Verse (Click for Chapter) 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. Berean Literal Bible And the high priest among his brothers, on whose head is poured the anointing oil and who has consecrated his hand to put on the garments, shall not uncover his head and not tear his clothes. 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], Berean Annotated 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 (must not uncover his head) or tear his garments. 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. 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; Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe 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. 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 VersionAnd 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, Berean Literal Bible And the high priest among his brothers, on whose head is poured the anointing oil and who has consecrated his hand to put on the garments, shall not uncover his head and not tear his clothes. 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 BibleThe 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 BibleAnd 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 1917And 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.… Cross References The priest who is highest among his brothers, Hebrews 5:1 Every high priest is appointed from among men to represent them in matters relating to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. Hebrews 4:14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess. Numbers 20:26-28 Remove Aaron’s priestly garments and put them on his son Eleazar. Aaron will be gathered to his people and will die there.” / So Moses did as the LORD had commanded, and they climbed Mount Hor in the sight of the whole congregation. / After Moses had removed Aaron’s garments and put them on his son Eleazar, Aaron died there on top of the mountain. Then Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain. who has had the anointing oil poured on his head Exodus 29:7 Then take the anointing oil and anoint him by pouring it on his head. Leviticus 8:12 He also poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him to consecrate him. 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. and has been ordained to wear the priestly garments, Leviticus 8:7-9 He put the tunic on Aaron, tied the sash around him, clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod on him. He tied the woven band of the ephod around him and fastened it to him. / Then he put the breastpiece on him and placed the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece. / Moses also put the turban on Aaron’s head and set the gold plate, the holy diadem, on the front of the turban, as the LORD had commanded him. Exodus 28:2-4 Make holy garments for your brother Aaron, to give him glory and splendor. / You are to instruct all the skilled craftsmen, whom I have filled with a spirit of wisdom, to make garments for Aaron’s consecration, so that he may serve Me as priest. / These are the garments that they shall make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban, and a sash. They are to make these holy garments for your brother Aaron and his sons, so that they may serve Me as priests. Exodus 29:29-30 The holy garments that belong to Aaron will belong to his sons after him, so they can be anointed and ordained in them. / The son who succeeds him as priest and enters the Tent of Meeting to minister in the Holy Place must wear them for seven days. must not let his hair hang loose Leviticus 10:6 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. Ezekiel 44:20 They must not shave their heads or let their hair grow long, but must carefully trim their hair. Numbers 6:5 For the entire period of his vow of separation, no razor shall touch his head. He must be holy until the time of his separation to the LORD is complete; he must let the hair of his head grow long. or tear his garments. Joshua 7:6 Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown before the ark of the LORD until evening, as did the elders of Israel; and they all sprinkled dust on their heads. 2 Samuel 1:11 Then David took hold of his own clothes and tore them, and all the men who were with him did the same. Esther 4:1 When Mordecai learned of all that had happened, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the middle of the city, wailing loudly and bitterly. 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. 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. Jump to Previous Anointing Chief Clothes Consecrated Garments Hair Hang Head High Highest Loose Oil Ordained Poured Priest Priestly Rend Tear Uncover WearJump to Next Anointing Chief Clothes Consecrated Garments Hair Hang Head High Highest Loose Oil Ordained Poured Priest Priestly Rend Tear Uncover WearLeviticus 21 1. Of the priests' mourning6. 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 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 High Priest was responsible for entering the Holy of Holies once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) to make atonement for the people. This role foreshadows Jesus Christ as our ultimate High Priest, who intercedes for us before God (Hebrews 4:14-16). 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 Persons / Places / Events 1. The High PriestThe central figure in this verse, the High Priest is the spiritual leader of Israel, set apart by God for special duties in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. He is distinguished by the anointing oil and sacred garments. 2. Anointing Oil A sacred oil used to consecrate the High Priest, symbolizing the Holy Spirit's presence and the priest's dedication to God's service. 3. Sacred Garments Special clothing worn by the High Priest, representing his holy status and the dignity of his office. 