Leviticus 21:18 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 21:18 mean?

Leviticus 21:18 says that any man among the priests who has a physical blemish or defect—such as being blind, lame, having a flat nose, or any other noticeable abnormality—cannot approach to offer sacrifices at the altar. The verse lists specific physical conditions that disqualified a priest from performing certain duties in the sanctuary.

In this part of Leviticus, God is speaking to Moses, giving instructions for the priests, the descendants of Aaron. The focus is on maintaining a certain standard of physical wholeness for those who serve at the altar, reflecting the idea of holiness and set-apartness in Israel’s worship practices. This rule was not about personal worth but about ritual requirements for those who represented the people before God.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 21:18

• "man" (אִישׁ, ish): This word refers to an individual male, specifically among the priests, not just any man in Israel.
• "blemish" (מוּם, mum): This term means a physical defect or imperfection. It is central to the verse, marking the condition that disqualifies a priest from approaching the altar.
• "approach" (קָרַב, qarav): This verb means to come near, especially in the sense of drawing near to perform duties at the sanctuary. It highlights the special nearness to God required of priests.
• "blind" (עִוֵּר, iver): This word refers to someone who cannot see, included here as an example of a disqualifying condition.
• "lame" (פִּסֵּחַ, pisseach): This means someone who cannot walk properly, another example of a physical defect.
• "nose" (חָרֻם, charum): This refers to a flat or damaged nose, a specific type of blemish mentioned in the list.
• "superfluous" (שָׂרֻעַ, sarua): This word means having something extra or deformed, such as an abnormal limb or finger, further clarifying the kinds of physical conditions in view.

Why Leviticus 21:18 matters

• Leviticus 21:18 clarifies that the requirements for priests were about ritual fitness, not about a person’s value or relationship with God outside of priestly service.
• The verse emphasizes the seriousness and set-apartness of the priestly role, showing that those who served at the altar symbolized wholeness and purity in Israel’s worship.
• Understanding the specific Hebrew terms helps readers see that these rules were concrete and detailed, not general statements about health or ability, and were tied to ancient Israel’s worship system.