Leviticus 21:20

KJV

Or crookbackt, or a dwarf, or that hath a blemish in his eye, or be scurvy, or scabbed, or hath his stones broken;

KJV (with Strong's)

Or crookbackt {H1384}, or a dwarf {H1851}, or that hath a blemish {H8400} in his eye {H5869}, or be scurvy {H1618}, or scabbed {H3217}, or hath his stones {H810} broken {H4790};

Complete Jewish Bible

a hunched back, stunted growth, a cataract in his eye, festering or running sores, or damaged testicles -

Berean Standard Bible

or who is a hunchback or dwarf, or who has an eye defect, a festering rash, scabs, or a crushed testicle.

American Standard Version

or crook-backed, or a dwarf, or that hath a blemish in his eye, or is scurvy, or scabbed, or hath his stones broken;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 21:20 is part of a detailed set of regulations concerning the physical qualifications of priests in ancient Israel, specifically listing various bodily defects that would disqualify a descendant of Aaron from actively performing priestly duties at the altar. These prohibitions were not intended to condemn individuals with disabilities but served a profound symbolic purpose: to underscore the absolute holiness and perfection of God, requiring those who ministered in His presence to embody a state of physical wholeness that mirrored the spiritual perfection demanded for approaching a holy God. While disqualified from active service, these priests were still permitted to partake in the holy offerings, indicating that their personal dignity and covenant standing were not entirely revoked.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 21 focuses entirely on the laws pertaining to the priests, the descendants of Aaron, who were consecrated to serve the Lord. The chapter begins by outlining rules regarding their conduct in mourning, marriage, and maintaining ritual purity. Verses 16-23 specifically address physical blemishes, stating that no man among the descendants of Aaron who has a defect shall approach to offer the bread of his God. This particular verse, [Leviticus 21:20](/leviticus/21-20 "Leviticus 21:20 - Priestly Blemishes"), continues the enumeration of disqualifying physical conditions, which began in [Leviticus 21:18](/leviticus/21-18 "Leviticus 21:18 - List of Priestly Blemishes"). These verses emphasize that while a priest with a blemish could not perform altar service, he was still allowed to eat from the holy offerings, distinguishing between participation in ritual duties and access to sacred provisions. This distinction highlights the importance of the *function* of the priest as a mediator, which required symbolic perfection, versus his *status* as a consecrated individual within the priestly lineage.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, physical wholeness was often associated with perfection, strength, and divine favor, while physical defects could be perceived as signs of imperfection or disfavor. The Mosaic Law, however, did not view physical disabilities as a curse or a sign of sin for the individual, but rather as symbolic impediments to representing a perfect God in sacred service. The Tabernacle, and later the Temple, was considered the dwelling place of a holy God, and every aspect of its service, including the priests, was to reflect this holiness and perfection. The physical integrity of the priest, as detailed in [Leviticus 21](/leviticus/21 "Leviticus 21 - Laws for Priests"), served as a visual and tangible representation of the spiritual wholeness and blamelessness required to mediate between a holy God and His people. This system was designed to impress upon Israel the absolute purity and meticulous care required in approaching the Divine, setting a high standard for those who ministered in the Lord's presence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Crookbackt (Hebrew, _gibben'_):** This term refers to an individual with a hunchback or a severely curved spine. In the ancient world, such a deformity would have been a noticeable physical anomaly, symbolizing a lack of physical integrity or completeness, which was essential for a priest who was to represent the perfect and whole God.
* **Blemish in his eye (Hebrew, _t'valul b'eyno'_):** This phrase describes a defect or film over the eye, such as a cataract or a significant spot that impairs vision. The eye, being crucial for perception and clear sight, would symbolize clarity and unhindered understanding. An impairment here could metaphorically suggest an inability to "see" clearly or perfectly in the spiritual realm, thus disqualifying one from the precise and perfect execution of sacred duties.
* **Hath his stones broken (Hebrew, _m'roach ashek'_):** This refers to a severe injury to the testicles, often implying castration or rendering one infertile. This condition was particularly significant as it impacted the ability to procreate and continue the priestly lineage, which was hereditary. More broadly, it represented a fundamental lack of wholeness or completeness in the body's reproductive capacity, a vital aspect of life and continuity in the ancient worldview.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Or crookbackt":** This condition refers to a person with a significant spinal deformity, such as a hunchback. Such a visible physical imperfection was deemed unsuitable for a priest who was to physically embody the perfection and wholeness of God in the sacred space of the Tabernacle/Temple.
* **"or a dwarf":** This refers to a person of unusually small stature. While not a "defect" in the modern sense, in the context of Old Testament priestly service, it signified a deviation from the ideal physical form that was to represent the majestic and complete nature of God.
* **"or that hath a blemish in his eye":** This describes an impairment of vision, such as a cataract, a film, or a significant spot on the eye. Clear sight was important for the precise performance of ritual duties, but also symbolically, the eye's perfection represented spiritual clarity and insight.
* **"or be scurvy":** The Hebrew term refers to a persistent, often chronic, skin disease, not necessarily the modern vitamin C deficiency. This would include conditions like chronic eczema, ringworm, or other unsightly and potentially infectious skin afflictions that would mar the physical appearance and symbolic purity required for priestly service.
* **"or scabbed":** This refers to a festering sore, a spreading skin eruption, or a chronic ulcer. Similar to "scurvy," this condition would involve open wounds or persistent skin lesions, which were considered ritually impure and physically imperfect, thus disqualifying the priest from active altar duty.
* **"or hath his stones broken;":** This refers to a severe injury to the testicles, often implying castration or rendering one infertile. This condition was particularly significant as it affected the continuation of the priestly lineage and represented a fundamental lack of physical integrity and the capacity for life, which was vital for the symbolic representation of God's life-giving and complete nature.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 21:20, as part of a larger legal code, primarily employs **Legal Statute** and **Enumeration**. The verse precisely lists a series of physical defects, demonstrating the meticulous nature of God's law regarding the priesthood. This detailed listing serves to remove ambiguity and establish clear boundaries for priestly eligibility. Furthermore, the passage is rich in **Symbolism**. The physical wholeness demanded of the priests is not an arbitrary requirement but a profound symbol of the spiritual perfection and blamelessness required to approach a holy God. Any physical blemish, therefore, symbolically marred the perfect representation of God's character and the ideal mediation between God and humanity. This symbolic framework also contains elements of **Foreshadowing**, pointing forward to the ultimate, perfect, and blemish-free High Priest, Jesus Christ, who would perfectly fulfill all the requirements of a mediator without any defect, physical or spiritual.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The specific physical requirements for priests in Leviticus 21 underscore the profound theological truth of God's absolute holiness and His demand for perfection in all that approaches Him. The physical integrity of the priest was a tangible, visual representation of the spiritual perfection and blamelessness that God requires for mediation between Himself and humanity. This system taught Israel the gravity of God's presence and the meticulous care necessary in worship, emphasizing that only the whole, the complete, and the unblemished could stand before a perfectly holy God. This foreshadowed the ultimate need for a perfect mediator.

