Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “Say to Aaron: ‘For the generations to come none of your descendants who has a defect may come near to offer the food of his God. New Living Translation “Give the following instructions to Aaron: In all future generations, none of your descendants who has any defect will qualify to offer food to his God. English Standard Version “Speak to Aaron, saying, None of your offspring throughout their generations who has a blemish may approach to offer the bread of his God. Berean Standard Bible “Say to Aaron, ‘For the generations to come, none of your descendants who has a physical defect may approach to offer the food of his God. Berean Literal Bible “Speak to Aaron, saying, ‘No man of your seed to their generations who has a blemish in him shall draw near to bring near the bread of his God. King James Bible Speak unto Aaron, saying, Whosoever he be of thy seed in their generations that hath any blemish, let him not approach to offer the bread of his God. New King James Version “Speak to Aaron, saying: ‘No man of your descendants in succeeding generations, who has any defect, may approach to offer the bread of his God. New American Standard Bible “Speak to Aaron, saying, ‘None of your descendants throughout their generations who has an impairment shall approach to offer the food of his God. NASB 1995 “Speak to Aaron, saying, ‘No man of your offspring throughout their generations who has a defect shall approach to offer the food of his God. NASB 1977 “Speak to Aaron, saying, ‘No man of your offspring throughout their generations who has a defect shall approach to offer the bread of his God. Legacy Standard Bible “Speak to Aaron, saying, ‘No man of your seed throughout their generations who has a defect shall come near to offer the food of his God. Amplified Bible “Say to Aaron, ‘Throughout their generations none of your descendants who has any [physical] defect shall approach [the altar] to present the food of his God. Berean Annotated Bible “Say to Aaron (light bringer), ‘For the generations to come, none of your descendants who has a physical defect may approach to offer the food of his God {Elohaw}. Christian Standard Bible “Tell Aaron: None of your descendants throughout your generations who has a physical defect is to come near to present the food of his God. Holman Christian Standard Bible Tell Aaron: None of your descendants throughout your generations who has a physical defect is to come near to present the food of his God. American Standard Version Speak unto Aaron, saying, Whosoever he be of thy seed throughout their generations that hath a blemish, let him not approach to offer the bread of his God. English Revised Version Speak unto Aaron, saying, Whosoever he be of thy seed throughout their generations that hath a blemish, let him not approach to offer the bread of his God. GOD'S WORD® Translation "Tell Aaron: If any of your descendants (now or in future generations) has a physical defect, he must never bring food to offer to God. Good News Translation to tell Aaron, "None of your descendants who has any physical defects may present the food offering to me. This applies for all time to come. International Standard Version "Tell Aaron that whoever of your descendants throughout their generations has a bodily defect is not to approach to offer the food of his God. NET Bible "Tell Aaron, 'No man from your descendants throughout their generations who has a physical flaw is to approach to present the food of his God. New Heart English Bible "Say to Aaron, 'None of your descendants throughout their generations who has a blemish, may approach to offer the bread of his God. Webster's Bible Translation Speak to Aaron, saying, whoever he may be of thy seed in their generations that hath any blemish, let him not approach to offer the bread of his God: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“Say to Aaron, ‘For the generations to come, none of your descendants who has a physical defect may approach to offer the food of his God. World English Bible “Say to Aaron, ‘None of your offspring throughout their generations who has a defect may approach to offer the bread of his God. Literal Translations Literal Standard Version“Speak to Aaron, saying, No man of your seed throughout their generations in whom there is blemish draws near to bring the bread of his God near, Berean Literal Bible “Speak to Aaron, saying, ‘No man of your seed to their generations who has a blemish in him shall draw near to bring near the bread of his God. Young's Literal Translation 'Speak unto Aaron, saying, No man of thy seed to their generations in whom there is blemish doth draw near to bring near the bread of his God, Smith's Literal Translation Speak to Aaron saying, A man from thy seed according to their generations, to whom shall be in him a blemish, shall not come near to bring the bread of his God. