Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version no man with a crippled foot or hand, New Living Translation or has a broken foot or arm, English Standard Version or a man who has an injured foot or an injured hand, Berean Standard Bible no man who has a broken foot or hand, King James Bible Or a man that is brokenfooted, or brokenhanded, New King James Version a man who has a broken foot or broken hand, New American Standard Bible or someone who has a broken foot or broken hand, NASB 1995 or a man who has a broken foot or broken hand, NASB 1977 or a man who has a broken foot or broken hand, Legacy Standard Bible or a man who has a broken foot or broken hand, Amplified Bible or a man who has a broken foot or a broken hand, Christian Standard Bible no man who has a broken foot or hand, Holman Christian Standard Bible no man who has a broken foot or hand, American Standard Version or a man that is broken-footed, or broken-handed, Contemporary English Version if either a foot or a hand is paralyzed, English Revised Version or a man that is brokenfooted, or brokenhanded, GOD'S WORD® Translation or a crippled hand or foot, Good News Translation no one with a crippled hand or foot; International Standard Version or a person who has a fractured foot or hand, NET Bible or a man who has had a broken leg or arm, New Heart English Bible or a man who has an injured foot, or an injured hand, Webster's Bible Translation Or a man that is broken-footed, or broken-handed, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bibleno man who has a broken foot or hand, World English Bible or a man who has an injured foot, or an injured hand, Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionor a man in whom there is a breach in the foot, or a breach in the hand, Young's Literal Translation or a man in whom there is a breach in the foot, or a breach in the hand, Smith's Literal Translation Or a man to whom there shall be in him a broken foot or a broken hand, Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIf his foot, or if his hand be broken, Catholic Public Domain Version if his foot or hand is broken, New American Bible or a broken leg or arm, New Revised Standard Version or one who has a broken foot or a broken hand, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleOr a man who has a broken foot or broken hand Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Or a man who has a broken foot, or a broken hand, OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917or a man that is broken-footed, or broken-handed, Brenton Septuagint Translation a man who has a broken hand or a broken foot, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Restrictions Against Those with Blemishes…18No man who has any defect may approach—no man who is blind, lame, disfigured, or deformed; 19 no man who has a broken foot or hand, 20or who is a hunchback or dwarf, or who has an eye defect, a festering rash, scabs, or a crushed testicle.… Cross References Deuteronomy 15:21 But if an animal has a defect, is lame or blind, or has any serious flaw, you must not sacrifice it to the LORD your God. Malachi 1:8 When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is it not wrong? And when you present the lame and sick ones, is it not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you or show you favor?” asks the LORD of Hosts. Malachi 1:13 You also say: ‘Oh, what a nuisance!’ And you turn up your nose at it,” says the LORD of Hosts. “You bring offerings that are stolen, lame, or sick! Should I accept these from your hands?” asks the LORD. 2 Samuel 5:8 On that day he said, “Whoever attacks the Jebusites must use the water shaft to reach the lame and blind who are despised by David.” That is why it is said, “The blind and the lame will never enter the palace.” Isaiah 56:10 Israel’s watchmen are blind, they are all oblivious; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they are dreamers lying around, loving to slumber. Leviticus 22:20-22 You must not present anything with a defect, because it will not be accepted on your behalf. / When a man presents a peace offering to the LORD from the herd or flock to fulfill a vow or as a freewill offering, it must be without blemish or defect to be acceptable. / You are not to present to the LORD any animal that is blind, injured, or maimed, or anything with a running sore, a festering rash, or a scab; you must not put any of these on the altar as a food offering to the LORD. Deuteronomy 17:1 You shall not sacrifice to the LORD your God an ox or a sheep with any defect or serious flaw, for that is detestable to the LORD your God. 2 Samuel 9:3 So the king asked, “Is there anyone left of the house of Saul to whom I can show the kindness of God?” Ziba answered, “There is still Jonathan’s son, who is lame in both feet.” 2 Samuel 9:13 So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, because he always ate at the king’s