Leviticus 21:4
New International Version
He must not make himself unclean for people related to him by marriage, and so defile himself.

New Living Translation
But a priest must not defile himself and make himself unclean for someone who is related to him only by marriage.

English Standard Version
He shall not make himself unclean as a husband among his people and so profane himself.

Berean Standard Bible
He is not to defile himself for those related to him by marriage, and so profane himself.

Berean Literal Bible
As a chief man he shall not defile himself among his people, to profane himself.

King James Bible
But he shall not defile himself, being a chief man among his people, to profane himself.

New King James Version
Otherwise he shall not defile himself, being a chief man among his people, to profane himself.

New American Standard Bible
He shall not defile himself as a relative by marriage among his people, so as to profane himself.

NASB 1995
‘He shall not defile himself as a relative by marriage among his people, and so profane himself.

NASB 1977
‘He shall not defile himself as a relative by marriage among his people, and so profane himself.

Legacy Standard Bible
He shall not defile himself as a relative by marriage among his people, and so profane himself.

Amplified Bible
He shall not become unclean as a relative by marriage among his people, and so profane himself.

Berean Annotated Bible
He is not to defile himself for those related to him by marriage, and so profane himself.

Christian Standard Bible
He is not to make himself unclean for those related to him by marriage and so defile himself.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He is not to make himself unclean for those related to him by marriage and so defile himself.”

American Standard Version
He shall not defile himself, being a chief man among his people, to profane himself.

Contemporary English Version
Don't make yourself unclean by attending the funeral of someone related to you by marriage.

English Revised Version
He shall not defile himself, being a chief man among his people, to profane himself.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
As the head of your people, you should never become unclean. That would make you unholy.

Good News Translation
He shall not make himself unclean at the death of those related to him by marriage.

International Standard Version
Because he is a husband among his people, he is not to defile himself, thereby polluting himself.

NET Bible
He must not defile himself as a husband among his people so as to profane himself.

New Heart English Bible
He shall not defile himself, being a chief man among his people, to profane himself.

Webster's Bible Translation
But he shall not defile himself, being a chief man among his people, to profane himself.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
He is not to defile himself for those related to him by marriage, and so profane himself.

World English Bible
He shall not defile himself, being a chief man among his people, to profane himself.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
A master [priest] does not defile himself among his people—to defile himself;

Berean Literal Bible
As a chief man he shall not defile himself among his people, to profane himself.

Young's Literal Translation
A master priest doth not defile himself among his people -- to pollute himself;

Smith's Literal Translation
A chief among his people shall not be defiled, to profane himself.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But not even for the prince of his people shall he do any thing that may make him unclean.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But not even by the leader of his people shall he be contaminated.

New American Bible
But as a husband among his kindred he shall not make himself unclean and thus profane himself.

New Revised Standard Version
But he shall not defile himself as a husband among his people and so profane himself.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But he shall not defile himself for the prince of his people, lest he profane himself.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
He shall not be defiled for the Prince of his people, that he will not be polluted.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
He shall not defile himself, being a chief man among his people, to profane himself.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
He shall not defile himself suddenly among his people to profane himself.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Holiness Required of Priests
3or his unmarried sister who is near to him, since she has no husband. 4He is not to defile himself for those related to him by marriage, and so profane himself. 5Priests must not make bald spots on their heads, shave off the edges of their beards, or make cuts in their bodies.…

Cross References
He is not to defile himself

Ezekiel 44:25
A priest must not defile himself by going near a dead person. However, for a father, a mother, a son, a daughter, a brother, or an unmarried sister, he may do so,

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 19:11-13
Whoever touches any dead body will be unclean for seven days. / He must purify himself with the water on the third day and on the seventh day; then he will be clean. But if he does not purify himself on the third and seventh days, he will not be clean. / Anyone who touches a human corpse and fails to purify himself defiles the tabernacle of the LORD. That person must be cut off from Israel. He remains unclean, because the water of purification has not been sprinkled on him, and his uncleanness is still on him.
for those related to him by marriage,

Ezekiel 24:16-18
“Son of man, behold, I am about to take away the desire of your eyes with a fatal blow. But you must not mourn or weep or let your tears flow. / Groan quietly; do not mourn for the dead. Put on your turban and strap your sandals on your feet; do not cover your lips or eat the bread of mourners.” / So I spoke to the people in the morning, and in the evening my wife died. And the next morning I did as I had been commanded.

