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.
4If a descendant of Aaron has a skin diseasea or a discharge, he may not eat the sacred offerings until he is clean. Whoever touches anything defiled by a corpse or by a man who has an emission of semen,5or whoever touches a crawling creature or a person that makes him unclean, whatever the uncleanness may be—6the man who touches any of these will remain unclean until evening. He must not eat from the sacred offerings unless he has bathed himself with water.
7When the sun has set, he will become clean, and then he may eat from the sacred offerings, for they are his food.8He must not eat anything found dead or torn by wild animals, which would make him unclean. I am the LORD.9The priests must keep My charge, lest they bear the guilt and die because they profane it. I am the LORD who sanctifies them.
10No one outside a priest’s family may eat the sacred offering, nor may the guest of a priest or his hired hand eat it.11But if a priest buys a slave with his own money, or if a slave is born in his household, that slave may eat his food.
12If the priest’s daughter is married to a man other than a priest, she is not to eat of the sacred contributions.13But if a priest’s daughter with no children becomes widowed or divorced and returns to her father’s house, she may share her father’s food as in her youth. But no outsider may share it.
14If anyone eats a sacred offering in error, he must add a fifth to its value and give the sacred offering to the priest.15The priests must not profane the sacred offerings that the Israelites present to the LORD16by allowing the people to eat the sacred offerings and thus to bear the punishment for guilt. For I am the LORD who sanctifies them.”
Worthy Offerings
17Then the LORD said to Moses,18“Speak to Aaron and his sons and all the Israelites and tell them, ‘Any man of the house of Israel or any foreign resident who presents a gift for a burnt offering to the LORD, whether to fulfill a vow or as a freewill offering,19must offer an unblemished male from the cattle, sheep, or goats in order for it to be accepted on your behalf.20You must not present anything with a defect, because it will not be accepted on your behalf.
21When 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.22You 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.
23You may present as a freewill offering an oxb or sheep that has a deformed or stunted limb, but it is not acceptable in fulfillment of a vow.24You are not to present to the LORD an animal whose testicles are bruised, crushed, torn, or cut; you are not to sacrifice them in your land.25Neither you nor a foreigner shall present food to your God from any such animal. They will not be accepted on your behalf, because they are deformed and flawed.’”
26Then the LORD said to Moses,27“When an ox,c a sheep, or a goat is born, it must remain with its mother for seven days. From the eighth day on, it will be acceptable as a food offering presented to the LORD.28But you must not slaughter an oxd or a sheep on the same day as its young.
29When you sacrifice a thank offering to the LORD, offer it so that it may be acceptable on your behalf.30It must be eaten that same day. Do not leave any of it until morning. I am the LORD.
31You are to keep My commandments and practice them. I am the LORD.32You must not profane My holy name. I must be acknowledged as holy among the Israelites. I am the LORD who sanctifies you,33who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God. I am the LORD.”
Footnotes:4a Forms of the Hebrew
tzaraath, traditionally translated as
leprosy, were used for various skin diseases; see
Leviticus 13.
23b Or
a bull or
a cow27c Or
a calf28d Or
a cow In this chapter, God provides Moses with detailed instructions for Aaron and his sons, the priests, on the treatment, consumption, and sanctity of sacred offerings. This includes rules around cleanliness, who can eat the offerings, and the quality of offerings brought to God. This passage emphasises the LORD's commandments and the need to maintain holiness.
Leviticus treats impurity as contagious. Even accidental contact with a dead lizard (v. 5) blocked a priest from duty. The rule feels strict, yet it protected worshipers from believing they could waltz into God’s presence on their own terms. Jesus later touches a leper (Mark 1:41) and a dead girl (Mark 5:41) and reverses the flow—His cleanness overwhelms their uncleanness, hinting that He fulfills what these purity laws anticipate.
Verses 10-16 draw a line between “household” and “outsider.” A servant purchased with silver counts as family; a hired hand does not. The rule guarded what was sacred while still being generous. Paul echoes the principle at the Lord’s Table: “Whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup in an unworthy manner will be guilty” (1 Corinthians 11:27). Access to God’s table is always a privilege, never a casual right.
Malachi protests against lame sacrifices: “Try presenting that to your governor!” (Malachi 1:8). God deserves better than the leftovers, and Leviticus spells out the acceptable standard. Peter ties the ideal animal to Jesus: “a lamb without blemish or defect” (1 Peter 1:19). The Gospels confirm His perfection—Pilate finds “no basis for a charge” (John 18:38), fulfilling the demand for a flawless offering.
