blemishמוּם
mum · Hebrew Noun
Physical defects or imperfections that render an object or person ritually unfit for priestly service in the sanctuary, symbolizing the need for wholeness and purity before a holy God.
approachקָרַב
qarab · Hebrew Verb
To come into the immediate presence of God, specifically regarding the sanctuary and the discharge of priestly duties; it implies covenantal intimacy and solemn responsibility.
breadלֶחֶם
lechem · Hebrew Noun
In the context of the sanctuary, this refers to the offerings placed on the altar; it symbolizes the sustenance provided by the people to God and the intimate fellowship maintained through sacrifice.
draw nearקָרַב
qarab · Hebrew Verb
To draw near to God for the purpose of worship or duty; it conveys a sense of sacred access that requires specific ritual or moral preparation.
blind or lame, or one who has a mutilated faceעִוֵּר, פִּסֵּחַ, חָרֻם
ivver, pesseach, charum · Hebrew Adjectives/Nouns
A condition of sensory or physical impairment; in the OT, such conditions often excluded priests from specific ceremonial functions, pointing toward the ideal of physical integrity as a reflection of divine holiness.
injured foot or an injured hand, or a hunchback or a dwarf or a man with a defect in his sight or an itching disease or scabs or crushed testiclesשֶׁבֶר, גִּבֵּן, דַּק, יַלֶּפֶת, יָבֶל, מְרוֹחַ אָשֶׁךְ
sheber, gibben, daq, yallepeth, yabal, meruach ashek · Hebrew Nouns/Adjectives
A generic term for a physical imperfection, abnormality, or impairment that deviates from the expected standard of physical wholeness required for the priesthood.
offspringזֶרַע
zeraʿ · Hebrew Noun
Descendants or natural progeny, used in this context to denote the authorized line of descent from a patriarch. In a covenantal context, it emphasizes the genealogical integrity required for the priesthood.
blemishמוּם
mûm · Hebrew Noun
A physical defect, deformity, or imperfection. In the Levitical code, such defects rendered a priest ceremonially unfit to perform sacrificial duties, symbolizing the requirement of wholeness and perfection in approaching a holy God.
come nearקָרַב
qārab · Hebrew Verb
To present, bring near, or offer as an act of worship or sacrifice. It implies drawing close to God in a formal, regulated manner within the sanctuary.
food offeringsאִשֶּׁה
ʾiššeh · Hebrew Noun
Sacrificial gifts presented to God, typically consumed by fire on the altar. They represent the provision for maintaining the relationship between a holy God and his people.
sanctuariesמִקְדָּשׁ
miqdāš · Hebrew Noun
The inner or set-apart holy places of the tabernacle/temple. They are places marked by God's presence, requiring strict adherence to holiness and purity laws to avoid desecration.
profaneחָלַל
ḥālal · Hebrew Verb
To treat something holy as common or profane; to violate the sanctity of a holy object, place, or person. It is the opposite of sanctifying or hallowing.
the LORDיְהוָה
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The Divine Name of God, often translated as YHWH or LORD, emphasizing His self-existence, covenant faithfulness, and absolute holiness.
sanctifiesקָדַשׁ
qādaš · Hebrew Verb
To set apart, make holy, or consecrate for divine use. God is the primary source of sanctification, both for objects and for His people.