* [Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Christ Our Perfect High Priest")
* [1 Peter 1:16](/1_peter/1-16 "1 Peter 1:16 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the physical requirements for the Old Testament priesthood are no longer applicable to New Testament believers, who are called a "royal priesthood" ([1_peter/2-9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), the underlying principles of holiness, dedication, and wholeness remain profoundly relevant. For us, the emphasis shifts from outward physical perfection to inward spiritual integrity and moral blamelessness. We are called to live lives that reflect the holiness of God, offering spiritual sacrifices of praise, service, and obedience. Our "blemishes" are not physical but spiritual—sins, impurities, and compromises that hinder our walk with God and our witness to the world. Just as the Old Testament priest was to be set apart, we too are called to be sanctified, striving for a life of purity and devotion that honors God. This passage reminds us that God desires our whole selves—our minds, hearts, and actions—to be consecrated to Him, reflecting His perfect character in a broken world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Old Testament emphasis on physical wholeness for priests inform our understanding of God's desire for spiritual wholeness in believers today?**
* **In what areas of my life might I have "blemishes" (sins, compromises, unholy habits) that hinder my spiritual service and representation of Christ?**
* **What "spiritual sacrifices" am I called to offer as a member of God's "royal priesthood," and how can I ensure they are "without blemish"?**
* **How does knowing that God looks at the heart ([1_samuel/16-7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart")) both comfort and challenge me in light of these Old Testament requirements?**

