Leviticus 22:15

KJV

And they shall not profane the holy things of the children of Israel, which they offer unto the LORD;

KJV (with Strong's)

And they shall not profane {H2490} the holy things {H6944} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, which they offer {H7311} unto the LORD {H3068};

Complete Jewish Bible

They are not to profane the holy things of the people of Isra'el that they have set apart for ADONAI

Berean Standard Bible

The priests must not profane the sacred offerings that the Israelites present to the LORD

American Standard Version

And they shall not profane the holy things of the children of Israel, which they offer unto Jehovah,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 22:15 serves as a crucial injunction within the priestly code, strictly prohibiting the priests from profaning the sacred offerings that the Israelites present to the LORD. This verse underscores the paramount importance of preserving the holiness of all items dedicated to God, emphasizing that any action diminishing their consecrated status—whether through improper handling, consumption by the ritually unclean, or general disrespect—constitutes a grave offense against the divine. It highlights the profound responsibility of the priesthood to meticulously uphold the sanctity of God's provisions and the rigorous standards required for approaching a holy God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 22 meticulously details the regulations governing the priests' interaction with holy things, particularly sacrificial offerings. The chapter initiates by outlining the conditions under which priests, specifically the sons of Aaron, could consume the holy food, emphasizing their ritual purity (see [Leviticus 22:1-9](/leviticus/22-1-9 "Leviticus 22:1-9 - Priestly Purity for Eating Holy Food")). It then transitions to specific prohibitions regarding who is forbidden from eating these sacred portions, extending to non-priestly family members, temporary sojourners, and hired servants (as detailed in [Leviticus 22:10-14](/leviticus/22-10-14 "Leviticus 22:10-14 - Who May Not Eat Holy Things")). Leviticus 22:15 functions as a foundational summary prohibition, reinforcing the overarching principle that "holy things" must not be treated as common. It acts as a severe warning against any action that would violate the sanctity established in the preceding verses, leading into further regulations about acceptable sacrifices (found in [Leviticus 22:17-33](/leviticus/22-17-33 "Leviticus 22:17-33 - Acceptable Sacrifices")). The verse thus serves as a theological anchor, reiterating the pervasive demand for holiness that permeates the entire book of [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - Laws of Holiness").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the Tabernacle (and subsequently the Temple) stood as the central point of divine-human interaction, symbolizing God's dwelling among His people. The sacrificial system was the primary means of worship, atonement, and communion, and the offerings brought by the people were designated as "holy things" (קֳדָשִׁים, *qodashim*), set apart exclusively for God. The priesthood, specifically the descendants of Aaron, were the divinely appointed mediators, entrusted with the sacred duty of handling these offerings. Their role transcended mere ceremony; it was deeply theological, as they were commanded to "put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean" (as stipulated in [Leviticus 10:10](/leviticus/10-10 "Leviticus 10:10 - Priestly Discernment")). To profane these holy things was not merely a breach of ritual protocol but an act of profound disrespect and contempt towards God Himself, who had commanded their consecration. Such profanation carried severe consequences, exemplified by the judgment upon Nadab and Abihu for offering "strange fire" (recorded in [Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1-2 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - Nadab and Abihu's Sin")). These meticulous regulations were vital for maintaining the integrity of the covenant relationship and preserving the awe-inspiring presence of the Holy God in the midst of His people.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 22:15 directly contributes to several major theological and narrative themes prevalent throughout the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the **Holiness of God**, which is the foundational premise of the entire Mosaic Law. The verse reinforces that God is utterly distinct and pure, and therefore, all that pertains to Him must reflect that same sanctity. This leads to the theme of **Separation and Consecration**, where certain people, places, and things are set apart from the common for divine purposes. The prohibition against profaning underscores the absolute necessity of maintaining this distinction. Furthermore, the verse highlights the **Mediatorial Role of the Priesthood**, emphasizing their solemn responsibility to guard God's holiness and to teach the people the difference between the clean and the unclean, the holy and the common. Finally, it speaks to **Covenant Fidelity and Obedience**, as adherence to these laws was a tangible expression of Israel's commitment to their covenant relationship with Yahweh, demonstrating their reverence for His commands and provisions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Profane (Hebrew, _châlal'_):** The verb חָלַל (*châlal*, H2490) is a primitive root meaning "to bore," "to wound," or "to dissolve." Figuratively, and most relevant here, it means "to profane" (a person, place, or thing), "to break" (one's word), or "to treat as common." In this context, it signifies a deliberate or negligent act that diminishes the sacred status of something dedicated to God, thereby showing contempt for the divine. It implies a lowering of status from consecrated to ordinary, violating its set-apart nature.
* **Holy Things (Hebrew, _qôdesh'_):** The plural noun קֳדָשִׁים (*qôdesh*, H6944) refers to that which is "set apart," "consecrated," or "dedicated" exclusively for God's use or worship. This encompasses various offerings (e.g., peace offerings, sin offerings, grain offerings), specific portions of sacrifices designated for priestly consumption, and other items consecrated to the Tabernacle. These "holy things" were not merely human gifts but were imbued with a sacred character by virtue of their dedication to the LORD, reflecting His inherent holiness and demanding reverence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall not profane":** This opening imperative establishes a direct and emphatic prohibition. The "they" refers specifically to the priests, the sons of Aaron, who are the primary subjects of the regulations in Leviticus 22. The negative command underscores the gravity of the forbidden action, highlighting that profanation is not merely an error but a serious violation of divine order and sanctity.
* **"the holy things of the children of Israel":** This clause specifies the objects of the prohibition. These "holy things" are the offerings and consecrated items brought by the entire community of Israel. They represent the people's devotion, their covenant obligations, and their means of approaching God. The phrase emphasizes that these items, though originating from the people, become God's exclusive property upon dedication, and their sanctity must be rigorously guarded.
* **"which they offer unto the LORD;":** This final clause clarifies the ultimate destination and purpose of the "holy things." They are not merely offerings to a deity but specifically "unto the LORD"—Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. This reinforces the profound theological weight of the prohibition: profaning these items is an affront directly to God Himself, diminishing His honor and the sacredness of His worship.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 22:15 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message with clarity and authority. **Legal Language** is paramount, as the verse is a direct, concise prohibition, characteristic of the apodictic law found throughout the Pentateuch. This directness lends an air of absolute authority and leaves no room for ambiguity regarding the required conduct. The verse also utilizes **Contrast**, implicitly setting the "holy things" (קֳדָשִׁים, *qodashim*) against the act of "profaning" (חָלַל, *ḥālal*). This stark opposition highlights the fundamental theological distinction between the sacred and the common, a core theme in Leviticus. Furthermore, the phrase "which they offer unto the LORD" functions as a form of **Emphasis**, underscoring the divine recipient of the offerings and thereby elevating the gravity of any act that would disrespect them. The prohibition itself serves as a powerful **Warning**, not just against a specific action, but against a mindset that fails to properly revere what God has set apart for Himself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 22:15 is deeply rooted in the overarching biblical theology of God's inherent holiness and humanity's corresponding call to reflect that holiness. God, as the perfectly pure, transcendent, and set-apart One, demands that all things pertaining to Him—His dwelling place, His worship, His provisions, and His people—be treated with utmost reverence and purity. The priests, as mediators, bore the solemn responsibility of upholding this sacred boundary between the holy and the common, ensuring that Israel understood the gravity of God's presence. To profane the holy things was to desecrate God's honor and to undermine the very foundation of the covenant relationship, which was predicated on His holiness. This principle extends beyond mere ritual purity to encompass moral and spiritual integrity, reminding us that true worship involves a holistic dedication of all that we are and have to the LORD.

