Leviticus 21:10 The priest who is highest among his brothers, who has had the anointing oil poured on his head and has been ordained to wear the priestly garments, must not let his hair hang loose or tear his garments.

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◄ Leviticus 21:10 ►

New International Version
“’The high priest, the one among his brothers who has had the anointing oil poured on his head and who has been ordained to wear the priestly garments, must not let his hair become unkempt or tear his clothes.

New Living Translation
“The high priest has the highest rank of all the priests. The anointing oil has been poured on his head, and he has been ordained to wear the priestly garments. He must never leave his hair uncombed or tear his clothing.

English Standard Version
“The priest who is chief among his brothers, on whose head the anointing oil is poured and who has been consecrated to wear the garments, shall not let the hair of his head hang loose nor tear his clothes.

Berean Standard Bible
The priest who is highest among his brothers, who has had the anointing oil poured on his head and has been ordained to wear the priestly garments, must not let his hair hang loose or tear his garments.

King James Bible
And he that is the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil was poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not uncover his head, nor rend his clothes;

New King James Version
‘He who is the high priest among his brethren, on whose head the anointing oil was poured and who is consecrated to wear the garments, shall not uncover his head nor tear his clothes;

New American Standard Bible
‘The priest who is highest among his brothers, on whose head the anointing oil has been poured and who has been consecrated to wear the garments, shall not uncover his head nor tear his clothes;

NASB 1995
‘The priest who is the highest among his brothers, on whose head the anointing oil has been poured and who has been consecrated to wear the garments, shall not uncover his head nor tear his clothes;

NASB 1977
‘And the priest who is the highest among his brothers, on whose head the anointing oil has been poured, and who has been consecrated to wear the garments, shall not uncover his head, nor tear his clothes;

Legacy Standard Bible
‘And the priest who is the highest among his brothers, on whose head the anointing oil has been poured and who has been ordained to wear the garments, shall not uncover his head nor tear his clothes;

Amplified Bible
‘But he who is the high priest among his brothers, on whose head the anointing oil has been poured and who has been consecrated to wear the [sacred] garments, shall not uncover his head nor tear his clothes [in mourning],

Christian Standard Bible
“The priest who is highest among his brothers, who has had the anointing oil poured on his head and has been ordained to wear the clothes, must not dishevel his hair or tear his clothes.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The priest who is highest among his brothers, who has had the anointing oil poured on his head and has been ordained to wear the garments, must not dishevel his hair or tear his garments.

American Standard Version
And he that is the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil is poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not let the hair of his head go loose, nor rend his clothes;

Contemporary English Version
If you are the high priest, you must not mess up your hair or tear your clothes in order to mourn for the dead.

English Revised Version
And he that is the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil is poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not let the hair of his head go loose, nor rend his clothes;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"The priest who is anointed with oil and wears the chief priest's clothes is chief over his brothers. He must never mourn by leaving his hair uncombed or by tearing his clothes.

Good News Translation
"The High Priest has had the anointing oil poured on his head and has been consecrated to wear the priestly garments, so he must not leave his hair uncombed or tear his clothes to show that he is in mourning.

International Standard Version
"The high priest among his relatives—whose head has been anointed with oil and who has been consecrated to put on the priestly clothing—is not to let his hair hang loose or to tear his clothes.

Majority Standard Bible
The priest who is highest among his brothers, who has had the anointing oil poured on his head and has been ordained to wear the priestly garments, must not let his hair hang loose or tear his garments.

NET Bible
"'The high priest--who is greater than his brothers, on whose head the anointing oil is poured, who has been ordained to wear the priestly garments--must neither dishevel the hair of his head nor tear his garments.

