Leviticus 21:8

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt sanctify {H6942} him therefore; for he offereth {H7126} the bread {H3899} of thy God {H430}: he shall be holy {H6918} unto thee: for I the LORD {H3068}, which sanctify {H6942} you, am holy {H6918}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Rather, you are to set him apart as holy, because he offers the bread of your God; he is to be holy for you, because I, ADONAI, who makes you holy, am holy.

Berean Standard Bible

You are to regard him as holy, since he presents the food of your God. He shall be holy to you, because I the LORD am holy—I who set you apart.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 21:8 underscores the profound sanctity of the Aaronic priesthood within ancient Israel, mandating that the community actively uphold and respect the priest's consecrated status. This command is rooted in the priest's unique function of presenting offerings—"the bread of thy God"—which bridges the divine and human realms. Ultimately, the verse grounds the priest's holiness, and by extension the people's responsibility, in the intrinsic holiness of Yahweh Himself, who is the ultimate source of all sanctification for His chosen people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 21:8 is situated within a detailed section (chapters 21-22) outlining specific regulations for the priests, the descendants of Aaron. Chapter 21 focuses on the personal holiness required of priests, addressing issues such as physical blemishes, marital restrictions (e.g., forbidding marriage to a prostitute or divorced woman, as seen in [Leviticus 21:7](/leviticus/21-7 "Leviticus 21:7 - Priestly Marriage Restrictions")), and contact with the dead. These laws ensure the priests maintain the ritual purity necessary for their sacred duties, particularly their proximity to God in the Tabernacle. Verse 8, therefore, serves as a summary statement, emphasizing the community's reciprocal obligation to recognize and uphold this divinely ordained holiness, which is a direct consequence of the priest's role in offering sacrifices on behalf of the people. It bridges the individual priestly requirements with the communal responsibility to preserve the sanctity of the priestly office.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the priesthood was a divinely instituted office, distinct from other societal roles. Unlike the fluid religious practices of surrounding pagan nations where priests might also be sorcerers or magicians, Israel's priests were exclusively from the tribe of Levi, specifically the lineage of Aaron, and were consecrated through a specific ritual (as detailed in [Exodus 29](/exodus/29 "Exodus 29 - Consecration of Priests")). Their primary function was to mediate between God and the people, offering sacrifices, teaching the law, and discerning God's will. The concept of "holiness" (Hebrew: _qodesh_) was central to Israelite religion, signifying separation for divine use and purity from anything profane or defiling. The community's obligation to "sanctify him" meant treating the priest with reverence, providing for his needs, and not allowing anything to compromise his consecrated status. This was crucial because the priest's purity directly impacted the efficacy of the sacrificial system and the nation's relationship with a holy God, as exemplified by the severe consequences for those who treated sacred things lightly (e.g., [Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - Death of Nadab and Abihu")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sanctify (Hebrew, _qadash'_):** This verb means "to set apart," "to consecrate," or "to make holy." In the context of Leviticus 21:8, when applied to the community's action ("Thou shalt sanctify him"), it implies recognizing, upholding, and treating the priest as someone set apart by God for a sacred purpose. It's not about the community *making* the priest holy in an ontological sense, but acknowledging and respecting the holiness God has already bestowed upon him through his office and consecration.
* **Bread (Hebrew, _lechem'_):** While literally meaning "bread," in this context, "the bread of thy God" (לֶחֶם אֱלֹהָיו - _lechem elohav_) is a metonymy referring to the various food offerings presented to God on the altar, such as burnt offerings, grain offerings, and peace offerings. These were considered God's "food" or "portion" (cf. [Leviticus 3:11](/leviticus/3-11 "Leviticus 3:11 - Peace Offering")), signifying the sustenance and communion between God and His people established through the sacrificial system. The priest's role in offering this "bread" underscores his unique and indispensable position as a mediator.
* **Holy (Hebrew, _qadosh'_):** This adjective describes something or someone that is set apart, pure, and distinct from the common or profane. It denotes a state of being dedicated to God and reflecting His character. When God declares, "I the LORD... am holy," it emphasizes His absolute moral purity, transcendence, and unique divine nature. The call for the priest to be "holy unto thee" and for God to "sanctify you" (the people) highlights that all holiness in Israel ultimately derives from and reflects the intrinsic holiness of God Himself.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt sanctify him therefore;":** This is a direct command to the Israelite community. The "therefore" links it to the preceding verses that detail the priest's required personal holiness. The community is not merely to acknowledge the priest's holiness passively, but actively to treat him as set apart, to honor his office, and to ensure his consecrated status is maintained and respected. This implies both a spiritual reverence and practical support for the priestly role.
* **"for he offereth the bread of thy God:":** This clause provides the primary justification for the community's obligation. The priest's unique function is to present the various offerings and sacrifices to God on behalf of the people. This act of "offering the bread of thy God" is the core of his mediatorial role, making him indispensable for the people's worship, atonement, and communion with God. His proximity to the divine in this sacred act necessitates his consecrated state.
* **"he shall be holy unto thee:":** This reiterates the priest's status from the community's perspective. Because of his sacred function, he is to be regarded as holy by the people. This is not a personal holiness earned by merit, but an official holiness conferred by God for the sake of his service. The phrase "unto thee" emphasizes that this recognition and respect is a communal responsibility, reflecting the people's understanding of God's order.
* **"for I the LORD, which sanctify you, [am] holy.":** This concluding declaration provides the ultimate theological foundation for all the commands regarding holiness. It shifts the focus from the priest to God Himself. God's intrinsic holiness is the source and standard for all holiness in Israel. He is the one who "sanctifies you" (the entire nation), setting them apart as His chosen people. Therefore, the requirement for the priest to be holy, and for the people to treat him as such, is a direct reflection of God's own character and His desire for His people to reflect His purity.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 21:8 employs several literary devices to underscore its profound message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, particularly of the root _q-d-sh_ (holy/sanctify). The verse uses both the verb "sanctify" and the adjective "holy" multiple times, creating a powerful emphasis on the central theme of holiness—God's holiness, the priest's holiness, and the people's sanctification. This repetition reinforces the idea that holiness is not merely a characteristic but a dynamic process and a foundational principle. The verse also functions as a **Legal Formulation** or **Divine Command**, structured with a clear imperative ("Thou shalt sanctify him") followed by justifications ("for he offereth...", "for I the LORD..."). This structure is typical of Mosaic law, lending authority and clarity to the directive. Furthermore, the concluding statement, "for I the LORD, which sanctify you, [am] holy," serves as a **Divine Declaration** or **Theological Grounding**. It is a direct statement from God, grounding the human obligation in His immutable character, thereby elevating the command from a mere societal rule to a divine imperative rooted in the very nature of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 21:8 encapsulates a fundamental theological truth: all true holiness originates from God. The priest's holiness is not self-derived but is a conferred status necessary for his sacred duties, especially in presenting the "bread of thy God." This act of offering sacrifices was the primary means by which Israel maintained covenant communion with a holy God. The verse ultimately points to God's own transcendent purity and His active role in sanctifying His people, establishing a divine imperative for both the priest's conduct and the community's reverence. This principle extends beyond the ceremonial law, indicating that our separation unto God and our ability to serve Him are always dependent on His prior work of sanctification.

