They shall be holy unto their God, and not profane the name of their God: for the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and the bread of their God, they do offer: therefore they shall be holy.

LEVITICUS 21:6KJV
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Leviticus 21:6 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 21:6 mean?

Leviticus 21:6 says that priests must remain holy and not dishonor God’s name, because they are responsible for offering the LORD’s sacrifices and bread; their special role requires them to be set apart. The verse stresses that their actions reflect on God, so they must keep themselves pure.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses, giving instructions specifically for the priests of Israel. The priests have unique duties, like offering sacrifices (“offerings of the LORD made by fire”) and presenting bread, which symbolize Israel’s relationship with God. Because they represent the people before God, their behavior must show respect for God’s holiness and reputation.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 21:6

  • “Holy” (קָדוֹשׁ, qadosh) and “holy” (קְדוֹשִׁים, qedoshim): Both words come from the same root, meaning “set apart” or “dedicated.” The verse repeats this idea to highlight how different the priests’ lives must be from ordinary Israelites.
  • “Profane” (חָלַל, chalal): This word means to treat something as common or ordinary. Here, it warns the priests not to treat God’s name lightly, reminding them that their actions can either honor or dishonor God.
  • “Name” (שֵׁם, shem): In Hebrew thought, a name stands for reputation or character. The priests are told not to damage God’s reputation by their behavior.
  • “Offerings” and “fire” (אִשֶּׁה, ishsheh): This word refers to offerings made by fire, which were central acts of worship. The verse links the priests’ holiness to their role in these sacred rituals.

Why Leviticus 21:6 matters

  • Leviticus 21:6 clarifies that the priests’ personal conduct is directly tied to their public service; their holiness is not just private but affects the whole community’s view of God.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of representing God—priests must avoid anything that would make God’s name seem less than holy.
  • This instruction fits into a larger section where God sets apart the priests with stricter standards, showing that leadership in worship comes with greater responsibility.

Where else these words appear

“offerings” Hebrew H801 · used in 64 verses

  • Exodus 29:18 And thou shalt burn the whole ram upon the altar: it is a burnt offering unto the LORD: it is a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
  • Leviticus 6:17 It shall not be baken with leaven. I have given it unto them for their portion of my offerings made by fire; it is most holy, as is the sin offering, and as the trespass offering.
  • Leviticus 24:7 And thou shalt put pure frankincense upon each row, that it may be on the bread for a memorial, even an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

“holy” Hebrew H6918 · used in 106 verses

  • Exodus 19:6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
  • 2 Chronicles 35:3 And said unto the Levites that taught all Israel, which were holy unto the LORD, Put the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David king of Israel did build; it shall not be a burden upon your shoulders: serve now the LORD your God, and his people Israel,
  • Isaiah 29:19 The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.

“profane” Hebrew H2490 · used in 131 verses

  • Genesis 4:26 And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.
  • Judges 20:39 And when the men of Israel retired in the battle, Benjamin began to smite and kill of the men of Israel about thirty persons: for they said, Surely they are smitten down before us, as in the first battle.
  • Jeremiah 16:18 And first I will recompense their iniquity and their sin double; because they have defiled my land, they have filled mine inheritance with the carcases of their detestable and abominable things.