Leviticus 21:2
New International Version
except for a close relative, such as his mother or father, his son or daughter, his brother,

New Living Translation
The only exceptions are his closest relatives—his mother or father, son or daughter, brother,

English Standard Version
except for his closest relatives, his mother, his father, his son, his daughter, his brother,

Berean Standard Bible
except for his immediate family—his mother, father, son, daughter, or brother,

King James Bible
But for his kin, that is near unto him, that is, for his mother, and for his father, and for his son, and for his daughter, and for his brother,

New King James Version
except for his relatives who are nearest to him: his mother, his father, his son, his daughter, and his brother;

New American Standard Bible
except for his relatives who are nearest to him, his mother, his father, his son, his daughter, and his brother,

NASB 1995
except for his relatives who are nearest to him, his mother and his father and his son and his daughter and his brother,

NASB 1977
except for his relatives who are nearest to him, his mother and his father and his son and his daughter and his brother,

Legacy Standard Bible
except for his blood relatives who are nearest to him, his mother and his father and his son and his daughter and his brother,

Amplified Bible
except for his relatives who are nearest to him, his mother, his father, his son, his daughter, and his brother,

Christian Standard Bible
except for his immediate family: his mother, father, son, daughter, or brother.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
except for his immediate family: his mother, father, son, daughter, or brother.

American Standard Version
except for his kin, that is near unto him, for his mother, and for his father, and for his son, and for his daughter, and for his brother,

Contemporary English Version
except your mother, father, son, daughter, brother,

English Revised Version
except for his kin, that is near unto him, for his mother, and for his father, and for his son, and for his daughter, and for his brother;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
However, you are allowed to become unclean when one of your nearest relatives dies. These relatives include your mother, father, son, daughter, or brother,

Good News Translation
unless it is his mother, father, son, daughter, brother,

International Standard Version
except his close relatives—his mother, father, son, daughter, brother, or

NET Bible
except for his close relative who is near to him: his mother, his father, his son, his daughter, his brother,

New Heart English Bible
except for his relatives that are near to him: for his mother, for his father, for his son, for his daughter, for his brother,

Webster's Bible Translation
But for his kin, that is near to him, that is, for his mother, and for his father, and for his son, and for his daughter, and for his brother,
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
except for his immediate family—his mother, father, son, daughter, or brother,

World English Bible
except for his relatives that are near to him: for his mother, for his father, for his son, for his daughter, for his brother,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
except for his relation who [is] near to him: for his mother, and for his father, and for his son, and for his daughter, and for his brother,

Young's Literal Translation
except for his relation who is near unto him -- for his mother, and for his father, and for his son, and for his daughter, and for his brother.

Smith's Literal Translation
But if for his remainder coming near to him, for his mother and for his father, and for his son, and for his daughter, and for his brother,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But only for his kin, such as are near in blood, that is to say, for his father and for his mother, and for his son, and for his daughter, for his brother also,

Catholic Public Domain Version
except only by his blood-relatives and near-relatives, that is, by a father or mother, or by a son or daughter, or also a brother,

New American Bible
except for his nearest relatives, his mother or father, his son or daughter, his brother

New Revised Standard Version
except for his nearest kin: his mother, his father, his son, his daughter, his brother;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Except for his kin who is near to him, that is, for his father and for his mother and for his son and for his daughter and for his brother,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Except with his near relative that is close to him: for his father or for his mother or for his son or for his daughter or for his brother,
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
except for his kin, that is near unto him, for his mother, and for his father, and for his son, and for his daughter, and for his brother;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
but they may mourn for a relative who is very near to them, for a father and mother, and sons and daughters, for a brother,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Holiness Required of Priests
1Then the LORD said to Moses, “Speak to Aaron’s sons, the priests, and tell them that a priest is not to defile himself for a dead person among his people, 2except for his immediate family— his mother, father, son, daughter, or brother, 3or his unmarried sister who is near to him, since she has no husband.…

Cross References
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.

Ezekiel 44:25-27
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, / and after he is cleansed, he must count off seven days for himself. / And on the day he goes into the sanctuary, into the inner court, to minister in the sanctuary, he must present his sin offering, declares the Lord GOD.

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.”

John 11:25-26
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies. / And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
Brothers, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who are without hope. / For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we also believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him.

Genesis 50:5-7
my father made me swear an oath when he said, ‘I am about to die. You must bury me in the tomb that I dug for myself in the land of Canaan.’ Now let me go and bury my father, and then return.” / Pharaoh replied, “Go up and bury your father, as he made you swear to do.” / Then Joseph went to bury his father, and all the servants of Pharaoh accompanied him—the elders of Pharaoh’s household and all the elders of the land of Egypt—

Deuteronomy 34:8
The Israelites grieved for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days, until the time of weeping and mourning for Moses came to an end.

2 Samuel 19:1-4
Then it was reported to Joab, “The king is weeping and mourning over Absalom.” / And that day’s victory was turned into mourning for all the people, because on that day they were told, “The king is grieving over his son.” / So they returned to the city quietly that day, as people steal away in humiliation after fleeing a battle. ...