* [Leviticus 11:44](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - Be Holy, for I Am Holy")
* [Leviticus 10:10](/leviticus/10-10 "Leviticus 10:10 - Priestly Discernment Between Holy and Unholy")
* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Call to Holiness in Conduct")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific Levitical laws concerning ritual purity and animal sacrifices are fulfilled and transformed in the New Covenant through Christ, the timeless principles embedded in Leviticus 22:15 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse calls us to cultivate a deep sense of reverence for God and all that pertains to Him. It challenges us to consider how we handle the "holy things" in our lives: our worship, our spiritual disciplines, our bodies (as temples of the Holy Spirit), our time, talents, and resources consecrated to God, and even the sacred fellowship of the church. Do we approach these with a casual indifference, or with the awe and respect due to their divine connection? This verse serves as a powerful reminder that our God is holy, and our lives, consecrated to Him through Christ, are likewise called to reflect that holiness in every sphere, guarding against any attitude or action that would diminish their sacred purpose. It compels us to live with intentionality, recognizing that everything we offer to God—our praise, our service, our very lives—is a holy offering that must be treated with the utmost care and devotion, reflecting the character of the Holy One to whom it is given.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be inadvertently "profaning" what God considers holy, perhaps through casualness, neglect, or lack of intentionality?**
* **How does my approach to corporate worship, personal prayer, and Bible study reflect a genuine reverence for the "holy things" of God?**
* **Considering my body as a temple of the Holy Spirit, what practical steps can I take to honor its sacredness more fully in my daily choices?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of awe and respect for God's presence and provisions in every aspect of my daily life, from the mundane to the miraculous?**