### FAQ
**Why did God disqualify priests for physical blemishes?**

Answer: God did not disqualify individuals with physical blemishes from His love or from being part of the community of Israel. However, the disqualification from *active priestly service at the altar* was for symbolic reasons. The Tabernacle and Temple were the dwelling places of a perfectly holy God. Those who served as mediators between God and His people were required to embody a state of physical wholeness and perfection that mirrored the spiritual perfection and blamelessness of God Himself. Any physical defect would symbolically mar this representation, emphasizing the absolute purity and unblemished nature of the God they served and the perfect sacrifice that would one day be offered. It was a visual lesson for Israel about the meticulous holiness required in approaching the Divine, foreshadowing the ultimate, perfect High Priest.

**Does this mean God discriminates against people with disabilities?**

Answer: No, this passage does not imply that God discriminates against or devalues people with disabilities. The Old Testament law consistently shows concern for the vulnerable, including those with physical limitations. For example, [Deuteronomy 27:18](/deuteronomy/27-18 "Deuteronomy 27:18 - Curse on Misleading the Blind") pronounces a curse on anyone who misleads the blind. The restrictions in [Leviticus 21](/leviticus/21 "Leviticus 21 - Laws for Priests") were specific to the *functional role* of the priest in the sacrificial system, not about the personal worth or standing of individuals. Priests with blemishes were still permitted to eat from the holy offerings, indicating their continued inclusion in the covenant community and priestly family, even if they could not perform ritual duties. The purpose was symbolic, not discriminatory, pointing to the ideal of perfection required for mediating between a holy God and His people.

**How does this apply to Christians today?**

Answer: For Christians today, the physical requirements for the Old Testament priesthood are fulfilled and transcended in Jesus Christ. We are no longer under the Old Covenant ceremonial law. However, the underlying spiritual principles remain. As New Testament believers, we are called a "royal priesthood" ([1_peter/2-9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), called to offer spiritual sacrifices ([romans/12-1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")) and live lives of holiness ([1_peter/1-16](/1_peter/1-16 "1 Peter 1:16 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")). The focus shifts from outward physical perfection to inner spiritual purity and integrity. God desires a "whole" heart, mind, and spirit, unblemished by sin, to serve Him. This passage reminds us of God's absolute holiness and the high standard for those who represent Him, now fulfilled in Christ and applied to our spiritual lives.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 21:20, with its stringent requirements for a physically unblemished priesthood, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant priests, despite their best efforts, were imperfect men, themselves needing to offer sacrifices for their own sins before they could mediate for others ([hebrews/7-27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Their physical perfection was merely a shadow, a symbolic representation of the true spiritual perfection required for a mediator between God and humanity. Jesus, however, is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), and crucially, He is our [High Priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Christ Our Perfect High Priest"). He had no spiritual "blemish" or sin, rendering His sacrifice uniquely perfect and sufficient for all time ([hebrews/9-12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")). He perfectly embodies the wholeness and purity that the Old Testament law only hinted at. Through His sinless life, His perfect sacrifice on the cross, and His resurrection, Jesus fulfills all the demands of the law, becoming the [one mediator between God and mankind](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator"). Thus, the physical requirements of Leviticus 21:20, while seemingly harsh, powerfully foreshadow the absolute necessity of a flawless High Priest, a role only Jesus Christ could perfectly occupy, securing our access to a holy God.

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

Deuteronomy 23:1

¶ He that is wounded in the stones, or hath his privy member cut off, shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD.

Isaiah 56:3

¶ Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I [am] a dry tree.