table, and he was lame in both feet. Matthew 15:30-31 Large crowds came to Him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute, and many others, and laid them at His feet, and He healed them. / The crowd was amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled restored, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they glorified the God of Israel. Matthew 21:14 The blind and the lame came to Him at the temple, and He healed them. Luke 14:13 But when you host a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind, Luke 14:21 The servant returned and reported all this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the city, and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’ John 5:3 On these walkways lay a great number of the sick, the blind, the lame, and the paralyzed. Acts 3:2 And a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those entering the temple courts. Treasury of Scripture Or a man that is broken footed, or broken handed, Jump to Previous Breach Broken Crippled Feet Foot Hand Hands InjuredJump to Next Breach Broken Crippled Feet Foot Hand Hands InjuredLeviticus 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 no man who has a broken foot or hand This phrase is part of the Levitical laws concerning the physical qualifications for priests serving in the tabernacle. The requirement for priests to be without physical blemish underscores the holiness and perfection expected in those who serve before God. In the ancient Near Eastern context, physical wholeness was often associated with spiritual and ritual purity. The priesthood was a type of Christ, who is the ultimate High Priest, perfect and without blemish (Hebrews 4:15). This requirement foreshadows the perfection of Jesus, who fulfilled the law and served as the perfect mediator between God and humanity. The mention of a "broken foot or hand" specifically highlights the importance of physical integrity for those performing sacred duties. In a practical sense, a priest with such an injury might be unable to perform the physical tasks required in the tabernacle, such as offering sacrifices or handling sacred objects. This reflects the broader biblical principle that those who serve God should do so with their whole being, without hindrance or defect. In a spiritual sense, this can be seen as a metaphor for the need for spiritual wholeness and integrity in service to God. Just as a priest with a physical defect was disqualified from service, so too are believers called to pursue holiness and spiritual maturity, striving to be "blameless and pure" (Philippians 2:15). This requirement also connects to the broader biblical theme of God's desire for His people to be set apart and holy, as He is holy (Leviticus 19:2). The physical requirements for priests serve as a tangible reminder of the spiritual purity and dedication required of all who follow God. Persons / Places / Events 1. PriestsThe primary audience of Leviticus 21, where God gives specific instructions regarding the physical qualifications for those serving as priests in the tabernacle. 2. Moses The mediator through whom God delivers the laws and instructions to the Israelites, including those in Leviticus. 3. Israelites The chosen people of God, who are to be set apart and holy, with the priests serving as mediators between them and God. 4. Tabernacle The sacred place where the Israelites worship God, and where the priests perform their duties. 5. God's Holiness The overarching theme of Leviticus, emphasizing the need for purity and holiness in approaching God. Teaching Points Holiness and ServiceThe physical requirements for priests in Leviticus 21 highlight the importance of holiness and purity in serving God. While physical perfection was required for Old Testament priests, today, God calls us to spiritual purity and holiness in our service. God's Standards God's standards for those who serve Him are high, reflecting His own holiness. This challenges us to strive for excellence and integrity in our own lives as we serve Him. Spiritual Wholeness While physical imperfections disqualified priests in the Old Testament, in Christ, our spiritual wholeness is what matters. We are called to be spiritually whole and mature, reflecting Christ's character. Inclusivity in Christ The New Testament reveals that in Christ, all believers are part of a royal priesthood, regardless of physical imperfections. This inclusivity challenges us to value each person's unique contributions to the body of Christ. Dependence on Christ Recognizing our own imperfections, we are reminded of our dependence on Christ, the perfect High Priest, who intercedes for us and makes us acceptable before God. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Leviticus 21:19?2. How does Leviticus 21:19 emphasize the importance of physical wholeness for priests? 3. What does Leviticus 21:19 teach about God's standards for holiness and service? 