Leviticus 21 24

Leviticus 21:24 kjv

And Moses told it unto Aaron, and to his sons, and unto all the children of Israel.

Leviticus 21:24 nkjv

And Moses told it to Aaron and his sons, and to all the children of Israel.

Leviticus 21:24 niv

So Moses told this to Aaron and his sons and to all the Israelites.

Leviticus 21:24 esv

So Moses spoke to Aaron and to his sons and to all the people of Israel.

Leviticus 21:24 nlt

So Moses gave these instructions to Aaron and his sons and to all the Israelites.

Leviticus 21 verses

Leviticus 21 24 Meaning

Leviticus 21:24 concludes the detailed instructions regarding the specific holiness requirements for the Aaronic priesthood. It states that Moses faithfully communicated these divine decrees concerning priestly conduct and physical eligibility not only to Aaron, the high priest, and his priestly sons, but also to all the people of Israel. This verse signifies the completed act of transmitting God’s word, emphasizing the authoritative revelation of these laws and their public dissemination within the community of faith.

Leviticus 21 24 Context

Leviticus 21 falls within the section often referred to as the "Holiness Code" (chapters 17-26) in the book of Leviticus, which outlines God's standards for maintaining Israel's covenant relationship with Him, particularly in terms of moral, ritual, and ceremonial purity. Chapter 21 specifically addresses the high standards of holiness required for the priesthood—both Aaron, the High Priest, and his descendants. These regulations pertained to their mourning practices, marriage choices (prohibiting certain women), and particularly their physical wholeness, requiring them to be without blemish to serve at the altar, though even a blemished priest could eat of the holy food. This emphasis underscored the need for utmost purity and perfection in those who ministered directly in the holy presence of God, signifying His own unblemished holiness. The concluding verse (21:24) thus acts as a formal statement of these laws being communicated and understood by those responsible for their adherence and by the wider community who were to uphold God's sanctuary laws. Historically, these laws distinguished Israel's cultic practices sharply from those of surrounding pagan nations, where cult prostitutes and physically deformed priests might have served, underscoring Israel's unique identity as a holy nation to a holy God.

Leviticus 21 24 Word analysis

• So (וַיְדַבֵּר֙ - va-yedabber): This word, literally "and he spoke," signifies a continuation and conclusion of the divine instruction given throughout the chapter. It highlights Moses' role as the faithful intermediary who precisely transmits God’s commands without addition or subtraction, marking the end of a specific block of revelation.
• Moses (מֹשֶׁה֙ - Moshe): The divinely appointed leader, prophet, and mediator of the covenant, uniquely positioned to receive God's direct communication. His act of speaking here confirms the authority and divine origin of the preceding laws.
• told it (וַיְדַבֵּר֙ - va-yedabber): The repetition of this verb (same as "So") emphasizes the action of direct communication. "It" refers to all the ordinances detailed in Leviticus 21 concerning priestly holiness. This act of "telling" is the authoritative conveyance of the Law, making it public and binding.
• to Aaron (אֶל־אַהֲרֹ֖ן - el-Aharon): The first High Priest, the head of the priestly line. The direct communication to Aaron signifies his primary responsibility for adhering to and enforcing these laws within his immediate family and priestly service. It establishes him as the central figure of the priesthood.
• and to his sons (וְאֶל־בָּנָ֑יו - v'el-banav): Refers to the descendants of Aaron who were ordained as priests. This indicates the generational transmission of priestly duties and laws, ensuring that all serving priests, not just Aaron, understood and complied with the stringent requirements for ministry in the Tabernacle. It highlights the hereditary and lasting nature of these ordinances for the Aaronic line.
• and to all the people of Israel (וְאֶל־כָּל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל - v'el-kol-b'nei Yisrael): This phrase underscores the comprehensive scope of the divine communication. While the laws primarily regulated priests, the broader community of Israel was made aware. This likely served several purposes:
  • Public Awareness: To ensure the people understood the distinct and holy status of their priests and the sanctity of God's sanctuary.
  • Accountability: To impress upon the community the seriousness of the priests' role and perhaps encourage the reporting of violations, though the primary enforcement was priestly.
  • Holiness Principle: To instill in the entire nation the broader principle that God demands holiness, particularly from those who draw near to Him or represent Him. The integrity of the priesthood was vital for the spiritual well-being of the entire nation.

Leviticus 21 24 Bonus section

The faithful transmission of God's word by Moses, as seen here, establishes a pattern for divine revelation being entrusted to human instruments for the benefit of God's people. This highlights the concept of mediated revelation, where God communicates through chosen individuals to a broader audience. It also subtly emphasizes the corporate responsibility inherent in the covenant: while specific laws apply to specific groups (like priests), the knowledge and significance of these laws are intended for the entire community. The very act of public declaration solidifies the community's accountability before God for these laws.

Leviticus 21 24 Commentary

Leviticus 21:24 serves as an important concluding statement, affirming the faithful transmission of God's exacting standards for the priesthood. Moses, as the Lord’s appointed mediator, ensures that these divine requirements—concerning the priest’s personal purity, familial relations, and physical perfection—are clearly communicated to both the High Priest, his ordained sons, and the entire Israelite community. This verse underscores that divine law is not for a select few to hoard, but for authoritative declaration and corporate reception. The specific nature of these laws demonstrates God's demand for unblemished holiness in those who mediate between Him and His people. It signifies the seriousness of drawing near to a holy God, prefiguring the perfect priesthood of Christ who fulfills these shadows. The "telling" itself reinforces the binding nature of the covenant and the responsibility of God's people to receive and live by His commands.