New Heart English Bible
"'He who is the high priest among his brothers, upon whose head the anointing oil is poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not let the hair of his head hang loose, nor tear his clothes;

Webster's Bible Translation
And he that is the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil was poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not uncover his head, nor rend his clothes;

World English Bible
“‘He who is the high priest among his brothers, upon whose head the anointing oil is poured, and who is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not let the hair of his head hang loose, or tear his clothes.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And the high priest of his brothers, on whose head the anointing oil is poured, and who has consecrated his hand to put on the garments, does not uncover his head, nor tear his garments,

Young's Literal Translation
'And the high priest of his brethren, on whose head is poured the anointing oil, and hath consecrated his hand to put on the garments, his head doth not uncover, nor rend his garments,

Smith's Literal Translation
And the great priest from his brethren which the anointing oil shall be poured upon his head, and he filled his hand to put on the garments, his head he shall not uncover, and his garments he shall not rend.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
The high priest, that is to say, the priest, is the greatest among his brethren. upon whose head the oil of unction hath been poured, and whose hands have been consecrated for the priesthood, and who hath been vested with the holy vestments, shall not uncover his head, he shall not rend his garments:

Catholic Public Domain Version
The high priest, that is, the priest who is the greatest among his brothers, upon whose head the oil of anointing has been poured, and whose hands have been consecrated for the priesthood, and who has been vested with the holy vestments: he shall not expose his head; he shall not rend his vestments.

New American Bible
The most exalted of the priests, upon whose head the anointing oil has been poured and who has been ordained to wear the special vestments, shall not dishevel his hair or rend his garments,

New Revised Standard Version
The priest who is exalted above his fellows, on whose head the anointing oil has been poured and who has been consecrated to wear the vestments, shall not dishevel his hair, nor tear his vestments.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And the priest who is the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil was poured, and who is consecrated to put on the vestments, shall not shave his head nor rend his clothes;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the Great Priest of his brothers, on whose head the oil of the anointing is poured, and whose hand is consecrated to wear the garments, he shall not shave his head, and he shall not tear his garments;

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And the priest that is highest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil is poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not let the hair of his head go loose, nor rend his clothes;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the priest that is chief among his brethren, the oil having been poured upon the head of the anointed one, and he having been consecrated to put on the garments, shall not take the mitre off his head, and shall not rend his garments:

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Holiness Required of Priests
…9If a priest’s daughter defiles herself by prostituting herself, she profanes her father; she must be burned in the fire. 10The priest who is highest among his brothers, who has had the anointing oil poured on his head and has been ordained to wear the priestly garments, must not let his hair hang loose or tear his garments. 11He must not go near any dead body; he must not defile himself, even for his father or mother.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Exodus 28:36-38
You are to make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD. / Fasten to it a blue cord to mount it on the turban; it shall be on the front of the turban. / And it will be worn on Aaron’s forehead, so that he may bear the iniquity of the holy things that the sons of Israel consecrate with regard to all their holy gifts. It shall always be on his forehead, so that they may be acceptable before the LORD.

Exodus 29:6-9
Put the turban on his head and attach the holy diadem to the turban. / Then take the anointing oil and anoint him by pouring it on his head. / Present his sons as well and clothe them with tunics. ...

Leviticus 8:12
He also poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him to consecrate him.

Leviticus 10:6-7
Then Moses said to Aaron and his sons Eleazar and Ithamar, “Do not let your hair become disheveled and do not tear your garments, or else you will die, and the LORD will be angry with the whole congregation. But your brothers, the whole house of Israel, may mourn on account of the fire that the LORD has ignited. / You shall not go outside the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, or you will die, for the LORD’s anointing oil is on you.” So they did as Moses instructed.

Numbers 35:25
The assembly is to protect the manslayer from the hand of the avenger of blood. Then the assembly will return him to the city of refuge to which he fled, and he must live there until the death of the high priest, who was anointed with the holy oil.

1 Samuel 2:28
And out of all the tribes of Israel I selected your father to be My priest, to offer sacrifices on My altar, to burn incense, and to wear an ephod in My presence. I also gave to the house of your father all the food offerings of the Israelites.

2 Kings 11:12
Then Jehoiada brought out the king’s son, put the crown on him, presented him with the Testimony, and proclaimed him king. They anointed him, and the people clapped their hands and declared, “Long live the king!”