2 Kings 4:32-35
When Elisha reached the house, there was the boy lying dead on his bed. / So he went in, closed the door behind the two of them, and prayed to the LORD. / Then Elisha got on the bed and lay on the boy, mouth to mouth, eye to eye, and hand to hand. As he stretched himself out over him, the boy’s body became warm. ...

Jeremiah 16:5-7
Indeed, this is what the LORD says: “Do not enter a house where there is a funeral meal. Do not go to mourn or show sympathy, for I have removed from this people My peace, My loving devotion, and My compassion,” declares the LORD. / “Both great and small will die in this land. They will not be buried or mourned, nor will anyone cut himself or shave his head for them. / No food will be offered to comfort those who mourn the dead; not even a cup of consolation will be given for the loss of a father or mother.

Amos 6:10
And when the relative who is to burn the bodies picks them up to remove them from the house, he will call to one inside, “Is anyone else with you?” “None,” that person will answer. “Silence,” the relative will retort, “for the name of the LORD must not be invoked.”

Matthew 22:32
‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead, but of the living.”

Mark 12:27
He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You are badly mistaken!”

Luke 20:38
He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to Him all are alive.”


Treasury of Scripture

But for his kin, that is near to him, that is, for his mother, and for his father, and for his son, and for his daughter, and for his brother.

Leviticus 18:6
None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to him, to uncover their nakedness: I am the LORD.

1 Thessalonians 4:13
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

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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














except for his immediate family—
In the context of Leviticus 21, the instructions are given to the priests regarding their conduct and purity. The term "immediate family" highlights the close kinship ties that were recognized in ancient Israelite society. The priestly role required a higher standard of holiness, and contact with the dead was generally avoided to maintain ritual purity. However, allowances were made for immediate family, emphasizing the importance of familial bonds. This reflects the broader biblical theme of family as a fundamental social unit, seen in Genesis with the creation of family through Adam and Eve.

his mother, father,
The inclusion of both parents underscores the respect and honor due to one's parents, a principle enshrined in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:12). In ancient Israel, the family was patriarchal, but the mention of the mother alongside the father indicates her significant role within the family structure. This respect for parents is echoed in the New Testament, where honoring one's parents is reiterated (Ephesians 6:2).

son, daughter,
The mention of children highlights the continuation of the family line and the importance of offspring in Israelite culture. Sons and daughters were seen as blessings from God (Psalm 127:3-5). The priest's allowance to mourn for his children reflects the deep emotional bonds and responsibilities within the family. This familial care is mirrored in the New Testament, where Jesus shows compassion for children (Mark 10:14).

or brother,
The inclusion of a brother in the list of immediate family members for whom a priest could mourn indicates the strong fraternal bonds in Israelite society. Brothers often shared inheritance and responsibilities, as seen in the stories of Jacob and Esau or Moses and Aaron. The New Testament also emphasizes brotherly love, as seen in the epistles (1 John 3:16), reflecting the enduring importance of sibling relationships.

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

2. Immediate Family
This term refers to the close kin of the priest, specifically mentioned as mother, father, son, daughter, or brother. The Hebrew word for "immediate family" emphasizes the closeness and personal connection.

3. Levitical Law
The context of this verse is within the Levitical laws, which were given to guide the Israelites in holiness and worship.
Teaching Points
Holiness and Separation
Priests were called to a higher standard of holiness, reflecting God's holiness. This principle of being set apart is applicable to all believers today, as we are called to be a "royal priesthood."

Family and Responsibility
The allowance for priests to mourn their immediate family highlights the importance of family responsibilities and relationships. It reminds us of the balance between our spiritual duties and familial obligations.

Purity and Worship
The laws concerning purity were not just about physical cleanliness but were symbolic of spiritual purity. As believers, we are called to maintain purity in our worship and daily lives.

Compassion and Community
While the priests had restrictions, the allowance for mourning immediate family members shows God's compassion and understanding of human emotions and community bonds.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Leviticus 21:2?

2. Why is a priest allowed to mourn for "his closest relatives" in Leviticus 21:2?

3. How does Leviticus 21:2 emphasize the importance of family in priestly duties?

4. What other scriptures highlight the significance of family in spiritual leadership?

5. How can we prioritize family while maintaining our spiritual responsibilities today?

6. In what ways can we support church leaders in balancing family and ministry?

7. Why does Leviticus 21:2 allow exceptions for priests regarding family funerals?

8. How does Leviticus 21:2 reflect the importance of family in biblical times?

9. What does Leviticus 21:2 reveal about the priestly duties and family obligations?

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

11. Am I responsible for my brother?

12. How historically accurate is the claim in Leviticus 21:1-4 that any contact with the dead (apart from immediate family) defiled a priest?

13. 1 Chronicles 20:5: Why does this text say Elhanan killed Goliath's brother, whereas 2 Samuel 21:19 seems to conflict about who killed Goliath?