Genesis 2:24
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

Deuteronomy 24:5
If a man is newly married, he must not be sent to war or be pressed into any duty. For one year he is free to stay at home and bring joy to the wife he has married.
and so profane himself.

Numbers 18:32
Once you have presented the best part of it, you will not incur guilt because of it. But you must not defile the sacred offerings of the Israelites, or else you will die.’”

Leviticus 22:2-3
“Tell Aaron and his sons to treat with respect the sacred offerings that the Israelites have consecrated to Me, so that they do not profane My holy name. I am the LORD. / Tell them that for the generations to come, if any of their descendants in a state of uncleanness approaches the sacred offerings that the Israelites consecrate to the LORD, that person must be cut off from My presence. I am the LORD.

Ezekiel 22:26
Her priests do violence to My law and profane My holy things. They make no distinction between the holy and the common, and they fail to distinguish between the clean and the unclean. They disregard My Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them.
Matthew 8:21-22
Another of His disciples requested, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” / But Jesus told him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”

Luke 9:59-60
Then He said to another man, “Follow Me.” The man replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” / But Jesus told him, “Let the dead bury their own dead. You, however, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”

1 Timothy 3:2-3
An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, / not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money.

1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Hebrews 7:26
Such a high priest truly befits us—One who is holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.

1 Corinthians 9:13-14
Do you not know that those who work in the temple eat of its food, and those who serve at the altar partake of its offerings? / In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; / you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.


Treasury of Scripture

But he shall not defile himself, being a chief man among his people, to profane himself.

Ezekiel 24:16,17
Son of man, behold, I take away from thee the desire of thine eyes with a stroke: yet neither shalt thou mourn nor weep, neither shall thy tears run down…

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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












He is not to defile himself
In the context of Leviticus 21, this instruction is directed towards the priests, who were held to a higher standard of holiness due to their role in the tabernacle. The term "defile" refers to becoming ceremonially unclean, which would disqualify a priest from performing his sacred duties. This reflects the broader biblical theme of separation from sin and impurity, as seen in passages like 2 Corinthians 6:17, where believers are called to be separate from the world.

for those related to him by marriage
This phrase indicates that the priest is not to become ceremonially unclean even for in-laws, highlighting the importance of maintaining ritual purity. In ancient Israel, family ties were significant, but the priest's duty to God took precedence. This can be compared to Jesus' teaching in Matthew 10:37, where He emphasizes the priority of devotion to God over familial relationships.

and so profane himself
To "profane" means to treat something sacred with irreverence or disrespect. For a priest, becoming unclean would mean treating his holy office with disregard. This concept is echoed in Ezekiel 44:23, where priests are instructed to teach the people the difference between the holy and the common. The priest's role as a mediator between God and the people foreshadows Christ, our ultimate High Priest, who is described in Hebrews 7:26 as "holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners."

Persons / Places / Events
1. Priests
The primary focus of Leviticus 21 is on the priests, who were set apart for service in the tabernacle and later the temple. They were held to higher standards of purity and conduct.

2. Israel
The nation to whom the laws were given, emphasizing their unique covenant relationship with God and the need for holiness.

3. Moses
The mediator of the Law, through whom God communicated His statutes to the Israelites.

4. Tabernacle/Temple
The central place of worship where the priests served, symbolizing God's presence among His people.

5. Holiness
A recurring theme in Leviticus, highlighting the need for separation from impurity and dedication to God.
Teaching Points
Holiness and Separation
The call to holiness is a central theme in the life of a believer. Just as priests were to remain undefiled, Christians are called to live lives that are distinct and set apart for God.

Respect for God's Standards
God's standards for His people are not arbitrary but are designed to reflect His character. Understanding and respecting these standards is crucial for a life that honors God.

The Role of Priests
In the Old Testament, priests served as mediators between God and the people. In the New Testament, all believers are called to be priests, representing God to the world.

Avoiding Spiritual Defilement
While the specific laws of Leviticus may not apply directly, the principle of avoiding spiritual defilement remains relevant. Believers must guard against influences that can lead them away from God.

The Importance of Family and Community
While priests were restricted in their mourning practices, the broader principle of caring for family and community remains. Believers are called to balance their spiritual commitments with their responsibilities to others.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Leviticus 21:4?