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleSay to Aaron: Whosoever of thy seed throughout their families, hath a blemish, he shall not offer bread to his God. Catholic Public Domain Version Say to Aaron: A man from your offspring, throughout their families, who has a blemish, shall not offer the bread to his God. New American Bible Say to Aaron: None of your descendants, throughout their generations, who has any blemish shall come forward to offer the food of his God. New Revised Standard Version Speak to Aaron and say: No one of your offspring throughout their generations who has a blemish may approach to offer the food of his God. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSpeak to Aaron and say to him, Whosoever he be of your descendants throughout their generations who has any blemish, let him not approach to offer the bread of his God. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated “Speak with Ahron and say to him: ‘A man of your seed for their generations who will have a defect in him shall not come to bring the bread of his God. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Speak unto Aaron, saying: Whosoever he be of thy seed throughout their generations that hath a blemish, let him not approach to offer the bread of his God. Brenton Septuagint Translation Say to Aaron, A man of thy tribe throughout your generations, who shall have a blemish on him, shall not draw nigh to offer the gifts of his God. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Restrictions Against Those with Blemishes16Then the LORD said to Moses, 17“Say to Aaron, ‘For the generations to come, none of your descendants who has a physical defect may approach to offer the food of his God. 18No man who has any defect may approach—no man who is blind, lame, disfigured, or deformed;… Cross References “Say to Aaron, Numbers 18:1 So the LORD said to Aaron, “You and your sons and your father’s house must bear the iniquity involving the sanctuary. And you and your sons alone must bear the iniquity involving your priesthood. Exodus 28:1 “Next, have your brother Aaron brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, to serve Me as priests. Exodus 29:1 “Now this is what you are to do to consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve Me as priests: Take a young bull and two rams without blemish, ‘For the generations to come, Exodus 27:21 In the Tent of Meeting, outside the veil that is in front of the Testimony, Aaron and his sons are to tend the lamps before the LORD from evening until morning. This is to be a permanent statute for the Israelites for the generations to come. Numbers 18:23 The Levites are to perform the work of the Tent of Meeting, and they must bear their iniquity. This is a permanent statute for the generations to come. The Levites will not receive an inheritance among the Israelites. Exodus 12:14 And this day will be a memorial for you, and you are to celebrate it as a feast to the LORD, as a permanent statute for the generations to come. none of your descendants who has a physical defect Deuteronomy 23:1 No man with crushed or severed genitals may enter the assembly of the LORD. 2 Samuel 5:8 On that day he said, “Whoever attacks the Jebusites must use the water shaft to reach the lame and blind who are despised by David.” That is why it is said, “The blind and the lame will never enter the palace.” Leviticus 22:20 You must not present anything with a defect, because it will not be accepted on your behalf. may approach to offer the food of his God. Deuteronomy 18:1 The Levitical priests—indeed the whole tribe of Levi—shall have no portion or inheritance with Israel. They are to eat the food offerings to the LORD; that is their inheritance. Numbers 18:8 Then the LORD said to Aaron, “Behold, I have put you in charge of My offerings. As for all the sacred offerings of the Israelites, I have given them to you and your sons as a portion and a permanent statute. Ezekiel 44:15 But the Levitical priests, who are descended from Zadok and who kept charge of My sanctuary when the Israelites went astray from Me, are to approach Me to minister before Me. They will stand before Me to offer Me fat and blood, declares the Lord GOD. Numbers 18:19-22 All the holy offerings that the Israelites present to the LORD I give to you and to your sons and daughters as a permanent statute. It is a permanent covenant of salt before the LORD for you and your offspring.” / Then the LORD said to Aaron, “You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any portion among them. I am your portion and your inheritance among the Israelites. / Behold, I have given to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they do, the service of the Tent of Meeting. … Deuteronomy 15:21 But if an animal has a defect, is lame or blind, or has any serious flaw, you must not sacrifice it to the LORD your God. Malachi 1:8 When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is it not wrong? And when you present the lame and sick ones, is it not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you or show you favor?” asks the LORD of Hosts. Malachi 1:14 “But cursed is the deceiver who