Psalm 133:2
It is like fine oil on the head, running down on the beard, running down Aaron’s beard over the collar of his robes.

Ezekiel 44:17-18
When they enter the gates of the inner court, they are to wear linen garments; they must not wear anything made of wool when they minister at the gates of the inner court or inside the temple. / They are to wear linen turbans on their heads and linen undergarments around their waists. They must not wear anything that makes them perspire.

Zechariah 3:5
Then I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So a clean turban was placed on his head, and they clothed him, as the angel of the LORD stood by.

Matthew 26:65
At this, the high priest tore his clothes and declared, “He has blasphemed! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy.

Mark 14:63
At this, the high priest tore his clothes and declared, “Why do we need any more witnesses?

Luke 1:9
he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense.

John 18:13
They brought Him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year.

Acts 23:5
“Brothers,” Paul replied, “I was not aware that he was the high priest, for it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’”

Treasury of Scripture

And he that is the high priest among his brothers, on whose head the anointing oil was poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not uncover his head, nor rend his clothes;

upon

Leviticus 8:12
And he poured of the anointing oil upon Aaron's head, and anointed him, to sanctify him.

Leviticus 10:7
And ye shall not go out from the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: for the anointing oil of the LORD is upon you. And they did according to the word of Moses.

Leviticus 16:32
And the priest, whom he shall anoint, and whom he shall consecrate to minister in the priest's office in his father's stead, shall make the atonement, and shall put on the linen clothes, even the holy garments:

consecrated

Leviticus 8:7-9
And he put upon him the coat, and girded him with the girdle, and clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod upon him, and he girded him with the curious girdle of the ephod, and bound it unto him therewith…

Exodus 28:2-4
And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty…

uncover

Leviticus 10:6,7
And Moses said unto Aaron, and unto Eleazar and unto Ithamar, his sons, Uncover not your heads, neither rend your clothes; lest ye die, and lest wrath come upon all the people: but let your brethren, the whole house of Israel, bewail the burning which the LORD hath kindled…

Leviticus 13:45
And the leper in whom the plague is, his clothes shall be rent, and his head bare, and he shall put a covering upon his upper lip, and shall cry, Unclean, unclean.

2 Samuel 15:30
And David went up by the ascent of mount Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot: and all the people that was with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up.

not rend

Genesis 37:34
And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days.

Job 1:20
Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,

Matthew 26:65
Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.

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Leviticus 21

1. Of the priests' mourning
6. Of their holiness
7. Of their marriages
8. Of their estimation
9. Of the high priest's holiness
10. Of his marriage
13. The priests that have blemishes must not minister in the sanctuary

Berean Study Bible

The priest who is highest among his brothers
This phrase refers to the High Priest, a position of supreme spiritual authority among the Israelites. The Hebrew word for "highest" is "gadol," which signifies greatness or prominence. Historically, the High Priest held a unique role, serving as the primary mediator between God and the people. This position was not just about hierarchy but about spiritual responsibility and leadership, emphasizing the High Priest's role in maintaining the sanctity and purity of worship.

on whose head the anointing oil has been poured
Anointing with oil was a significant ritual in ancient Israel, symbolizing consecration and the Holy Spirit's empowerment. The Hebrew word for "anointing" is "mashach," from which we derive "Messiah," meaning "the anointed one." This act set the High Priest apart for divine service, marking him as chosen by God. The anointing oil itself was a sacred mixture, as described in Exodus 30:22-25, underscoring the holiness and divine approval of the High Priest's office.

and who has been ordained to wear the garments
The High Priest's garments were not merely clothing but were imbued with deep spiritual significance. The Hebrew term for "ordained" is "male," meaning to fill or fulfill, indicating that wearing these garments was a fulfillment of divine command. Each piece of the High Priest's attire, from the ephod to the breastplate, was designed according to God's instructions (Exodus 28), symbolizing various aspects of holiness, judgment, and the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

must not let his hair hang loose
This instruction reflects the cultural and religious norms of mourning practices in ancient Israel. Letting one's hair hang loose was a sign of mourning or distress. The High Priest, however, was to maintain a demeanor of dignity and composure, even in times of personal grief, to reflect the constancy and holiness of God. This command underscores the idea that the High Priest's life was wholly dedicated to God, transcending personal emotions.