4. How does Leviticus 21:19 connect to New Testament teachings on spiritual purity? 5. In what ways can we apply Leviticus 21:19 to our spiritual lives today? 6. How does Leviticus 21:19 reflect God's desire for order and sanctity in worship? 7. What is the significance of physical blemishes in Leviticus 21:19 for priestly service? 8. How does Leviticus 21:19 reflect ancient Israelite views on physical perfection? 9. Why were physical defects a disqualification for priests in Leviticus 21:19? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 21? 11. What does 'eye for an eye' mean biblically? 12. How are Moses and the Hammurabi Code similar? 13. Why does God allow genocides to happen, including those commanded in the Bible (Numbers 31:17-18)? 14. Exodus 21:7-11 mentions selling one's daughter; how does this align with other biblical teachings on the value and protection of children? What Does Leviticus 21:19 Mean No manLeviticus 21 addresses the priesthood, and the phrase “no man” limits the instruction to Aaron’s male descendants who serve at the altar (Leviticus 21:17; Exodus 28:1). Scripture repeatedly affirms that the LORD sets qualifications for those who approach Him in a representative role (Numbers 4:2–3; Hebrews 5:4). This boundary is not arbitrary; it upholds God’s holiness and protects Israel from treating sacred service casually. Who has The words “who has” indicate an existing, observable condition. The concern is not past injury but a present impairment that would hinder priestly duty (Leviticus 21:18). The text consistently ties fitness for service to current capability, as seen when priests became ceremonially unclean and were temporarily barred from ministry (Leviticus 22:3–4). God’s requirement reflects respect for both His perfection and the practical demands of temple work. A broken foot A priest’s feet carried him: • to the altar (Leviticus 9:7–8) • up the steps to the sanctuary (Ezekiel 44:17) • around the courtyard during daily sacrifices (Numbers 28:3–4) A broken foot would jeopardize safe, orderly worship and distract from the symbolism of unblemished service. Similar concern appears when King David barred “the blind and the lame” from the royal house because they could not fulfill court duties (2 Samuel 5:8). God is not devaluing the disabled; He is preserving a picture of wholeness that points to the coming perfect High Priest, Christ (Hebrews 7:26–27). Or hand Priests constantly used their hands: • Slaughtering animals (Leviticus 1:11) • Sprinkling blood (Leviticus 4:6) • Lifting offerings in the wave ceremony (Exodus 29:24) • Placing the shewbread (Leviticus 24:8) A damaged hand could not perform precise, sacred actions. Malachi later condemns Israel for offering blemished sacrifices (Malachi 1:8), underlining that God also required unblemished servants to present them. This foreshadows Christ’s flawless obedience (1 Peter 1:19). While those with physical injuries were still part of the covenant community and could eat the holy food (Leviticus 21:22), their limited role illustrated the greater need for spiritual wholeness. summary Leviticus 21:19 sets a concrete, literal standard for priests: any man with a broken foot or hand may not approach the altar. The restriction safeguards God’s holiness, ensures the practical integrity of temple service, and provides a living symbol of the perfect, unblemished ministry ultimately fulfilled in Jesus. By honoring these requirements, Israel learned that approaching a holy God demands both reverence and wholeness, a truth that still calls believers to offer their best in worship today. (19) Brokenfooted, or brokenhanded.--That is, one with a badly cured fractured foot or hand, since in ancient days such accidents were scarcely ever properly cured. Owing to the imperfect knowledge of surgery, and to a want of skill in setting fractures, the evil effects of such accidents had to be endured by a considerable number of the members of the community.Hebrew no manאִ֔ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person who אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that has יִהְיֶ֥ה (yih·yeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be a broken שֶׁ֣בֶר (še·ḇer) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 7667: A breaking, fracture, crushing, breach, crash foot רָ֑גֶל (rā·ḡel) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 7272: A foot, a step, the pudenda or א֣וֹ (’ōw) Conjunction Strong's 176: Desire, if hand, יָֽד׃ (yāḏ) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 3027: A hand Links Leviticus 21:19 NIVLeviticus 21:19 NLT Leviticus 21:19 ESV Leviticus 21:19 NASB Leviticus 21:19 KJV Leviticus 21:19 BibleApps.com Leviticus 21:19 Biblia Paralela Leviticus 21:19 Chinese Bible Leviticus 21:19 French Bible Leviticus 21:19 Catholic Bible OT Law: Leviticus 21:19 Or a man who has an injured (Le Lv Lev.) |
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