Leviticus 22:2
New International Version
“Tell Aaron and his sons to treat with respect the sacred offerings the Israelites consecrate to me, so they will not profane my holy name. I am the LORD.

New Living Translation
“Tell Aaron and his sons to be very careful with the sacred gifts that the Israelites set apart for me, so they do not bring shame on my holy name. I am the LORD.

English Standard Version
“Speak to Aaron and his sons so that they abstain from the holy things of the people of Israel, which they dedicate to me, so that they do not profane my holy name: I am the LORD.

Berean Standard Bible
“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.

King James Bible
Speak unto Aaron and to his sons, that they separate themselves from the holy things of the children of Israel, and that they profane not my holy name in those things which they hallow unto me: I am the LORD.

New King James Version
“Speak to Aaron and his sons, that they separate themselves from the holy things of the children of Israel, and that they do not profane My holy name by what they dedicate to Me: I am the LORD.

New American Standard Bible
“Tell Aaron and his sons to be careful with the holy gifts of the sons of Israel, which they dedicate to Me, so as not to profane My holy name; I am the LORD.

NASB 1995
“Tell Aaron and his sons to be careful with the holy gifts of the sons of Israel, which they dedicate to Me, so as not to profane My holy name; I am the LORD.

NASB 1977
“Tell Aaron and his sons to be careful with the holy gifts of the sons of Israel, which they dedicate to Me, so as not to profane My holy name; I am the LORD.

Legacy Standard Bible
“Tell Aaron and his sons to be careful with the holy gifts of the sons of Israel, which they set apart to Me as holy, so as not to profane My holy name; I am Yahweh.

Amplified Bible
“Tell Aaron and his sons to be careful with the holy things (offerings, gifts) which the children of Israel dedicate to Me, so that they do not profane My holy name; I am the LORD.

Christian Standard Bible
“Tell Aaron and his sons to deal respectfully with the holy offerings of the Israelites that they have consecrated to me, so they do not profane my holy name; I am the LORD.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Tell Aaron and his sons to deal respectfully with the holy offerings of the Israelites that they have consecrated to Me, so they do not profane My holy name; I am Yahweh.

American Standard Version
Speak unto Aaron and to his sons, that they separate themselves from the holy things of the children of Israel, which they hallow unto me, and that they profane not my holy name: I am Jehovah.

Contemporary English Version
to say to Aaron and his sons: I am the LORD God, and I demand that you honor my holy name by showing proper respect for the offerings brought to me by the people of Israel.

English Revised Version
Speak unto Aaron and to his sons, that they separate themselves from the holy things of the children of Israel, which they hallow unto me, and that they profane not my holy name: I am the LORD.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Tell Aaron and his sons that they must respect the holy offerings which the Israelites set apart for me. In this way they will not dishonor my holy name. I am the LORD.

Good News Translation
to tell Aaron and his sons, "You must not bring disgrace on my holy name, so treat with respect the sacred offerings that the people of Israel dedicate to me. I am the LORD.

International Standard Version
"Tell Aaron and his sons that they are to separate themselves for the sacred things of the Israelis and that they are not to defile my holy name. I am the LORD.

Majority Standard Bible
“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.

NET Bible
"Tell Aaron and his sons that they must deal respectfully with the holy offerings of the Israelites, which they consecrate to me, so that they do not profane my holy name. I am the LORD.

New Heart English Bible
"Tell Aaron and his sons to separate themselves from the holy things of the children of Israel, which they make holy to me, and that they not profane my holy name. I am the LORD.

Webster's Bible Translation
Speak to Aaron and to his sons, that they separate themselves from the holy things of the children of Israel, and that they profane not my holy name in those things which they hallow to me: I am the LORD.

World English Bible
“Tell Aaron and his sons to separate themselves from the holy things of the children of Israel, which they make holy to me, and that they not profane my holy name. I am Yahweh.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
“Speak to Aaron and to his sons, and they are separated from the holy things of the sons of Israel, and they do not defile My holy Name in what they are hallowing to Me; I [am] YHWH.

Young's Literal Translation
Speak unto Aaron, and unto his sons, and they are separated from the holy things of the sons of Israel, and they pollute not My holy name in what they are hallowing to Me; I am Jehovah.

Smith's Literal Translation
Speak to Aaron and to his sons, and they shall separate themselves from the holies of the sons of Israel, and they shall not profane my holy name which they consecrate to me: I Jehovah.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Speak to Aaron and to his sons, that they beware of those things that are consecrated of the children of Israel, and defile not the name of the things sanctified to me, which they offer. I am the Lord.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Speak to Aaron and to his sons, so that they may be careful of those things which have been consecrated for the sons of Israel, and so that they may not contaminate the name of the things sanctified to me, which they offer. I am the Lord.

New American Bible
Tell Aaron and his sons to treat with respect the sacred offerings which the Israelites consecrate to me; otherwise they will profane my holy name. I am the LORD.

