Leviticus 21:19 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 21:19 mean?

Leviticus 21:19 states that a man who is "brokenfooted" or "brokenhanded" is not allowed to serve as a priest in the sanctuary. This verse is part of a list of physical conditions that disqualify a descendant of Aaron from performing priestly duties at the altar.

In this chapter, God is giving Moses specific instructions for the priests of Israel, focusing on physical requirements for those who serve in the tabernacle. The emphasis is on outward wholeness, reflecting the special role of priests in representing the people before God. The verse does not comment on a person's worth or value, but rather sets boundaries for ritual service in the ancient Israelite context.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 21:19

• "brokenfooted" (שֶׁבֶר־רֶגֶל, shever-regel): This phrase combines the word for "broken" (שֶׁבֶר, shever) and "foot" (רֶגֶל, regel), describing someone with a damaged or crippled foot. The wording points to a visible, lasting injury or deformity.
• "brokenhanded" (שֶׁבֶר־יָד, shever-yad): Similarly, this phrase uses "broken" (שֶׁבֶר, shever) and "hand" (יָד, yad), referring to a person with a damaged or disabled hand. The focus is on a physical limitation that would be apparent to others.

Why Leviticus 21:19 matters

• This verse clarifies that the priestly role in ancient Israel required physical wholeness, not just ritual purity or moral character, highlighting the symbolic importance of the priesthood.
• The verse helps explain the broader context of Leviticus 21, where various physical conditions are listed, showing that these requirements were about ritual and representation, not about a person's spiritual standing.
• Understanding the specific Hebrew terms shows that the law is referring to clear, visible injuries, not minor imperfections, which helps avoid misreading the verse as overly harsh or exclusionary.