has an acceptable male in his flock and vows to give it, but sacrifices a defective animal to the Lord. For I am a great King,” says the LORD of Hosts, “and My name is to be feared among the nations. Treasury of Scripture Speak to Aaron, saying, Whoever he be of your seed in their generations that has any blemish, let him not approach to offer the bread of his God. blemish Leviticus 22:20-25 But whatsoever hath a blemish, that shall ye not offer: for it shall not be acceptable for you… 1 Thessalonians 2:10 Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: 1 Timothy 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; let him 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 10:3 Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace. Numbers 16:5 And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will shew who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him. bread. Leviticus 3:11,16 And the priest shall burn it upon the altar: it is the food of the offering made by fire unto the LORD… Jump to Previous Aaron Approach Blemish Body Bread Damaged Defect Descendants Family Food Generation Generations Offer Offering Offspring Present Seed Speak ThroughoutJump to Next Aaron Approach Blemish Body Bread Damaged Defect Descendants Family Food Generation Generations Offer Offering Offspring Present Seed Speak ThroughoutLeviticus 21 1. Of the priests' mourning6. Of their holiness 7. Of their marriages 8. Of their estimation 9. Of the high priest's holiness 10. Of his marriage 13. The priests that have blemishes must not minister in the sanctuary Say to Aaron Aaron, the brother of Moses, was the first high priest of Israel. His role was crucial in establishing the priestly lineage and the Levitical priesthood. This command is directed to him as the head of the priestly family, emphasizing the importance of maintaining holiness and purity in those who serve in the sanctuary. For the generations to come None of your descendants who has a physical defect May approach to offer the food of his God Persons / Places / Events 1. AaronThe brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. He represents the priestly line through which the Levitical laws were given. 2. Descendants of Aaron Refers to the future generations of priests who would serve in the tabernacle and later in the temple. 3. Physical Defect Any physical imperfection or disability that would disqualify a priest from performing certain sacred duties. 4. Offering the Food of God The act of presenting sacrifices and offerings to God, a central duty of the priesthood. 5. Generations to Come Indicates the perpetual nature of this commandment for the priestly line. Teaching Points Holiness in ServiceThe requirement for priests to be without physical defect underscores the importance of holiness and purity in those who serve God. While physical perfection is not required of believers today, spiritual integrity and holiness are essential. Symbolism of Perfection The physical requirements for priests symbolize the spiritual perfection found in Christ, our ultimate High Priest. Believers are called to strive for spiritual maturity and holiness. Inclusivity in Christ While the Old Testament law had specific requirements, the New Testament reveals that in Christ, all are made perfect through His sacrifice, regardless of physical or spiritual imperfections. Role of the Priesthood The priesthood in the Old Testament points to the greater priesthood of all believers in the New Testament, who are called to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God. God's Standards God's standards for those who serve Him are high, reflecting His holiness. Believers are encouraged to pursue a life that honors God in all aspects. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Leviticus 21:17?2. How does Leviticus 21:17 emphasize the holiness required of priests? 3. What physical defects are mentioned in Leviticus 21:17, and why are they significant? 4. How does Leviticus 21:17 connect to the New Testament's call for spiritual purity? 5. In what ways can we apply the principle of holiness from Leviticus 21:17 today? 6. How does Leviticus 21:17 reflect God's standards for those serving in ministry? 7. Why does Leviticus 21:17 exclude those with defects from priestly service? 8. How does Leviticus 21:17 align with the concept of God's love for all? 9. What historical context influenced the regulations in Leviticus 21:17? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 21? 11. How do other biblical passages reconcile or contradict Leviticus 21’s strict requirements for priestly purity and appearance? 12. Why does Leviticus 21:17–23 exclude priests with physical defects, and how does this align with modern understandings of equality? 13. How do Leviticus 22’s rules compare with New Testament teachings on grace and accessibility for all believers? 