They shall therefore keep mine ordinance, lest they bear sin for it, and die therefore, if they profane it: I the LORD do sanctify them.

LEVITICUS 22:9KJV
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Leviticus 22:9 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 22:9 mean?

Leviticus 22:9 commands the priests to carefully follow God’s instructions for their duties, warning that if they violate these rules and treat them as ordinary, they will be held guilty and could die as a result, because it is the LORD who sets them apart as holy. This verse stresses the seriousness of respecting God’s commands, especially for those serving in the sanctuary.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses, giving instructions specifically for the priests of Israel about how they must handle their responsibilities in the tabernacle. The context is about the special rules for priests when dealing with holy offerings. The verse highlights that the priests’ actions have real consequences, and their role is set apart by God’s own authority.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 22:9

  • "Keep" (שָׁמַר, shamar): This word means more than just obeying; it carries the sense of guarding or watching over something carefully, showing the level of attention expected from the priests.
  • "Ordinance" (מִשְׁמֶרֶת, mishmeret): This refers to a charge or duty, emphasizing that the priests’ responsibilities are not just rules but sacred trusts given by God.
  • "Profane" (חָלַל, chalal): This word means to treat something as common or ordinary, which is the opposite of holy. The warning is about not making holy things seem everyday or insignificant.
  • "Sanctify" (קָדַשׁ, qadash): This means to set apart or make holy. God reminds the priests that their special status comes from Him, not from themselves.

Why Leviticus 22:9 matters

  • Leviticus 22:9 clarifies that the priests’ duties are not just rituals but serious responsibilities with life-and-death consequences, underscoring the weight of their role.
  • The verse shows that holiness is not automatic for the priests; it depends on their careful obedience to God’s commands, which God Himself has established.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme in Leviticus of God’s holiness and the need for those who serve Him to reflect that holiness in their actions.