* [Leviticus 11:44](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - Call to Holiness")
* [Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [Hebrews 7:26-27](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26-27 - Christ, Our Perfect High Priest")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 21:8, while rooted in the specific context of the Old Testament priesthood, offers timeless principles for believers today. It reminds us that God is inherently holy, and His desire is to sanctify His people, setting them apart for His purposes. As New Testament believers, we are no longer under the Levitical system, but we are called a "royal priesthood" (as described in [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")). This means every believer is set apart for God's purposes, called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and service, and to live a life that reflects God's character. The command to "sanctify him" (the priest) can be broadly applied to our respect for spiritual authority within the church today, acknowledging those whom God has set apart for leadership and service. More profoundly, it calls us to embrace our own identity as sanctified ones, living in a manner consistent with the holiness of the God who has sanctified us, understanding that our holiness is not earned but gifted, and is to be lived out in practical obedience and reverence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I actively "sanctify" or uphold the sacredness of God's work and those He has set apart for ministry today?**
* **How does my understanding of God's absolute holiness impact my personal pursuit of purity and dedication to Him?**
* **As part of a "royal priesthood," what "bread of God" (spiritual offerings) am I called to present in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**Why was the priest's holiness so important to the community, not just to God?**

Answer: The priest's holiness was crucial to the community because he served as the primary mediator between God and the people. His purity ensured that the sacrifices and offerings he presented were acceptable to a holy God, thereby maintaining the covenant relationship and securing atonement for the people's sins. If the priest was defiled, his service would be compromised, potentially bringing God's judgment upon the community (as seen in the story of [Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10](/leviticus/10 "Leviticus 10 - Nadab and Abihu")). The community's active role in "sanctifying him" (Leviticus 21:8) meant they were responsible for upholding his sacred status, providing for him, and ensuring he could perform his duties without hindrance or defilement. This collective responsibility underscored the seriousness of their relationship with God and the vital role of the priesthood in their national life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 21:8, with its emphasis on the priest's holiness and his offering of "the bread of thy God," finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Aaronic priests, though divinely appointed, were imperfect and temporary, needing to offer sacrifices repeatedly for their own sins and the sins of the people (as highlighted in [Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Jesus, however, is our great High Priest, "holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens" ([Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Christ's Perfection")). He did not offer the "bread of thy God" in the form of animal sacrifices, but rather offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, becoming both the Priest and the Lamb ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Through His singular offering, Jesus perfectly sanctified His people, fulfilling the very purpose God declared: "I the LORD, which sanctify you, am holy." His holiness is imputed to us, making us holy and enabling us to draw near to God with confidence ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Holy Place")). Thus, the shadow of the Levitical priesthood points directly to the substance found in Christ, who is the source of our true and lasting sanctification.

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 20:7

Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I [am] the LORD your God.

Leviticus 20:8

And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I [am] the LORD which sanctify you.

Leviticus 11:44

For I [am] the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I [am] holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

Leviticus 11:45

For I [am] the LORD that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I [am] holy.

Leviticus 19:2

Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God [am] holy.

Leviticus 21:6

They shall be holy unto their God, and not profane the name of their God: for the offerings of the LORD made by fire, [and] the bread of their God, they do offer: therefore they shall be holy.

John 17:19

And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.