Leviticus 21:2 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 21:2 mean?

Leviticus 21:2 explains that a priest is allowed to become ritually unclean (for example, by touching a dead body) only for close family members—specifically, his mother, father, son, daughter, or brother. This verse sets limits on when a priest can make exceptions to the usual rules about staying ceremonially pure.

In this part of Leviticus, God is giving Moses instructions for the priests, who had stricter rules than ordinary Israelites. The verse lists which relatives are considered "near kin" for whom a priest may mourn or take part in burial, showing the importance of both family ties and ritual purity in ancient Israel.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 21:2

• קָרוֹב (qarov, "near"): This word means "near" or "close," and here it refers to family members who are closely related. The verse uses this term to define the specific relatives for whom a priest can make an exception to purity laws.
• שְׁאֵר (she'er, "kin"): This word is often understood as "flesh" or "relative," emphasizing a blood relationship. Its use here highlights the strong family bond that justifies setting aside ritual restrictions.
• אֵם (em, "mother"), אָב (av, "father"), בֵּן (ben, "son"), בַּת (bat, "daughter"), אָח (ach, "brother"): These words name the specific family members included in the exception. The list is concrete and limited, showing that not all relatives are treated the same under this rule.

Why Leviticus 21:2 matters

• Leviticus 21:2 clarifies that priests had stricter boundaries for ritual purity, but family obligations could override these in certain cases, showing the balance between religious duty and family loyalty.
• The verse helps readers understand who counted as "close kin" in ancient Israel, which is important for interpreting other laws about mourning and ritual purity.
• This rule connects to the wider passage about priestly holiness, emphasizing that even those set apart for sacred duties remain deeply connected to their immediate family.