or tear his garments
Tearing one's garments was another traditional expression of mourning or extreme emotional distress. For the High Priest, such actions were prohibited to maintain the sanctity and order of the priestly office. This prohibition highlights the principle that the High Priest's duties and appearance were to remain consistent, reflecting the unchanging nature of God's holiness and the perpetual intercession required for the people.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(10) And he that is the high priest among his brethren.--That is, among his priestly brethren, the one who is distinguished among them by this office.

Upon whose head the anointing oil was poured.--This profuse pouring of oil was the distinctive feature in the consecration of the high priest. (See Leviticus 8:12.)

Consecrated to put on the garments.--Better, consecrated by putting on the garments. The robing of the high priest by Moses, as well as the anointing him, constituted part of the consecration ceremony. (See Leviticus 8:7-11.)

Shall not uncover his head.--Better, shall not let his head be dishevelled, which was a sign of mourning. (See Leviticus 10:6.)

Nor rend his clothes.--That is, "in the time of distress," as the ancient Chaldee version of Jonathan rightly adds after it. Sustaining this high position, and being the intercessor between God and man, such outward expressions of sorrow might lead those in whose behalf he ministers in the sanctuary to believe that he thereby impugns the justice of the Divine judgment.

Pulpit Commentary

Verses 10-15. - The high priest, upon whose head the anointing off was poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, symbolizing in his person the Holy One in a more special manner than the other priests, has to aim so much the more at symbolical holiness. He may not, therefore. incur legal uncleanness by taking part in the funeral rites, even of his father or mother, not being permitted to absent himself from the sanctuary, which he would have to do if he had thus ceremonially defiled himself. Nor is it enough that he should abstain from taking an immoral or a divorced wife; he may only wed a virgin and of his own people, whereas the other priests might marry widows and the daughters of strangers dwelling among the Israelites. In the ordinances for priests given in Ezekiel 44, the ordinary priests, as well as the high priest, are forbidden to marry widows, unless they be the widows of priests (Ezekiel 44:22).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

The priest
וְהַכֹּהֵן֩ (wə·hak·kō·hên)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3548: Priest

who is highest
הַגָּד֨וֹל (hag·gā·ḏō·wl)
Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 1419: Great, older, insolent

among his brothers,
מֵאֶחָ֜יו (mê·’e·ḥāw)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 251: A brother, )

who
אֲ‍ֽשֶׁר־ (’ăšer-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

has had the anointing
הַמִּשְׁחָה֙ (ham·miš·ḥāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4888: Unction, a consecratory gift

oil
שֶׁ֤מֶן (še·men)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8081: Grease, liquid, richness

poured
יוּצַ֥ק (yū·ṣaq)
Verb - Hofal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3332: To pour out, to melt, cast as metal, to place firmly, to stiffen, grow hard

on
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

his head
רֹאשׁ֣וֹ ׀ (rō·šōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7218: The head

and has been ordained
וּמִלֵּ֣א (ū·mil·lê)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4390: To fill, be full of

to wear
לִלְבֹּ֖שׁ (lil·bōš)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3847: Wrap around, to put on a, garment, clothe

the priestly garments,
הַבְּגָדִ֑ים (hab·bə·ḡā·ḏîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 899: A covering, clothing, treachery, pillage

must not
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

dishevel
יִפְרָ֔ע (yip̄·rā‘)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6544: To loosen, to expose, dismiss, absolve, begin

his hair
רֹאשׁוֹ֙ (rō·šōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7218: The head

or tear
יִפְרֹֽם׃ (yip̄·rōm)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6533: To tear or rend (a garment)

his garments.
וּבְגָדָ֖יו (ū·ḇə·ḡā·ḏāw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 899: A covering, clothing, treachery, pillage

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OT Law: Leviticus 21:10 He who is the high priest among (Le Lv Lev.)