A week creates completeness; the eighth day signals new beginnings. A male child’s circumcision occurs on the eighth day (Leviticus 12:3;Luke 2:21), Noah steps from the ark into a new world in the eighth person mentioned (2 Peter 2:5), and here a young animal becomes fit for dedication only after seven days. The rhythm hints at resurrection life that breaks into the old creation at the dawn of a new week.
• Incense altars unearthed at Tel Arad (8th century BC) show how priests managed multiple sanctuaries before Hezekiah centralized worship.
• Weight stones labeled “holy to the priest” found near the Temple Mount confirm that dedicated portions were carefully measured.
• Papyrus letters from Elephantine list regulations for Jewish priests serving in Egypt around 400 BC, echoing Leviticus’ concern for purity and proper offerings.
These discoveries highlight the everyday reality of regulations preserved in the text.
• Guard what is holy—our worship, marriages, money, and words—so they are not treated as ordinary.
• Accept God’s standard of purity instead of inventing our own shortcuts.
• Remember that access to God’s table is a gift purchased at great cost; gratitude, not entitlement, is the appropriate response.
• Show compassion even in small choices, reflecting the Creator who notices sparrows and protects mothers with young.
Connections to Additional Scriptures
1 Peter 1:15-16But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'
Romans 12:1Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
Hebrews 12:28-29Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.
Teaching Points
Holiness of the PriestsLeviticus 22:2-3 emphasizes the need for priests to maintain holiness, as they are responsible for handling sacred offerings: 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.
Purity in OfferingsVerses 17-25 outline the requirements for offerings, which must be without defect: You must present a male without blemish from the cattle, sheep, or goats in order for it to be accepted on your behalf.
Consequences of DisobedienceThe chapter warns of the consequences for priests who fail to maintain purity, highlighting the seriousness of their role: If anyone touches anything made unclean by a corpse or by one who has an emission of semen, or if he touches any crawling creature that makes him unclean, or any person who makes him unclean, whatever the uncleanness may be, the man who touches any of these will remain unclean until evening (
Leviticus 22:4-6).
God’s HolinessThe repeated phrase I am the LORD (e.g.,
Leviticus 22:2, 8, 31-33) serves as a reminder of God's authority and the reason for these commands.
Practical Applications
Reverence in WorshipApproach worship with a heart of reverence, recognizing the holiness of God and the privilege of coming into His presence.
Personal HolinessStrive for personal holiness in daily life, understanding that our actions and attitudes reflect our relationship with God.
Integrity in ServiceFor those in ministry, maintain integrity and purity, recognizing the responsibility of representing God to others.
Examine OfferingsConsider the quality of what you offer to God, whether it be time, resources, or talents, ensuring it is given with a pure heart.
People
1.
The LORD (Yahweh)The divine being who gives commandments to Moses regarding the conduct of the priests and the offerings. The Hebrew name used is יהוה (YHWH), often rendered as "LORD" in English translations.
2.
MosesThe prophet and leader of the Israelites, who receives instructions from the LORD to convey to Aaron and his sons. Moses acts as the intermediary between God and the people.
3.
AaronThe brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. He is the primary recipient of the instructions concerning the priestly duties and the sanctity required of those who serve in the tabernacle.
4.
Aaron's SonsThe descendants of Aaron who serve as priests. They are given specific guidelines on how to handle the holy offerings and maintain their purity.
5.
The PriestsThe general term for those who are descendants of Aaron and serve in the tabernacle. They are responsible for offering sacrifices and maintaining the sanctity of the holy things.
6.
The IsraelitesThe people of Israel, who bring offerings to the LORD. They are indirectly addressed in the chapter as those who must ensure their offerings are without blemish.
7.
A Man of Aaron's LineageRefers to any male descendant of Aaron who may become ceremonially unclean and is therefore restricted from eating the holy offerings until he is purified.
8.
A Priest's DaughterSpecifically mentioned in the context of returning to her father's house after being widowed or divorced, and her eligibility to eat of the priestly food.
Places
1.
The SanctuaryThis is the holy place where the priests perform their duties and where offerings are brought. The Hebrew term often used is "מִקְדָּשׁ" (miqdash), which refers to a sacred or holy place. The sanctuary is central to the instructions given in
Leviticus 22, as it is where the priests must maintain their holiness to serve.
2.
The AltarWhile not explicitly named in
Leviticus 22, the altar is implied as the place where offerings are made. The Hebrew word "מִזְבֵּחַ" (mizbeach) refers to the altar, a critical component of the sacrificial system.
3.
