Leviticus 22:10

¶ There shall no stranger eat [of] the holy thing: a sojourner of the priest, or an hired servant, shall not eat [of] the holy thing.

There shall no stranger {H2114} eat {H398} of the holy thing {H6944}: a sojourner {H8453} of the priest {H3548}, or an hired servant {H7916}, shall not eat {H398} of the holy thing {H6944}.

"'No one who is not a cohen may eat anything holy, nor may a tenant or employee of a cohen eat anything holy.

No one outside a priest’s family may eat the sacred offering, nor may the guest of a priest or his hired hand eat it.

There shall no stranger eat of the holy thing: a sojourner of the priest’s, or a hired servant, shall not eat of the holy thing.

Commentary

Commentary on Leviticus 22:10

Leviticus 22:10 is part of a larger section (chapters 21-22) dedicated to the laws governing the Israelite priesthood and the sanctity of the holy offerings. This particular verse focuses on restricting access to the "holy things"—portions of sacrifices and offerings designated as food for the priests and their families.

Historical and Cultural Context

In ancient Israel, the Tabernacle (and later the Temple) was the center of worship, and the priests, descended from Aaron, served as mediators between God and the people. God provided for the priests and their households through specific portions of the sacrifices and tithes brought by the Israelites. These provisions were considered highly sacred because they had been consecrated to the Lord. The regulations in Leviticus were crucial for maintaining the purity and distinctiveness of the priestly office and the sanctity of all things dedicated to God. Only those who were part of the priest's immediate, ritually clean family could partake, underscoring the strict separation of the holy from the common. This ensured reverence for God's provisions and the holiness of the priestly function.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Sanctity and Separation: The primary theme is the absolute holiness of the offerings made to God. These "holy things" were set apart for divine use and consumption by those designated for sacred service. This concept of holiness and separation is central to the book of Leviticus.
  • Purity of the Priesthood: The verse emphasizes the exclusive privilege and responsibility of the Aaronic priests and their direct family members to eat these holy portions. A "stranger" (someone not of the priestly lineage), a "sojourner," or a "hired servant" were excluded because they were not consecrated or formally part of the priestly household, even if they lived with the priest.
  • Divine Provision and Reverence: The holy things were God's ordained provision for His servants, but they were to be treated with utmost reverence, not as common food. Access was limited to maintain the integrity of the covenant and the respect due to God's consecrated gifts.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "holy thing" translates the Hebrew word qodesh (קֹדֶשׁ), which fundamentally means "set apart," "consecrated," or "sacred." It emphasizes that these items are not common or profane but belong exclusively to God. The term "stranger" here is zur (זוּר), meaning "alien" or "foreign," highlighting someone outside the designated family or covenant relationship.

Practical Application

While these specific dietary laws applied to the Levitical priesthood, the underlying principles have enduring spiritual significance:

  • Reverence for God's Sacred Things: This verse reminds us of the importance of treating all that belongs to God—His Word, His worship, His Church, and His ordinances—with profound respect and reverence.
  • Spiritual Discernment: In the New Testament, believers are called a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), implying a spiritual access and responsibility. However, this access is not to be taken lightly. Participation in sacred acts, like the Lord's Supper, requires spiritual discernment and a right heart.
  • Understanding Spiritual Privileges: Not all spiritual privileges are universal; some are tied to specific callings, commitments, or stages of spiritual maturity. This verse highlights the need for a clear understanding of who is authorized and prepared to engage with certain aspects of God's work and provisions.

For further understanding of who *could* eat the holy things, see Leviticus 22:11.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 21:6 (3 votes)

    So the priest gave him hallowed [bread]: for there was no bread there but the shewbread, that was taken from before the LORD, to put hot bread in the day when it was taken away.

  • Matthew 12:4 (3 votes)

    How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests?

  • Exodus 29:33 (2 votes)

    And they shall eat those things wherewith the atonement was made, to consecrate [and] to sanctify them: but a stranger shall not eat [thereof], because they [are] holy.