Leviticus 21:22 - He shall eat the bread of his God, both of the most holy, and of the holy.

Generated Verse: Leviticus 21:22

What does "Leviticus 21:22" mean?


Leviticus 21:22 is part of a section outlining the rules for priests (specifically descendants of Aaron). This verse specifically deals with priests who have a physical defect and are therefore ineligible to serve in the sanctuary. While they can't actively perform priestly duties, they are still provided for.

Here's a breakdown of the verse and its meaning:

"He": Refers to a priest who has a physical defect (mentioned in the preceding verses).
"shall eat the bread of his God": This refers to the portions of the sacrificial offerings that were allotted to the priests for their sustenance. It's a way of saying they were allowed to eat the food provided by God.
"both of the most holy, and of the holy": This clarifies that these priests with physical defects were allowed to eat from both the "most holy" and "holy" offerings. In the sacrificial system, some offerings were considered "most holy" (e.g., grain offerings, sin offerings) and others simply "holy" (e.g., peace offerings). Eating from these offerings was a privilege and a means of sustenance for the priests.

In essence, the verse means that even though a priest with a physical defect was not permitted to perform priestly duties in the sanctuary, he was still entitled to receive a share of the sacrificial offerings for his support. This demonstrates God's provision and care for those who were descended from Aaron's priestly line, even when they were unable to fully participate in the temple service.

Key Interpretations & Significance:

God's Provision: The verse emphasizes God's faithfulness in providing for the needs of his priests, even those with limitations.
Maintaining Dignity: It suggests that even though they could not fully serve, these priests were still considered part of the priestly family and were entitled to be supported.
Limited Participation: This allowance to eat from the offerings highlights a level of participation, even when formal duties were restricted.
Distinction from Lay People: The verse underscores the special status of the priestly family. They had access to resources that ordinary Israelites did not.

In short, Leviticus 21:22 showcases God's grace and provision within the specific context of the Old Testament sacrificial system, highlighting the care for those set apart for service, even when physically limited.

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