The CampAlthough not directly mentioned in this chapter, the camp is the broader area where the Israelites reside, and it is often contrasted with the holy areas like the sanctuary. The Hebrew term "מַחֲנֶה" (machaneh) is used elsewhere in Leviticus to describe the encampment of the Israelites.
Events
1.
Instructions for Priests Regarding Sacred OfferingsGod commands Moses to instruct Aaron and his sons to treat the sacred offerings with reverence. The priests must not profane the holy offerings that the Israelites consecrate to the Lord (
Leviticus 22:1-2). The Hebrew root for "profane" is "חָלַל" (chalal), meaning to defile or pollute.
2.
Restrictions on Priests with UncleannessAny priest who is unclean must not approach the sacred offerings until he is clean. This includes those who have touched anything unclean, such as a dead body or an unclean animal (
Leviticus 22:3-7). The Hebrew word for "unclean" is "טָמֵא" (tamei), indicating ritual impurity.
3.
Consumption of Sacred OfferingsOnly those who are part of a priest's household may eat the sacred offerings. Unauthorized persons, including laypeople and hired workers, are prohibited from consuming them (
Leviticus 22:10-13). The Hebrew term for "layperson" is "זָר" (zar), meaning stranger or outsider.
4.
Restitution for Eating Sacred Offerings UnlawfullyIf someone inadvertently eats a sacred offering, they must make restitution by adding a fifth of its value and giving it to the priest (
Leviticus 22:14). The Hebrew root for "restitution" is "שָׁלַם" (shalam), meaning to make amends or repay.
5.
Prohibition Against Profaning Sacred OfferingsThe Israelites are warned not to profane the sacred offerings by allowing them to be eaten by unauthorized persons, thus keeping the offerings holy (
Leviticus 22:15-16). The emphasis is on maintaining the sanctity of what is dedicated to God.
6.
Acceptable OfferingsGod provides specific instructions on what constitutes an acceptable offering. Animals must be without defect to be acceptable for sacrifice (
Leviticus 22:17-25). The Hebrew word for "defect" is "מוּם" (mum), meaning blemish or imperfection.
7.
Prohibition Against Offering Animals with DefectsAnimals with defects or deformities are not acceptable as offerings. This includes animals that are blind, injured, or have any physical defect (
Leviticus 22:20-24). The emphasis is on offering the best to God, reflecting His holiness.
8.
Regulations for Offering Newborn AnimalsNewborn animals must remain with their mother for seven days before they can be offered to the Lord. This ensures the animal's viability and health (
Leviticus 22:27). The number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection in Hebrew culture.
9.
Prohibition Against Sacrificing Mother and Offspring TogetherIt is forbidden to sacrifice a mother animal and its offspring on the same day, emphasizing compassion and respect for life (
Leviticus 22:28). This reflects a broader ethical concern within the sacrificial system.
10.
Thanksgiving OfferingsThanksgiving offerings must be eaten on the same day they are offered, ensuring that the offering remains fresh and is consumed in a spirit of gratitude (
Leviticus 22:29-30). The Hebrew word for "thanksgiving" is "תּוֹדָה" (todah), which also means praise or confession.
11.
Conclusion and Reminder of God's HolinessThe chapter concludes with a reminder of God's holiness and the requirement for the Israelites to keep His commandments, as He is the one who sanctifies them (
Leviticus 22:31-33). The Hebrew root for "sanctify" is "קָדַשׁ" (qadash), meaning to set apart as holy.
Lessons from Leviticus 22
1. The Call to Holiness
Leviticus 22 begins with a clear call to holiness for the priests, reminding us that those who serve the Lord must be set apart. "Speak to Aaron and his sons so that they treat with respect the sacred offerings the Israelites consecrate to me, so they will not profane my holy name. I am the LORD" (Leviticus 22:2). This call extends to all believers, encouraging us to live lives that honor God in every action and decision.
2. Respect for Sacred Offerings
The chapter emphasizes the importance of respecting what is dedicated to God. "Say to them: 'For the generations to come, if any of your descendants is ceremonially unclean and yet comes near the sacred offerings that the Israelites consecrate to the LORD, that person must be cut off from my presence. I am the LORD'" (Leviticus 22:3). This teaches us to approach our worship and service with reverence, recognizing the sacredness of our offerings to God.
3. Purity in Service
Purity is a recurring theme, as priests were required to be ceremonially clean to serve. "No man of Aaron’s descendants who has a skin disease or a discharge may eat the sacred offerings until he is clean" (Leviticus 22:4). This underscores the importance of spiritual cleanliness in our service to God, reminding us to seek forgiveness and purification through Christ.