New Revised Standard Version
Direct Aaron and his sons to deal carefully with the sacred donations of the people of Israel, which they dedicate to me, so that they may not profane my holy name; I am the LORD.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Say to Aaron and to his sons, that they may keep themselves separate from the holy things of the children of Israel and that they may not profane my holy name in those things which they hallow to me; I am the LORD,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
“Speak to Ahron and to his children, and they shall separate themselves from holy things of the children of Israel and not he shall pollute the name of my holiness, because they are Holy Ones to me; I AM LORD JEHOVAH.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Speak unto Aaron and to his sons, that they separate themselves from the holy things of the children of Israel, which they hallow unto Me, and that they profane not My holy name: I am the LORD.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Speak to Aaron and to his sons, and let them take heed concerning the holy things of the children of Israel, so they shall not profane my holy name in any of the things which they consecrate to me: I am the Lord.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Restrictions Against the Unclean
1Then the LORD said to Moses, 2“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. 3Tell 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.…

Cross References
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.’”

Numbers 18:1-7
So the LORD said to Aaron, “You and your sons and your father’s house must bear the iniquity involving the sanctuary. And you and your sons alone must bear the iniquity involving your priesthood. / But bring with you also your brothers from the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, that they may join you and assist you and your sons before the Tent of the Testimony. / And they shall attend to your duties and to all the duties of the Tent; but they must not come near to the furnishings of the sanctuary or the altar, or both they and you will die. ...

Exodus 28:43
Aaron and his sons must wear them whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister in the Holy Place, so that they will not incur guilt and die. This is to be a permanent statute for Aaron and his descendants.

Exodus 19:22
Even the priests who approach the LORD must consecrate themselves, or the LORD will break out against them.”

Numbers 18:5
And you shall attend to the duties of the sanctuary and of the altar, so that wrath may not fall on the Israelites again.

Ezekiel 44:6-9
Tell the rebellious house of Israel that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I have had enough of all your abominations, O house of Israel. / In addition to all your other abominations, you brought in foreigners uncircumcised in both heart and flesh to occupy My sanctuary; you defiled My temple when you offered My food—the fat and the blood; you broke My covenant. / And you have not kept charge of My holy things, but have appointed others to keep charge of My sanctuary for you.’ ...

1 Samuel 6:19-20
But God struck down some of the people of Beth-shemesh because they looked inside the ark of the LORD. He struck down seventy men, and the people mourned because the LORD had struck them with a great slaughter. / The men of Beth-shemesh asked, “Who can stand in the presence of the LORD, this holy God? To whom should the ark go up from here?”

2 Chronicles 26:16-21
But when Uzziah became powerful, his arrogance led to his own destruction. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God, for he entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense. / Then Azariah the priest, along with eighty brave priests of the LORD, went in after him. / They took their stand against King Uzziah and said, “Uzziah, you have no right to offer incense to the LORD. Only the priests, the descendants of Aaron, are consecrated to burn incense. Leave the sanctuary, for you have acted unfaithfully; you will not receive honor from the LORD God.” ...

Malachi 2:1-9
“And now this decree is for you, O priests: / If you do not listen, and if you do not take it to heart to honor My name,” says the LORD of Hosts, “I will send a curse among you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have already begun to curse them, because you are not taking it to heart. / Behold, I will rebuke your descendants, and I will spread dung on your faces, the waste from your feasts, and you will be carried off with it. ...

Hebrews 7:26-28
Such a high priest truly befits us—One who is holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. / Unlike the other high priests, He does not need to offer daily sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people; He sacrificed for sin once for all when He offered up Himself. / For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.

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.

1 Corinthians 10:21
You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot partake in the table of the Lord and the table of demons too.

1 Corinthians 11:27-29
Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. / Each one must examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. / For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.

Matthew 7:6
Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.

Matthew 22:11-14
But when the king came in to see the guests, he spotted a man who was not dressed in wedding clothes. / ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ But the man was speechless. / Then the king told the servants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ ...


Treasury of Scripture

Speak to Aaron and to his sons, that they separate themselves from the holy things of the children of Israel, and that they profane not my holy name in those things which they hallow to me: I am the LORD.

Leviticus 22:3-6
Say unto them, Whosoever he be of all your seed among your generations, that goeth unto the holy things, which the children of Israel hallow unto the LORD, having his uncleanness upon him, that soul shall be cut off from my presence: I am the LORD…

Leviticus 15:31
Thus shall ye separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness; that they die not in their uncleanness, when they defile my tabernacle that is among them.

Numbers 6:3-8
He shall separate himself from wine and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink, neither shall he drink any liquor of grapes, nor eat moist grapes, or dried…

Leviticus 22:32
Neither shall ye profane my holy name; but I will be hallowed among the children of Israel: I am the LORD which hallow you,

Leviticus 18:21
And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.

Leviticus 19:12
And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.

hallow

Exodus 13:12
That thou shalt set apart unto the LORD all that openeth the matrix, and every firstling that cometh of a beast which thou hast; the males shall be the LORD'S.

Exodus 28:38
And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD.