### FAQ
**What does "profane" truly mean in this context, and why was it such a serious offense?**

Answer: In Leviticus 22:15, "profane" (Hebrew: *ḥālal*) means to treat something sacred as common, defiled, or unholy. It's not necessarily about physical destruction, but about violating the consecrated status of an item, thereby stripping it of its sacred distinction. This was a serious offense because the "holy things" were dedicated to the LORD, symbolizing His presence and the covenant relationship with Israel. To profane them was to show contempt for God Himself, diminishing His honor and the sanctity of His worship. It blurred the crucial distinction between the holy and the common, a distinction fundamental to Israel's understanding of God's character and their own identity as a holy nation set apart by Him (as seen in [Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy, for I the LORD your God am Holy")). Such an act could incur divine judgment, as it directly challenged God's authority and holiness.

**Are these laws still relevant for Christians today, given that we are not under the Old Covenant sacrificial system?**

Answer: While Christians are not bound by the ceremonial laws of the Old Covenant, as the sacrificial system has been perfectly fulfilled in Christ (as explained in [Hebrews 10:1-10](/hebrews/10-1-10 "Hebrews 10:1-10 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")), the underlying principles of holiness, reverence, and the distinction between the sacred and the common remain profoundly relevant. Leviticus 22:15 teaches us about God's unchanging character—He is holy and demands holiness from His people. For believers today, the "holy things" are no longer animal sacrifices but include our lives consecrated to God, our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit (as in [1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Your Body is a Temple")), the church as God's holy people, and the spiritual blessings and privileges we have in Christ. The command not to profane them translates into a call for believers to live a life of purity, reverence, and devoted stewardship, honoring God in all we do (echoing [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as a Living Sacrifice")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 22:15, with its strict prohibition against profaning holy things, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant system, with its meticulous regulations for priests and sacrifices, served as a shadow pointing to the reality found in Christ (as articulated in [Colossians 2:17](/colossians/2-17 "Colossians 2:17 - The Shadow and the Substance")). Jesus, as our great High Priest, perfectly fulfilled the requirements of holiness, offering Himself as the unblemished, once-for-all sacrifice (described in [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). He was the "holy thing" par excellence, dedicated entirely to the LORD, and He could not be profaned by sin or death, for He was without blemish (as affirmed in [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by the Precious Blood of Christ")). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection, Christ not only upheld the holiness of God but also made a way for sinful humanity to be made holy and acceptable in God's sight, declaring us righteous in Him (as seen in [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Now, under the New Covenant, believers are declared holy in Christ (as in [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Sanctified Through the Offering of Jesus Christ")), becoming a "holy priesthood" (as stated in [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "A Holy Priesthood")) called to offer spiritual sacrifices. The command not to profane holy things transforms into a call for believers to live lives worthy of their calling, guarding the sanctity of their new identity in Christ and honoring God with their bodies and all that they are, as they are now temples of the Holy Spirit (from [1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")), presenting their entire lives as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God (as exhorted in [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as a Living Sacrifice")).

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

Numbers 18:32

And ye shall bear no sin by reason of it, when ye have heaved from it the best of it: neither shall ye pollute the holy things of the children of Israel, lest ye die.

Leviticus 19:8

Therefore [every one] that eateth it shall bear his iniquity, because he hath profaned the hallowed thing of the LORD: and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.

Ezekiel 22:26

Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed [difference] between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them.

Leviticus 22:9

They shall therefore keep mine ordinance, lest they bear sin for it, and die therefore, if they profane it: I the LORD do sanctify them.