Leviticus 21:18

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Leviticus 21:18 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For whatsoever man he be that hath a blemish, he shall not approach: a blind man, or a lame, or he that hath a flat nose, or anything superfluous,” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For whatsoever man he be that hath a blemish, he shall not approach: a blind man, or a lame, or he that hath a flat nose, or anything superfluous,
Leviticus 21:18 — American Standard Version

Context — Leviticus 21

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
18For whatsoever man he be that hath a blemish, he shall not approach: a blind man, or a lame, or he that hath a flat nose, or anything superfluous,

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For whatsoever man [he be] that hath a blemish, etc.] Let him be otherwise ever so well qualified for his office, as with respect to his parentage, against which no objection lies; or, as to his character and abilities, being a man of knowledge and of good manners; and whether these blemishes be, as the Jews f766 call them, fixed, settled ones, which have attended them ever since they were born, and are likely to attend them as long as they live; or are transient ones, only for the present, and perhaps, in a short time, wilt be removed; yet it matters not, while these blemishes are on them, he shall not approach; to the altar to offer sacrifice, or do any part of the priestly office, for…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“He was not treated as an outcast, but enjoyed his privileges as a son of Aaron, except in regard to active duties. Leviticus 21:20 A dwarf - One who is small and wasted, either short, as in the text, or slender, as in the margin. It is hardly likely that dwarfishness would be overlooked in this enumeration. So most critical authorities. Scurry or scabbed - These words most probably include all affected with any skin disease. Leviticus 21:22 See Leviticus 2:3 note; Leviticus 6:25 note. Leviticus 21:23 Sanctuaries - The places especially holy, including the most holy place, the holy place, and the altar. This law is of course to be regarded as one development of the great principle that all…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“A flat nose - Most restrain this word to the nose, and to some great deformity relating to it. But according to others, it signifies more generally, a person that wants some member or members, because the next word, to which it is opposed, signifies one that hath more members than he should. Leviticus 21:21”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“a blind man: Isa 56:10; Mat 23:16, Mat 23:17, Mat 23:19; Ti1 3:2, Ti1 3:3, Ti1 3:7; Tit 1:7, Tit 1:10 superfluous: Lev 22:23 Leviticus 21:20”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification