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Book of Leviticus - Chapter 21 - Verse 15

21:15
Neither shall he profane his seed among his people: for I the LORD do sanctify him.

Meaning

In this verse, God establishes the importance of maintaining purity and sanctity within the priesthood. The phrase "Neither shall he profane his seed among his people" emphasizes the need for the priests to uphold their position with dignity and integrity, ensuring that they do not bring shame or dishonor to their descendants. The following statement, "for I the LORD do sanctify him," reinforces the idea that the priests are set apart and consecrated by God Himself. By staying pure and faithful in their service, the priests honor God and fulfill their sacred duty to lead and guide the people in righteous living. This verse serves as a reminder to all believers, both then and now, of the importance of living in a way that reflects the holiness and sanctity of God in all aspects of life.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the phrase "neither shall he profane his seed" speaks to the importance of maintaining holiness and purity within the community. The word "profane" implies a desecration or defilement of something sacred or pure. Here, it specifically refers to the lineage of the high priest, emphasizing the significance of maintaining a pure and untainted lineage among the people. By doing so, they are honoring and obeying the commandment of the Lord, who declares that He sanctifies the high priest. This emphasizes the divine authority and sacredness of the high priest's position, as they are set apart by God for a specific purpose. The theological interpretation of this verse underscores the importance of upholding purity and sanctity within the community, as well as recognizing the divine authority behind the consecration of the high priest. It serves as a reminder to the people to respect and honor those who have been sanctified by the Lord for a specific role in the community.

American Standard Version

And he shall not profane his seed among his people: for I am Jehovah who sanctifieth him.
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