14. Why does Micah 4:6–7 claim God will gather the lame and outcasts if no recorded mass restoration event for these groups exists? What Does Leviticus 21:17 Mean Say to Aaron– Moses receives this command directly from the LORD and is told to relay it to his brother, the high priest (see Exodus 28:1; Leviticus 8:1–2). – The address to Aaron underscores priestly responsibility; nothing about priestly service is left to personal preference—every detail comes from God Himself (compare Numbers 18:1–7). – In the same way Christ, our final High Priest, was appointed, not self-appointed (Hebrews 5:4–6). For the generations to come – The instruction is perpetual for the earthly Aaronic line (Exodus 29:9; 40:15). – God’s standards do not shift with culture; holiness remains holiness from one generation to another (Malachi 3:6). – By extending “for the generations to come,” the Lord teaches Israel—and us—that His principles outlive individual circumstances. none of your descendants – The regulation applies exclusively to Aaron’s offspring, the priestly family (Numbers 18:7; 25:13). – With privilege comes restriction: every descendant shared in covenant blessing, yet only certain members could execute sacrificial duties (Deuteronomy 10:8). – This foreshadows the New Covenant truth that every believer is a priest in Christ, though only Christ offers the perfect sacrifice (1 Peter 2:5; Hebrews 7:27). who has a physical defect – Verses 18–20 spell out examples: blindness, lameness, disfigurement, etc. – The purpose is symbolic, not discriminatory. Sacrifices had to be without blemish (Leviticus 1:3; 22:20); likewise the earthly mediator had to represent wholeness. – God never declares the disabled unworthy of His love—priests with defects could still eat the holy food (Leviticus 21:22). The restriction guarded a living picture of the coming flawless Mediator, Jesus (1 Peter 1:19). – It also reminded Israel that sin, not disability, is the ultimate disqualifier (Isaiah 59:2). may approach to offer the food of his God – “Approach” refers to entering the sanctuary and handling altar offerings (Leviticus 3:11; 21:21). – “Food of his God” denotes the fire-consumed portions presented to the LORD, pictured as His “table” (Leviticus 3:11; Malachi 1:7). – The restriction protected the altar’s symbolism: a perfect priest presenting perfect offerings pointed forward to Christ, “holy, innocent, undefiled” (Hebrews 7:26). – Today believers still “draw near” only through the blemish-free High Priest, Jesus (Hebrews 10:19–22). summary Leviticus 21:17 sets a divine standard for Aaron’s line: only priests without physical defects could serve at the altar. The rule safeguarded a visual lesson—God’s holiness demands perfection, and only a flawless mediator can stand between sinners and a holy God. While no slight was cast on those with disabilities, the regulation preserved a prophetic picture ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the sinless High Priest who grants every believer—regardless of earthly limitation—access to God. (17) Whosoever he be of thy seed.--Better, any man of thy seed throughout their generations; that is, any of the descendants, to all future times, who have not been disqualified for service in the sanctuary by their parents contracting illegal alliances, are yet to be subject to the following regulations.To offer the bread of his God.--That is, shall not officiate at the sacrifices. (See Leviticus 21:6 -Leviticus 3:2.) Hebrew “Sayדַּבֵּ֥ר (dab·bêr) Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue to אֶֽל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Aaron, אַהֲרֹ֖ן (’a·hă·rōn) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 175: Aaron -- an elder brother of Moses ‘For the generations to come, לְדֹרֹתָ֗ם (lə·ḏō·rō·ṯām) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 1755: A revolution of time, an age, generation, a dwelling none לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no of your descendants מִֽזַּרְעֲךָ֞ (miz·zar·‘ă·ḵā) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 2233: Seed, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity who אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that has יִהְיֶ֥ה (yih·yeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be a physical defect מ֔וּם (mūm) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3971: To stain, a blemish may approach יִקְרַ֔ב (yiq·raḇ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7126: To come near, approach to offer לְהַקְרִ֖יב (lə·haq·rîḇ) Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct Strong's 7126: To come near, approach the food לֶ֥חֶם (le·ḥem) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3899: Food, bread, grain of his God. אֱלֹהָֽיו׃ (’ĕ·lō·hāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative Links Leviticus 21:17 NIVLeviticus 21:17 NLT Leviticus 21:17 ESV Leviticus 21:17 NASB Leviticus 21:17 KJV Leviticus 21:17 BibleApps.com Leviticus 21:17 Biblia Paralela Leviticus 21:17 Chinese Bible Leviticus 21:17 French Bible Leviticus 21:17 Catholic Bible OT Law: Leviticus 21:17 Say to Aaron 'None of your seed (Le Lv Lev.) |
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