4. Israel The nation chosen by God, for whom the High Priest serves as a mediator between them and God. 5. Tabernacle/Temple The holy place where the High Priest performs his duties, including offering sacrifices and interceding for the people. Teaching Points Holiness and SeparationThe High Priest's role emphasizes the need for holiness and separation from worldly practices. As believers, we are called to live lives set apart for God. Symbolism of Anointing The anointing oil represents the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. We should seek to be filled with the Spirit, allowing Him to guide and empower us. Respect for Sacred Duties The High Priest's garments and conduct remind us of the respect and reverence due to our spiritual responsibilities. We should approach our service to God with the same seriousness. Christ as Our High Priest Jesus fulfills the role of the High Priest, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice. We can draw near to God with confidence, knowing that Christ intercedes for us. Priesthood of Believers While the High Priest had unique duties, all believers are called to be a royal priesthood, serving God and others with dedication and love. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Leviticus 21:10?2. How does Leviticus 21:10 emphasize the high priest's role in maintaining holiness? 3. Why is the high priest forbidden from uncovering his head or tearing clothes? 4. How does Leviticus 21:10 connect to Jesus as our ultimate High Priest? 5. What can we learn about leadership responsibilities from Leviticus 21:10? 6. How can we apply the principles of holiness from Leviticus 21:10 today? 7. Why must the high priest not uncover his head or tear his garments in Leviticus 21:10? 8. How does Leviticus 21:10 reflect the holiness required of the high priest? 9. What historical context explains the high priest's unique restrictions in Leviticus 21:10? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 21? 11. Numbers 6:6–7 — Is it realistic or consistent that a vow-taker must avoid all contact with the dead, even family members, given the cultural burial practices of the time? 12. Who was the high priest in the Bible? 13. In Leviticus 8:1-13, how historically or archaeologically credible is the elaborate priestly ordination ceremony described? 14. Why does Leviticus 21:7-14 restrict whom priests can marry, and does archaeology support such specialized priestly conduct? What Does Leviticus 21:10 Mean The priest who is highest among his brothersThis phrase identifies the unique office of the high priest, the single man who represents all Israel before God. • Exodus 28:1 shows God separately calling Aaron “from among the Israelites” to serve. • Leviticus 16:32 speaks of “the priest who is anointed and ordained to succeed his father,” underscoring continuity and exclusivity. • Hebrews 5:1 reminds us that “every high priest is appointed to represent men in matters relating to God.” The verse in Leviticus establishes that elevated position—one man set apart for a holy task, a foreshadowing of the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 9:11). who has had the anointing oil poured on his head Anointing with oil publicly marked the moment God set this man apart. • Exodus 29:7: “Take the anointing oil and anoint him by pouring it on his head.” • Psalm 133:2 likens the unity of God’s people to the oil “running down on Aaron’s beard.” • Acts 10:38 references how “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power,” revealing the spiritual reality behind the physical symbol—consecration empowered by the Spirit. The high priest’s anointing declared, “This life now belongs to God for sacred service.” and has been ordained to wear the priestly garments Special clothing distinguished the high priest visually and theologically. • Exodus 28:2–4 describes garments fashioned “for glory and for beauty,” broadcasting God’s holiness. • Zechariah 3:4 shows Joshua the high priest given “festal robes,” illustrating cleansing and righteousness. • Revelation 19:8 pictures the Bride of Christ clothed in “fine linen, bright and pure,” echoing the call to walk in visible holiness. Garments mattered because they proclaimed the character of the God he served. must not let his hair hang loose Loose or disheveled hair in Israel signified mourning or disorder. The high priest, however, carried on uninterrupted service. • Leviticus 10:6 gives the same command to Aaron after Nadab and Abihu died: “Do not let your hair hang loose… or you will die.” • Ezekiel 44:20 requires priests to keep their hair neat—neither shaved nor unkempt—maintaining dignity in God’s house. The instruction tells the high priest to remain composed; his focus is ministering before the LORD, not displaying personal grief. or tear his garments Tearing clothes was a common sign of intense sorrow or outrage (Genesis 37:34; 2 Samuel 13:31), but the high priest must not do it. • Again, Leviticus 10:6 pairs this ban with the hair command, stressing continuity of worship even in crisis. • Matthew 26:65 records the high priest during Jesus’ trial tearing his robes—ironically violating this very command, exposing spiritual blindness. • John 19:23 contrasts that moment: the soldiers did not tear Jesus’ seamless garment, hinting that His priesthood remains untorn and perfect. The prohibition teaches that the holiness of God’s service surpasses personal emotion; the high priest’s attire and composure must not be marred. summary Leviticus 21:10 sets apart Israel’s high priest in identity, anointing, attire, and conduct. Because he alone represents the nation before God, his outward appearance must always declare God’s unchanging holiness. No visible sign of disorder, mourning, or personal grief may overshadow his sacred duty. The verse establishes a standard of consecration ultimately fulfilled in Christ, our sinless, perfectly composed High Priest, and calls every believer—now part of a royal priesthood—to reflect God’s holiness in daily life. (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. 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 priestוְהַכֹּהֵן֩ (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 Links Leviticus 21:10 NIVLeviticus 21:10 NLT Leviticus 21:10 ESV Leviticus 21:10 NASB Leviticus 21:10 KJV Leviticus 21:10 BibleApps.com Leviticus 21:10 Biblia Paralela Leviticus 21:10 Chinese Bible Leviticus 21:10 French Bible Leviticus 21:10 Catholic Bible OT Law: Leviticus 21:10 He who is the high priest among (Le Lv Lev.) |
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