14. Why is there no direct divine judgment against Amnon for his actions in 2 Samuel 13:1-14?
What Does Leviticus 21:2 Mean
except for his immediate family

The Lord required ordinary priests to avoid ceremonial uncleanness by contact with the dead (Leviticus 21:1), yet He mercifully carved out a narrow exception. Family ties matter to God, and He recognizes the unavoidable obligation to grieve with those bound to us by blood. In this verse He balances two priorities:

• Protecting the priesthood’s holiness (Leviticus 21:6; Ezekiel 44:25).

• Honoring the bond of kinship established in the fifth commandment (Exodus 20:12).

The exemption underscores that holiness is not cold distance but regulated devotion—God does not forbid healthy, compassionate mourning (1 Thessalonians 4:13), only the ritual defilement that would ordinarily interrupt priestly service.


his mother

A priest could attend his mother’s burial because maternal care reflects God’s nurturing character (Isaiah 66:13). The law consistently elevates respect for mothers (Proverbs 23:22) alongside fathers. By naming “mother” first, the verse shows that God honors even those whose public standing was less than a male’s in ancient society. Jesus modeled similar honor from the cross when He entrusted Mary to John (John 19:26-27).


father

Fathers bore primary responsibility for spiritual leadership (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). Allowing a priest to mourn his father preserved the biblical mandate to “honor your father” (Ephesians 6:2). The privilege was not mere sentiment; it affirmed continuity in covenant faith, passing on godly heritage (Malachi 2:5). Neglecting such duty would contradict the very holiness the priest represented.


son

The death of a son cut off the family line and hope of future inheritance (Genesis 21:12; Ruth 4:10). God permitted the priest to share fully in that loss, echoing the Father’s own grief over Israel’s rebellion (Hosea 11:1-8). By naming “son,” the verse also protects the dignity of children, whom Scripture repeatedly identifies as “a heritage from the LORD” (Psalm 127:3). Even the strictest ceremonial rules bend to parental compassion.


daughter

In patriarchal cultures a daughter’s value could be minimized, yet the Lord explicitly includes her. This equality anticipates later affirmations that “there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). Her mention guards against partiality and illustrates that every family member falls under God’s care (Mark 5:41-42, where Jesus raises Jairus’s daughter).


or brother

A brother shared both blood and covenant identity (Leviticus 25:48; Proverbs 17:17). Accepting defilement for a brother reinforced fraternal responsibility—“Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9) is answered here with a clear “yes.” New-covenant believers echo this principle by loving fellow Christians sacrificially (1 John 3:16-17; Romans 12:10).


summary

Leviticus 21:2 teaches that priestly holiness does not erase human compassion. God limits defilement so priests may keep serving, yet He graciously allows them to honor and mourn immediate family. The verse affirms the sanctity of family relationships, the priority of obedience to God’s commands, and the balance between ritual purity and heartfelt love—a balance perfectly fulfilled in Christ, our High Priest, who remains “holy, innocent, undefiled” (Hebrews 7:26) while bearing our griefs (Isaiah 53:4).

(2) But for his kin, that is near unto him.--There are, however, seven exceptions to the general rule. According to the administrators of the Law during the second Temple, the phrase, "his kin that is near unto him," or rather, "his flesh that is near unto him" (comp. Leviticus 18:6 with Genesis 2:24), denotes "wife." Hence the Chaldee version of Jonathan renders it, "but for a wife who is of kin to his flesh."

For his mother, and for his father.--This is the second of the three instances in the Bible where the mother is mentioned before the father (see Leviticus 19:3). The Jewish canonists, who call attention to this unusual phrase, account for it by saying that she is placed first because the son's qualifications for the priesthood depend more upon his having a good mother (see Leviticus 21:7). This will be readily understood when it is borne in mind that the regulations about the woman whom a priest was allowed to marry during the second Temple were of the most stringent nature, and that the slightest infringement of them disqualified the son for performing sacerdotal functions. Thus the daughter of a foreigner or of a released captive was forbidden to the priest, and when a city was besieged and taken by the enemy all the wives of the priests had to be divorced for fear lest they had suffered violence.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
except
כִּ֚י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

for his immediate
הַקָּרֹ֖ב (haq·qā·rōḇ)
Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7138: Near

family—
לִשְׁאֵר֔וֹ (liš·’ê·rōw)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7607: Flesh, as living, for, food, food of any kind, kindred by blood

his mother,
לְאִמּ֣וֹ (lə·’im·mōw)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 517: A mother, )

father,
וּלְאָבִ֔יו (ū·lə·’ā·ḇîw)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1: Father

son,
וְלִבְנ֥וֹ (wə·liḇ·nōw)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121: A son

daughter,
וּלְבִתּ֖וֹ (ū·lə·ḇit·tōw)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1323: A daughter

brother,
וּלְאָחִֽיו׃ (ū·lə·’ā·ḥîw)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 251: A brother, )


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OT Law: Leviticus 21:2 Except for his relatives that are near (Le Lv Lev.)
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