4. The Value of Community
Leviticus 22 highlights the communal aspect of worship, where the actions of one affect the whole. "If a priest’s daughter marries someone other than a priest, she may not eat any of the sacred contributions" (Leviticus 22:12). This illustrates the interconnectedness of the faith community and the responsibility we have to uphold each other in holiness.
5. The Integrity of Offerings
God requires offerings to be without defect, symbolizing the integrity and wholeheartedness expected in our worship. "Do not bring anything with a defect, because it will not be accepted on your behalf" (Leviticus 22:20). This challenges us to give our best to God, not just in material offerings but in our time, talents, and devotion.
6. The Principle of Generosity
The chapter encourages generosity, as offerings were to be given freely and willingly. "When anyone brings from the herd or flock a fellowship offering to the LORD to fulfill a special vow or as a freewill offering, it must be without defect or blemish to be acceptable" (Leviticus 22:21). This teaches us the joy and blessing of giving generously, reflecting God’s own generosity towards us.
7. The Importance of Obedience
Obedience to God’s commands is a central theme. "Keep my commands and follow them. I am the LORD" (Leviticus 22:31). This reminds us that our love for God is demonstrated through our obedience, aligning our lives with His will and purpose.
8. The Sanctity of God’s Name
God’s name is to be revered and honored. "Do not profane my holy name, for I must be acknowledged as holy by the Israelites. I am the LORD, who made you holy" (Leviticus 22:32). This calls us to live in a way that reflects the holiness of God, ensuring that our actions bring glory to His name.
9. The Assurance of God’s Provision
The chapter reassures us of God’s provision, as He provides for the priests through the offerings. "I am the LORD, who brought you out of Egypt to be your God; I am the LORD" (Leviticus 22:33). This encourages us to trust in God’s provision in our own lives, knowing that He is faithful to meet our needs.
10. The Eternal Covenant
Finally,Leviticus 22 points to the eternal covenant between God and His people. "I am the LORD, who makes them holy" (Leviticus 22:9). This covenant is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who through His resurrection offers us salvation and eternal life. It’s a powerful reminder of God’s unchanging promise and His desire for a relationship with us.
Topics
1.
Regulations for Priests Regarding Sacred OfferingsLeviticus 22 begins with instructions to Aaron and his sons about how they must treat the sacred offerings. The priests are reminded of their responsibility to maintain holiness when handling offerings dedicated to the Lord. The Hebrew root for "holy" is קָדוֹשׁ (qadosh), emphasizing the set-apart nature of these offerings.
2.
Prohibition of Unclean Priests from Eating Sacred OfferingsVerses 3-9 outline the conditions under which a priest may not consume sacred offerings, particularly if they are ceremonially unclean. The Hebrew word טָמֵא (tamei) is used for "unclean," indicating a state of impurity that disqualifies participation in holy activities.
3.
Eligibility of Priests' Families to Eat Sacred OfferingsThe text specifies who among the priests' households may eat the sacred offerings, including their families and slaves, but excluding outsiders. This section underscores the importance of maintaining the sanctity of what is holy.
4.
Restitution for Eating Sacred Offerings UnlawfullyIf someone eats a sacred offering unintentionally, they must make restitution by adding a fifth to its value. This reflects the Hebrew concept of גָּזַל (gazal), meaning to wrongfully take or consume, and the need for atonement.
5.
Acceptable and Unacceptable OfferingsVerses 17-25 provide detailed instructions on what constitutes an acceptable offering to the Lord. The offerings must be without defect, reflecting the Hebrew term תָּמִים (tamim), meaning "complete" or "whole."
6.
Prohibition of Sacrificing Animals with DefectsThe chapter emphasizes that animals with defects are not acceptable for sacrifice, reinforcing the need for purity and perfection in offerings to God.
7.
Regulations for Offering Newborn AnimalsVerses 26-28 address the appropriate time to offer newborn animals, specifying that they must be at least eight days old. This reflects the Hebrew understanding of time and readiness for consecration.
8.
Observance of the Sabbath and FestivalsThe chapter concludes with a reminder to observe the Sabbath and the appointed festivals, underscoring the importance of regular, communal worship and dedication to God.
Themes
1.
Holiness of OfferingsLeviticus 22 emphasizes the holiness required in offerings presented to the Lord. The chapter begins with instructions to Aaron and his sons to treat the sacred offerings with reverence, as they are set apart for God. The Hebrew root for "holy" (קָדוֹשׁ, qadosh) underscores the separateness and purity expected in these offerings: "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" (
Leviticus 22:2).
2.
