Leviticus 22:1-3
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This simple opening, "And the LORD spoke to Moses," signals a shift from general laws for Israel to specific instructions for the priests. It highlights that even in a seemingly straightforward pronouncement, God is about to reveal a deeper, more nuanced aspect of holiness that applies to those set apart for His service.
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to Aaron and his sons so that they abstain from the holy things of the people of Israel, which they dedicate to me, so that they do not profane my holy name: I am the LORD. Say to them, ‘If any one of all your offspring throughout your generations approaches the holy things that the people of Israel dedicate to the LORD, while he has an uncleanness, that person shall be cut off from my presence: I am the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following the discussion on the physical qualifications of priests, this chapter shifts to address issues of ceremonial purity. God is now speaking to Moses about the sacred duties and privileges of the priests, emphasizing that even they must remain ritually clean when handling holy offerings. This sets the stage for detailed regulations concerning what makes a priest, or anyone within his household, unfit to partake of the sacrifices.
Every word from God carries weight, and this simple phrase signals a profound shift in the sacred narrative. It's the divine voice initiating crucial instructions.
The phrase 'And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,' is more than just an introductory formula. It signifies God's direct and authoritative engagement with His people through His chosen messenger, Moses.
Divine Initiative
Before diving into specific regulations, this opening verse sets the context for a crucial aspect of Israelite life: the holiness required of those who ministered before God.
Leviticus 22:1, while brief, acts as a gateway to a section (Leviticus 22:1-16) that meticulously details the requirements for priests to maintain ceremonial purity. This isn't just about rules; it's about reflecting God's own holiness.
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Reflecting Divine Sanctity
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Noun (Proper)
The personal, covenantal name of God revealed to Israel, signifying His eternal self-existence, faithfulness, and holiness. It is the name by which He entered into a relationship with His people.
qodesh · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
Set apart or consecrated for God’s exclusive use; possessing the character of divine purity that demands distance from anything common or sinful. It describes God's own nature and things dedicated to His service.
chalal · Hebrew Verb
To treat something sacred as common or mundane, thereby dishonoring God and failing to maintain the reverence due to His character. It is an act of spiritual violation against God's sanctity.
tum'ah · Hebrew Noun
A condition of ritual impurity that prevents a person from participating in sacred activities or approaching God's presence; it represents the defilement caused by death, disease, or bodily functions.
karath · Hebrew Verb
A severe form of divine judgment or excommunication from the covenant community, signifying exclusion from God’s protection and the blessings of His presence.
This verse echoes the call for Israel to be a 'kingdom of priests and a holy nation,' setting the stage for the specific holiness requirements detailed for priests in Leviticus.
1 Corinthians 10:31This New Testament passage parallels the Levitical emphasis on holy living by stating that all actions, including eating and drinking, should be done for God's glory, mirroring the priests' need to approach sacred food with reverence.
1 Peter 2:5This verse directly links believers to the concept of being 'a holy priesthood,' showing how the principles of sanctity and special service applied to the Levitical priests have spiritual implications for all Christians today.
Hebrews 12:14This passage emphasizes the pursuit of holiness without which no one will see the Lord, reinforcing the core theme in Leviticus that God's people, especially those in sacred roles, must live in purity.
calvinLeviticus 22:1-16: "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Speak unto Aaron and to his sons, that they separate themselves from the holy things of the children of Israel, and that they profane not my holy name in those things which they hallow unto me: I am the LORD.
Loquere ad Aharon, et filios ejus ut separent sese a sanctificationibus filiorum Israel et ne polluant nomen sanctitatis mese in his quae ipsi sanctificant mihi: ego Jehova.
Say unto them, Whosoever he be of all your se…
pulpitLeviticus 22:1: "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Verses 1-9. - In the previous chapter, the priests have been commanded to avoid occasions of ceremonial defilement, but there are times in which they must be unclean. At these times they are here instructed that they must abstain from their priestly functions, and not even eat of the priests' portions until they have been cleansed. The command to Aaron and to his sons, that they separate themselves from the holy things of the children of…
This simple opening, "And the LORD spoke to Moses," signals a shift from general laws for Israel to specific instructions for the priests. It highlights that even in a seemingly straightforward pronouncement, God is about to reveal a deeper, more nuanced aspect of holiness that applies to those set apart for His service.
Following the discussion on the physical qualifications of priests, this chapter shifts to address issues of ceremonial purity. God is now speaking to Moses about the sacred duties and privileges of the priests, emphasizing that even they must remain ritually clean when handling holy offerings. This sets the stage for detailed regulations concerning what makes a priest, or anyone within his household, unfit to partake of the sacrifices.
Following the discussion on the physical qualifications of priests, this chapter shifts to address issues of ceremonial purity. God is now speaking to Moses about the sacred duties and privileges of the priests, emphasizing that even they must remain ritually clean when handling holy offerings. This sets the stage for detailed regulations concerning what makes a priest, or anyone within his household, unfit to partake of the sacrifices.
"And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to Aaron and his sons so that they abstain from the holy things of the people of Israel, which they dedicate to me, so that they do not profane my holy name: I am the LORD. Say to them, ‘If any o…" — This simple opening, "And the LORD spoke to Moses," signals a shift from general laws for Israel to specific instructions for the priests. It highlights that even in a seemingly straightforward prono…
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Last reviewed October 2026
