Leviticus 21:10
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse highlights that the high priest's unique consecration, marked by anointing oil and special garments, sets him apart from other priests. This isn't just about outward ceremony; it signifies a deeper call to a holiness and a constant readiness to represent the people before God, prohibiting even outward signs of mourning that would draw him away from his sacred duties.
“The priest who is chief among his brothers, on whose head the anointing oil is poured and who has been consecrated to wear the garments, shall not let the hair of his head hang loose nor tear his clothes.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage elevates the High Priest, distinguishing him by the unique pouring of anointing oil and his specific consecration garments. Unlike common priests, he is forbidden from public displays of mourning, such as letting his hair go loose or tearing his clothes, even for close family. This restriction emphasizes his continuous, symbolic role as an intercessor, demanding unwavering dedication and a constant state of ritual purity before God and the people.
What makes the high priest stand out from his brothers? It's not just an office, but a profound anointing and consecration.
Leviticus 21:10 highlights the unique status of the high priest. The text emphasizes two key aspects of his designation:
Anointed with Oil
Unlike the common priests who might have had oil sprinkled on them, the high priest had the anointing oil poured directly on his head. This was a significant pouring, like a crown, symbolizing God's direct selection and empowerment for his sacred role.
Consecrated by Garments
His consecration was further marked by being clothed in specific, holy garments. This wasn't just ceremonial dressing; it was part of the process that set him apart for God's service, making him ready to minister before the Lord.
While grief is natural, the high priest's public display of sorrow was restricted. Why such stringent rules for this spiritual leader?
The verse states the high priest 'shall not let the hair of his head hang loose nor tear his clothes.' These were outward signs of deep mourning, commonly practiced by people in ancient Israel.
Symbol of Continuous Service
The anointing oil and the holy garments were symbols of the high priest's ongoing ministry and his role as a mediator. To dishevel his hair or tear his clothes would be to express a grief so profound that it incapacitated him from his duties. This symbolized that his consecration to God and his service to the people could not be interrupted by personal sorrow.
Ask a follow-up
Upholding Divine Authority
The high priest represented God to the people and the people to God. His outward composure and adherence to the sacred regulations were crucial for maintaining the people's faith and trust in God's justice and sovereignty. Public displays of unrestrained grief could be interpreted as questioning God's will or His judgments, something the high priest was forbidden to do.
Understand the original words
mishchah · Hebrew Noun
The ritual act of applying oil to a person or object to signify that they are chosen and set apart for a specific divine office or function. It symbolizes the empowering presence and authority of God.
mala' · Hebrew Verb
To be formally ordained or dedicated to the service of God, often involving specific rituals and clothing to signify a change in status from common to sacred.
This passage describes the actual anointing and robing of Aaron as high priest, directly preceding the instruction in Leviticus 21, highlighting the unique consecration that sets him apart.
Leviticus 10:6This verse immediately follows a tragic event where two priests died, and the command given to Aaron and his sons not to let their hair hang loose or tear their clothes directly relates to the broader context of mourning restrictions for priests.
2 Samuel 15:30This passage shows King David covering his head and walking barefoot as signs of deep mourning, illustrating the cultural understanding of uncovering one's head as an expression of sorrow, which the high priest was forbidden to do.
1 Timothy 3:2This New Testament passage sets a standard for church leaders (elders/overseers) being the 'husband of one wife' and 'above reproach,' echoing the Levitical emphasis on the personal holiness and exemplary conduct required of those in spiritual leadership, similar to the high priest.
Hebrews 4:14This verse introduces Jesus as the 'great High Priest who has passed through the heavens,' drawing a direct parallel between the Levitical high priest's role and Jesus' ultimate priestly ministry, and the demand for holiness in Leviticus 21 underscores the perfection required of such a mediator.
gillLeviticus 21:10: "And he that is the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil was poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not uncover his head, nor rend his clothes;"
And he that is the high priest among his brethren,.... Either among his brethren, the priests, being in office above them; or among his brethren the Israelites, among and over whom he is high priest; or, as others render it, "the priest who is greater than his brethren" (d), in an hig…
clarkeLeviticus 21:10: "And he that is the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil was poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not uncover his head, nor rend his clothes;"
He that is the high priest - This is the first place where this title is introduced; the title is very emphatic, הכהן הגדול haccohen haggadol, that priest, the great one. For the meaning of כהן cohen, see the note on Genesis 14:18 . As the chief or high priest was a representative o…
The verse highlights that the high priest's unique consecration, marked by anointing oil and special garments, sets him apart from other priests. This isn't just about outward ceremony; it signifies a deeper call to a holiness and a constant readiness to represent the people before God, prohibiting even outward signs of mourning that would draw him away from his sacred duties.
This passage elevates the High Priest, distinguishing him by the unique pouring of anointing oil and his specific consecration garments. Unlike common priests, he is forbidden from public displays of mourning, such as letting his hair go loose or tearing his clothes, even for close family. This restriction emphasizes his continuous, symbolic role as an intercessor, demanding unwavering dedication and a constant state of ritual purity before God and the people.
This passage elevates the High Priest, distinguishing him by the unique pouring of anointing oil and his specific consecration garments. Unlike common priests, he is forbidden from public displays of mourning, such as letting his hair go loose or tearing his clothes, even for close family. This restriction emphasizes his continuous, symbolic role as an intercessor, demanding unwavering dedication and a constant state of ritual purity before God and the people.
"“The priest who is chief among his brothers, on whose head the anointing oil is poured and who has been consecrated to wear the garments, shall not let the hair of his head hang loose nor tear his clothes." — The verse highlights that the high priest's unique consecration, marked by anointing oil and special garments, sets him apart from other priests. This isn't just about outward ceremony; it signifies…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