Purity of the PriestsThe chapter outlines the conditions under which priests may partake in the holy offerings, emphasizing the need for ritual purity. Priests who are unclean due to various conditions are prohibited from consuming the offerings until they are cleansed: "Any descendant of Aaron who has a skin disease or a bodily discharge may not eat the sacred offerings until he is clean" (
Leviticus 22:4). The Hebrew term for "unclean" (טָמֵא, tamei) highlights the state of impurity that disqualifies participation in holy activities.
3.
Restrictions on ConsumptionSpecific guidelines are provided regarding who may eat the sacred offerings, ensuring that only those within the priestly family and in a state of purity partake in them. This maintains the sanctity of the offerings: "No one outside a priest’s family may eat the sacred offering, nor may the guest of a priest or his hired worker eat it" (
Leviticus 22:10).
4.
Acceptable SacrificesThe chapter details the requirements for acceptable sacrifices, emphasizing that offerings must be without defect to be pleasing to God. This reflects the Hebrew concept of "tamim" (תָּמִים), meaning "complete" or "whole": "You must present a male without blemish from the cattle, sheep, or goats in order for it to be accepted on your behalf" (
Leviticus 22:19).
5.
Prohibition of Defective OfferingsOfferings with defects are explicitly prohibited, underscoring the importance of giving God the best: "You must not present anything with a defect, because it will not be accepted on your behalf" (
Leviticus 22:20). This theme reinforces the idea of offering God what is perfect and unblemished.
6.
Thanksgiving and Freewill OfferingsThe chapter also addresses the nature of thanksgiving and freewill offerings, which must also be without defect to be acceptable: "When you sacrifice a thank offering to the LORD, offer it so that it may be acceptable on your behalf" (
Leviticus 22:29). This highlights the voluntary nature of these offerings and the heart of gratitude behind them.
7.
Observance of God's CommandsThe chapter concludes with a reminder to observe God's commands and to honor His name, reinforcing the covenant relationship between God and His people: "Keep my commands and follow them. I am the LORD" (
Leviticus 22:31). The Hebrew root for "keep" (שָׁמַר, shamar) implies careful observance and guarding of God's instructions.
Prayer Points
Pray for a deeper understanding of God's holiness and how it should impact our lives.
Ask for the Holy Spirit's guidance in maintaining personal purity and integrity.
Seek God's help in offering our best in worship and service.
Pray for those in leadership and ministry to uphold the standards of holiness and integrity.
Answering Tough Questions
1.
In Leviticus 22:3, why would a loving God issue such a severe punishment for priests who approach holy things while unclean?2.In Leviticus 22:10, does the exclusion of non-priests from eating sacred offerings conflict with later biblical themes of inclusivity?
3.How do Leviticus 22:19–24’s strict requirements for unblemished animal sacrifices align with modern views on fairness and the value of imperfection?
4.Could Leviticus 22’s detailed purity regulations reflect historical or cultural practices now seen as scientifically or ethically questionable?
5.How do Leviticus 22’s rules compare with New Testament teachings on grace and accessibility for all believers?
Bible Study Discussion Questions
1. How do these instructions regarding sacred offerings reflect the importance God places on holiness?
2. What does the passage teach us about God's expectations for purity in worship?
3. In what ways do these instructions challenge our understanding of respect for things dedicated to God?
4. How do these guidelines for offerings apply to the offerings we make today (e.g., time, talents, finances)?
5. How can we relate the rules around who can consume sacred offerings to our current practices in church communities?
6. What implications can be drawn from the restitution required for eating sacred offerings in error?
7. How can these strict guidelines on acceptable offerings be translated to the quality of offerings we present to God in our daily lives?
8. How does this passage guide us in maintaining purity and holiness in our lives?
9. In our modern context, how can we handle situations where we may unintentionally dishonor or misuse things dedicated to God?
10. How does the passage deepen our understanding of the significance of obedience to God's commandments?
11. How does this passage challenge your perception of what is acceptable to offer God?
12. In what ways does the principle of not slaughtering an ox or a sheep on the same day as its young teach us about kindness and compassion?
13. What does this passage teach about the consequence of violating God's laws?
14. How can we apply the principle of not profaning God's name to our daily actions?
15. How can we ensure that our actions do not lead others to profane what is sacred?
16. How does God's requirement for unblemished animals relate to the idea of giving our best to God?
17. What are some ways that we can intentionally apply the principle of holiness in our present-day living?
18. How does this passage affect our understanding of respect for God's authority and divine order?
19. How can we encourage others in our community to honor and respect what is dedicated to God?
20. Discuss the significance of God as the one who sanctifies the Israelites and how this role of God impacts our relationship with Him.
Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions
