But if the priest buy any soul with his money, he shall eat of it, and he that is born in his house: they shall eat of his meat.

LEVITICUS 22:11KJV
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Leviticus 22:11 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 22:11 mean?

Leviticus 22:11 explains that if a priest buys a person with his own money or if someone is born in the priest’s household, those people are allowed to eat the priest’s food, which refers to the holy offerings. This verse sets out who is permitted to share in the special food reserved for priests and their households.

In this part of Leviticus, God is giving Moses instructions for the priests about who may eat the sacred offerings brought by the Israelites. The verse clarifies that not only the priest himself, but also people he has legally acquired (such as servants) and those born in his house, are included in the privilege of eating these offerings. This rule helps define the boundaries of the priest’s household for ritual purposes.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 22:11

  • "priest" (כֹּהֵן, kohen): This word refers specifically to a member of the priestly family, not just any religious leader. The privileges described are limited to this group.
  • "buy" (קָנָה, qanah): This verb means to acquire or purchase. In this context, it refers to the practice of buying servants, who then become part of the priest’s household.
  • "soul" (נֶפֶשׁ, nefesh): Often translated as "person" or "life," this word here means an individual, emphasizing that the rule applies to people, not just family by blood.
  • "meat" (לֶחֶם, lechem): Literally "bread," but in this context it means food in general, specifically the holy offerings set aside for priests.

Why Leviticus 22:11 matters

  • Leviticus 22:11 clarifies that the privilege of eating holy offerings is not just for the priest’s blood relatives, but also for those who are legally part of his household, such as servants and their children.
  • This verse helps prevent misunderstandings about who is allowed to eat the sacred food, which was a serious matter in Israelite worship.
  • The rule fits into a larger section about maintaining the holiness of the offerings and the people who handle them, showing the importance of boundaries and purity in worship practices.

Where else these words appear

“with” Hebrew H7075 · used in 10 verses

  • Genesis 31:18 And he carried away all his cattle, and all his goods which he had gotten, the cattle of his getting, which he had gotten in Padanaram, for to go to Isaac his father in the land of Canaan.
  • Joshua 14:4 For the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim: therefore they gave no part unto the Levites in the land, save cities to dwell in, with their suburbs for their cattle and for their substance.
  • Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

“born” Hebrew H3211 · used in 13 verses

  • Genesis 14:14 And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan.
  • Genesis 17:27 And all the men of his house, born in the house, and bought with money of the stranger, were circumcised with him.
  • 2 Samuel 21:16 And Ishbibenob, which was of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of brass in weight, he being girded with a new sword, thought to have slain David.

“buy” Hebrew H7069 · used in 76 verses

  • Genesis 4:1 And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD.
  • Ruth 4:4 And I thought to advertise thee, saying, Buy it before the inhabitants, and before the elders of my people. If thou wilt redeem it, redeem it: but if thou wilt not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know: for there is none to redeem it beside thee; and I am after thee. And he said, I will redeem it.
  • Proverbs 18:15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.