    Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

  • Leviticus 22:19

    [Ye shall offer] at your own will a male without blemish, of the beeves, of the sheep, or of the goats.

  • Leviticus 22:25

    Neither from a stranger's hand shall ye offer the bread of your God of any of these; because their corruption [is] in them, [and] blemishes [be] in them: they shall not be accepted for you.

  • Matthew 23:16

    Woe unto you, [ye] blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!

  • Matthew 23:17

    [Ye] fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold?

  • Matthew 23:19

    [Ye] fools and blind: for whether [is] greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?
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