Leviticus 21:6 in the King James Version of the Bible states: "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."

This verse is a part of God's instructions to the people of Israel regarding the qualifications and conduct of the priests who were to serve in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. The passage emphasizes the importance of holiness and purity in the lives of the priests, as they were responsible for offering sacrifices and maintaining the spiritual well-being of the people.

The verse begins with the declaration that the priests are to be holy unto their God. This sets the tone for the rest of the passage, emphasizing the need for the priests to live lives that are set apart and dedicated to God. The word "holy" in this context refers to being morally and spiritually pure, separate from sin and devoted to God's service.

The verse also prohibits the priests from profaning the name of their God. This means that the priests were not to bring dishonor or disrespect to the name of God through their actions or behavior. As representatives of God, their conduct was to reflect the holiness and reverence due to Him.

The reason for the priests' required holiness is further elaborated in the verse. It is because they were the ones designated to offer the offerings of the Lord made by fire, as well as the bread of their God. These offerings were a central part of the Israelite sacrificial system, and the priests served as mediators between the people and God in this process. Therefore, it was of utmost importance that they themselves be in a state of holiness and devotion to the Lord.

One of the key themes in this verse is the concept of holiness. The word "holy" appears multiple times, highlighting the significance of this attribute in the lives of the priests. The idea of holiness is not just a matter of outward behavior, but it also speaks to the internal state of the priests' hearts and minds. Their motives, thoughts, and actions were to align with God's standards of holiness.

Another important theme is the responsibility of leadership. The priests held a position of authority and influence within the community, and as such, they were held to a higher standard of behavior. This principle is echoed in the New Testament as well, where leaders in the church are called to be examples to the flock (1 Timothy 4:12).

The context of Leviticus 21:6 is within the broader framework of the Mosaic Law, which governed every aspect of Israelite life, including religious practices, social interactions, and moral conduct. The specific instructions regarding the priesthood served to establish order and propriety within the religious system, ensuring that the people's worship was conducted in a manner that was pleasing to God.

As with many other passages in the Old Testament, there is also a symbolic aspect to this verse. The requirement of holiness for the priests foreshadows the ultimate need for holiness and purity in approaching God, which is fulfilled through Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, believers are called a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), and just as the priests of old were to be holy, Christians are called to pursue holiness in their lives (Hebrews 12:14).

In conclusion, Leviticus 21:6 underscores the importance of holiness and purity in the lives of the priests who served in the Tabernacle and Temple. It emphasizes the significance of their role in offering sacrifices and maintaining the spiritual well-being of the people, and sets a standard for their conduct in relation to God and the community. The themes of holiness and leadership are central to this verse, and it has implications for understanding the broader context of the Mosaic Law and its fulfillment in Christ.