Leviticus 21:11

French NEG79 1979 (Segond Nouvelle Edition de Genève 1979)

Il n'ira vers aucun mort, il ne se rendra point impur, ni pour son père, ni pour sa mère.

What Does This Mean?

This verse from Leviticus tells the priests that they should not go near dead bodies or show signs of mourning, even for their parents. It shows the importance of the priest's role and their need to remain pure for their duties.

Explained for Children

Imagine a teacher who has to be very clean and happy to teach her class. This verse says that even if her mom or dad passes away, she can't go to the funeral because she has to stay clean and happy for her job. It's like having a very important job that needs you to be extra special all the time.

Historical Background

The book of Leviticus was given to Moses by God on Mount Sinai around 1280 BCE. It provides rules and regulations for the Israelites, specifically addressing the duties and conduct of the priests, who were responsible for maintaining religious purity.

Living It Out Today

A modern scenario could be a police officer who must maintain a professional demeanor at all times, even during personal tragedies. This rule helps them keep their focus on their duties and the well-being of the community they serve.

Topics

• purity
• priesthood
• mourning
• duty
• holiness
• responsibility

Related Verses

• Numbers 6:6
• Deuteronomy 26:14
• 1 Samuel 21:4
• 2 Corinthians 6:17
• 1 Peter 1:15

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't priests mourn for their parents?

Priests had a special role to maintain purity and holiness in their duties. Mournful actions could make them impure, which was not allowed while performing sacred tasks.

How is this rule relevant today?

Today, it can serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining professionalism in roles that demand constant purity and dedication, such as in healthcare or law enforcement.

What does this verse tell us about the priests' responsibilities?

This verse emphasizes the high level of responsibility and purity required of priests, indicating that their role was to serve God and the community with unwavering dedication.

Can this verse be applied to non-priests today?

Yes, it can be applied metaphorically to any role that requires constant purity and dedication, such as teachers, healthcare workers, or anyone in a position of public service.