Leviticus 21:8 in the King James Version of the Bible states, "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." This verse is found within the Book of Leviticus, which is the third book of the Hebrew Bible and Old Testament. The book is attributed to Moses and is believed to have been written around 1440-1400 BC. It contains a mixture of laws, rituals, and moral expectations for the Israelites.

The verse is part of a larger passage in which the Lord is giving instructions to Moses for Aaron and his descendants, who are to serve as priests before him. The priests were to be set apart as holy and consecrated for the service of God. This verse specifically relates to the consecration of the priests and emphasizes their role in offering the bread of God.

One of the central themes of this verse is the concept of sanctification. The word "sanctify" means to set apart as sacred, to consecrate, or to make holy. In this context, the priests are being set apart and consecrated for the purpose of serving God. They are to be holy unto the Lord because he is holy. The verse emphasizes the holiness of God and the expectation that those who serve him should also be holy.

The concept of holiness is central to the book of Leviticus. The Israelites were called to be a holy people, set apart from the surrounding nations, and to reflect the holiness of God in their lives. This verse reinforces the idea that holiness is required in those who serve God, particularly in the priests who are responsible for offering sacrifices and leading the people in worship.

The verse also emphasizes the idea of God as the one who sanctifies his people. The priests are to be sanctified because God is the one who sanctifies them. This highlights the role of God in making his people holy and the need for them to depend on him for their sanctification. It also points to the grace and mercy of God in enabling his people to fulfill their calling to holiness.

Another important aspect of this verse is the symbolism of the bread of God. The bread is a symbol of the provision and sustenance that comes from God. In the context of the priests, it represents their role in offering sacrifices and leading the people in worship. The bread of God also points to the spiritual nourishment that comes from serving God and being in relationship with him. It is a reminder that those who serve God are to be sustained by him and to rely on his provision.

In terms of the broader context of the book of Leviticus, this verse is situated within a larger set of laws and regulations for the priesthood and the sacrificial system. The priests were responsible for offering various sacrifices on behalf of the people and for leading the people in worship. They were to be set apart as holy and were given specific instructions for their conduct and behavior. This verse reinforces the importance of their role and the expectations for their holiness as they carried out their duties.

In conclusion, Leviticus 21:8 is a verse that emphasizes the sanctification of the priests and the expectation of holiness in those who serve God. It highlights the role of God as the one who sanctifies his people and the significance of the priests in offering the bread of God. It also symbolizes the spiritual nourishment that comes from serving God and points to the broader context of the sacrificial system and the expectations for the priesthood. This verse continues to carry theological and moral significance for believers today as it speaks to the overarching call to holiness and the provision of God for those who serve him.