What does Leviticus 21:21 mean?
"No man that hath a blemish of the seed of Aaron the priest shall come nigh to offer the offerings of the LORD made by fire: he hath a blemish; he shall not come nigh to offer the bread of his God." - Leviticus 21:21

Leviticus 21:21 - "No man that hath a blemish of the seed of Aaron the priest shall come nigh to offer the offerings of the LORD made by fire: he hath a blemish; he shall not come nigh to offer the bread of his God."
Leviticus 21:21 in the King James Version of the Bible states, "No man that hath a blemish of the seed of Aaron the priest shall come nigh to offer the offerings of the Lord made by fire: he hath a blemish; he shall not come nigh to offer the bread of his God." This verse is part of a larger section of the book of Leviticus that outlines various laws and regulations for the priests of Israel.
The passage specifically addresses the requirements for a priest to be physically unblemished in order to approach and offer sacrifices to the Lord. The "seed of Aaron" refers to the descendants of Aaron, the first high priest of Israel. It is important to note that in biblical times, the physical appearance of a person was closely tied to their spiritual purity and ability to fulfill religious duties.
The concept of physical blemishes or imperfections being a hindrance to a person's ability to perform religious rituals is not unique to the Israelites. Many ancient cultures held similar beliefs about the connection between physical perfection and spiritual purity. In the context of Leviticus, the reasoning behind this regulation likely stems from the idea that only the best and purest offerings should be presented to God.
The theme of holiness and purity is central to the verse, as it underscores the idea that only those without physical blemishes are fit to approach God and offer sacrifices on behalf of the people. This theme resonates throughout the book of Leviticus, which is often referred to as the "Holiness Code" due to its focus on moral and ritual purity.
In addition to the theme of holiness, Leviticus 21:21 also underscores the importance of the priestly role in mediating between God and the people. The priests were tasked with performing various religious duties, including offering sacrifices, interpreting the law, and providing spiritual guidance to the community. The physical perfection required of the priests served as a visual representation of their moral and spiritual purity, setting them apart from the rest of the community.
The symbolism present in this verse is multifaceted. On one level, the physical blemishes represent impurity and imperfection, which are seen as incompatible with the sacred act of offering sacrifices to God. This symbolism reflects the belief that God deserves only the best and purest offerings. On another level, the physical blemishes serve as a metaphor for moral and spiritual imperfections. By requiring physical perfection of the priests, the text emphasizes the importance of moral and spiritual purity in approaching God.
However, it is important to approach this verse with a critical eye, as it can be seen as problematic from a modern perspective. The emphasis on physical perfection as a prerequisite for serving God can be exclusionary and discriminatory. It is essential to recognize the cultural and historical context in which this verse was written and interpreted, while also considering how its message may be applied in a contemporary religious or ethical framework.
In conclusion, Leviticus 21:21 in the King James Version of the Bible conveys the importance of holiness, purity, and the priestly role in Israelite religious practices. It serves as a reminder of the significance of approaching God with reverence and offering only the best and purest sacrifices. The verse's themes and symbolism offer valuable insights into the ancient Israelite understanding of religious ritual and the role of the priesthood in mediating between God and the people.
Leviticus 21:21 Artwork

Leviticus 21:21 - "No man that hath a blemish of the seed of Aaron the priest shall come nigh to offer the offerings of the LORD made by fire: he hath a blemish; he shall not come nigh to offer the bread of his God."

Leviticus 21:19 - "Or a man that is brokenfooted, or brokenhanded,"

Leviticus 21:16 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"

Leviticus 21:13 - "And he shall take a wife in her virginity."

Lamentations 2:1

Lamentations 2:1

Lamentations 2:1

Matthew 2:1-2

Matthew 2:1-12

Matthew 2:1-12

Matthew 2:1-12

Matthew 2:1-12

Leviticus 21:22 - "He shall eat the bread of his God, both of the most holy, and of the holy."

Leviticus 21:24 - "And Moses told it unto Aaron, and to his sons, and unto all the children of Israel."

Leviticus 9:21 - "And the breasts and the right shoulder Aaron waved for a wave offering before the LORD; as Moses commanded."

Leviticus 21:4 - "But he shall not defile himself, being a chief man among his people, to profane himself."

Leviticus 21:20 - "Or crookbackt, or a dwarf, or that hath a blemish in his eye, or be scurvy, or scabbed, or hath his stones broken;"

Leviticus 24:21 - "And he that killeth a beast, he shall restore it: and he that killeth a man, he shall be put to death."

Genesis 21-21

Leviticus 21:15 - "Neither shall he profane his seed among his people: for I the LORD do sanctify him."

Leviticus 25:21 - "Then I will command my blessing upon you in the sixth year, and it shall bring forth fruit for three years."

Leviticus 21:3 - "And for his sister a virgin, that is nigh unto him, which hath had no husband; for her may he be defiled."

Leviticus 15:21 - "And whosoever toucheth her bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even."

Leviticus 21:11 - "Neither shall he go in to any dead body, nor defile himself for his father, or for his mother;"

Titus 2:1 - "But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:"

Leviticus 21:2 - "But for his kin, that is near unto him, that is, for his mother, and for his father, and for his son, and for his daughter, and for his brother,"

Leviticus 27:21 - "But the field, when it goeth out in the jubile, shall be holy unto the LORD, as a field devoted; the possession thereof shall be the priest's."

Jeremiah 2:1 - "Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying,"

Malachi 2:1 - "And now, O ye priests, this commandment is for you."

Numbers 2:1 - "And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,"