Numbers 18:32
And ye shall bear no sin by reason of it, when ye have heaved from it the best of it: neither shall ye pollute the holy things of the children of Israel, lest ye die.

Jump to Previous
Aaron Careful Children Common Dedicate Gifts Hallow Hallowing Holy Israel Israelites Make Offerings Pollute Profane Respect Sacred Separate Separated Speak Themselves Treat
Jump to Next
Aaron Careful Children Common Dedicate Gifts Hallow Hallowing Holy Israel Israelites Make Offerings Pollute Profane Respect Sacred Separate Separated Speak Themselves Treat
Leviticus 22
1. The priests in their uncleanness must abstain from the holy things
6. How they shall be cleansed
10. Who of the priest's house may eat of the holy things
17. The sacrifices must be without blemish
26. The age of the sacrifice
29. The law of eating the sacrifice of thanksgiving














Tell Aaron and his sons
This phrase establishes a direct communication from God to Moses, who is instructed to relay God's commands to Aaron and his sons, the priestly lineage. The Hebrew word for "tell" is "dabar," which implies not just speaking but conveying a message with authority and purpose. Aaron and his sons, as priests, hold a significant role in maintaining the sanctity of worship and offerings. Historically, the priesthood was a hereditary office, and this command underscores the importance of their role in upholding the covenantal relationship between God and Israel.

to treat with respect
The Hebrew root for "respect" is "nazar," which means to separate or consecrate. This implies a call to holiness and reverence. The priests are to handle the offerings with a deep sense of sacredness, recognizing their role as mediators between God and the people. This respect is not merely external but reflects an internal attitude of reverence and awe towards God’s holiness.

the sacred offerings
The term "sacred offerings" refers to the various sacrifices and gifts brought by the Israelites to the Tabernacle. The Hebrew word "qodesh" denotes something set apart for divine service. These offerings were a tangible expression of the Israelites' devotion and obedience to God. Archaeological findings, such as altars and temple artifacts, provide insight into the ancient practices of sacrifice, highlighting the centrality of offerings in Israelite worship.

the Israelites consecrate to Me
The act of consecration, from the Hebrew "qadash," means to set apart for a holy purpose. The Israelites' offerings were not merely ritualistic but were meant to symbolize their dedication and commitment to God. This consecration was a communal act, reflecting the collective identity of Israel as God's chosen people. Scripturally, this echoes the covenantal theme where Israel is called to be a holy nation.

so that they do not profane
The word "profane" comes from the Hebrew "chalal," meaning to defile or treat as common. This warning highlights the potential for sacred things to be desecrated through negligence or irreverence. The priests are reminded of the gravity of their duties, as any profanation of the offerings would dishonor God and disrupt the sanctity of worship.

My holy name
God's name, represented by the Tetragrammaton YHWH, is intrinsically linked to His character and presence. The holiness of God's name is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing His uniqueness and sovereignty. The priests' actions are directly tied to the reputation and honor of God's name among the nations. This reflects a broader biblical principle that God's people are to live in a way that upholds and magnifies His holiness.

I am the LORD
This declaration, "Ani YHWH," serves as a divine signature, affirming God's authority and the seriousness of the command. It is a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God is both the lawgiver and the sustainer. This phrase encapsulates the essence of God's identity as the eternal, self-existent One who is worthy of all reverence and obedience.

(2) Separate themselves from the holy things of the children of Israel.--As parts of the sacrifices offered by the Israelites belonged to the priests, they are here warned that (see Leviticus 7:20-21) they are not to consider themselves absolutely entitled to them under all circumstances, and that there are times when they must abstain from them.

In those things which they hallow unto me.--That is, in their treatment of the sacrifices which the children of Israel have consecrated and offered to the Lord.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“Tell
דַּבֵּ֨ר (dab·bêr)
Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

Aaron
אַהֲרֹ֜ן (’a·hă·rōn)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 175: Aaron -- an elder brother of Moses

and his sons
בָּנָ֗יו (bā·nāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121: A son

to treat with respect
וְיִנָּֽזְרוּ֙ (wə·yin·nā·zə·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5144: To hold aloof, abstain, to set apart, devote

the sacred offerings
מִקָּדְשֵׁ֣י (miq·qā·ḏə·šê)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 6944: A sacred place, thing, sanctity

that
אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

the Israelites
בְנֵֽי־ (ḇə·nê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

have consecrated to Me,
מַקְדִּשִׁ֛ים (maq·di·šîm)
Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 6942: To be set apart or consecrated

so that they do not
וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

profane
יְחַלְּל֖וּ (yə·ḥal·lə·lū)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 2490: To bore, to wound, to dissolve, to profane, to break, to begin, to play

My holy
קָדְשִׁ֑י (qāḏ·šî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6944: A sacred place, thing, sanctity

name.
שֵׁ֣ם (šêm)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8034: A name

I
אֲנִ֥י (’ă·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

am the LORD.
יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel


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OT Law: Leviticus 22:2 Tell Aaron and his sons to separate (Le Lv Lev.)
Leviticus 22:1
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