2. How does Leviticus 21:4 emphasize the priest's role in maintaining holiness?

3. What does "not defile himself" in Leviticus 21:4 teach about priestly purity?

4. How does Leviticus 21:4 connect with New Testament teachings on spiritual leadership?

5. In what ways can believers today uphold holiness in their daily lives?

6. How can church leaders apply Leviticus 21:4 to maintain spiritual integrity?

7. What does Leviticus 21:4 mean by "defile himself" in the context of priestly duties?

8. How does Leviticus 21:4 reflect the holiness required of priests in ancient Israel?

9. Why are priests in Leviticus 21:4 restricted from mourning certain relatives?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 21?

11. What does the Bible say about avoiding fornication?

12. What does the Bible say about bestiality?

13. Why does Leviticus 21:7-14 restrict whom priests can marry, and does archaeology support such specialized priestly conduct?

14. How historically accurate is the claim in Leviticus 21:1-4 that any contact with the dead (apart from immediate family) defiled a priest?
What Does Leviticus 21:4 Mean
He is not to defile himself

• “Defile” speaks of ritual uncleanness that came from touching a dead body (Leviticus 21:1; Numbers 19:11).

• The priest’s calling was to “distinguish between the holy and the common” (Leviticus 10:10). If he became unclean, he was barred from tabernacle service until purified, disrupting Israel’s worship.

• God presents Himself as holy and requires those who draw near to reflect that holiness (Leviticus 11:44; 1 Peter 1:15-16). So the priest’s personal life directly affected the nation’s ability to approach God.


for those related to him by marriage

• Verses 2-3 list close blood relatives (mother, father, son, daughter, brother, unmarried sister) for whom the priest may attend a funeral. The phrase in verse 4 widens the circle to relatives by marriage—his wife’s family, married sisters, extended kin.

• The restriction guards the priest from constant ceremonial impurity caused by the larger clan. Israel’s family networks were extensive; without limits, a priest could be excluded from service for long stretches.

• By allowing exceptions only for immediate blood family, God shows compassion yet preserves the priest’s primary duty: representing the people before Him (Hebrews 5:1).


and so profane himself

• “Profane” contrasts with “holy.” To profane himself was to treat sacred service as common, lowering God’s set-apart standards (Leviticus 21:6; Ezekiel 44:23).

• The priest bore God’s name publicly (Leviticus 22:2). Any careless uncleanness could misrepresent God to the people.

• This points forward to our High Priest, Jesus, “holy, innocent, undefiled” (Hebrews 7:26). His perfect purity fulfills what Levitical priests only illustrated.


summary

Leviticus 21:4 restricts a priest from funeral contact with relatives gained through marriage to prevent unnecessary ritual defilement. God balances family compassion with the priest’s higher calling to remain holy for tabernacle ministry. The verse underscores God’s holiness, the seriousness of priestly service, and ultimately foreshadows Christ’s flawless, eternal priesthood.

(4) But he shall not defile himself, being a chief man . . . --Better, A husband shall not defile himself among his people when he had profaned himself. As the seven exceptions to the general rule began with his wife, whose funeral rites the priestly husband is allowed to attend, the verse before us restricts this permission to his legally prescribed wife. If he contracted a marriage which profaned him, he could not attend to her funeral ceremonies. The last clause, which is here translated, "when he had profaned him," literally denotes "to profane himself," "with respect to his profanation"--i.e., with respect to a marriage by which he profaned himself. This is the interpretation which the administrators of the Law attached to the verse, and which is transmitted in the Chaldee version of Jonathan. It is not only in perfect harmony with the context, but does least violence to this manifestly disordered text. The translations exhibited in the Authorised version, both in the text and in the margin, as well as most of those suggested by modern commentators, leave the clause unexplained, since it manifestly means something else than defiling himself by contracting impurity through contact with the dead, as is evident from the fact that it is not added in the other instances where the priest is forbidden to defile himself by attending to the dead. (See Leviticus 21:1-11.)



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
He is not
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

to defile himself
יִטַּמָּ֖א (yiṭ·ṭam·mā)
Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2930: To be or become unclean

for those related to him by marriage,
בַּ֣עַל (ba·‘al)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1167: A master, a husband, owner

and so profane himself.
לְהֵ֖חַלּֽוֹ׃ (lə·hê·ḥal·lōw)
Preposition-l | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2490: To bore, to wound, to dissolve, to profane, to break, to begin, to play


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OT Law: Leviticus 21:4 He shall not defile himself being (Le Lv Lev.)
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