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Leviticus 21:6 - Priestly holiness safeguards Divine Name.

Leviticus 21:6 - ויקרא 21:6

Hebrew Text

קְדֹשִׁים יִהְיוּ לֵאלֹהֵיהֶם וְלֹא יְחַלְּלוּ שֵׁם אֱלֹהֵיהֶם כִּי אֶת־אִשֵּׁי יְהוָה לֶחֶם אֱלֹהֵיהֶם הֵם מַקְרִיבִם וְהָיוּ קֹדֶשׁ׃

English Translation

They shall be holy to their God, and not profane the name of their God: for the offerings of the Lord made by fire, the bread of their God, they do offer: therefore they shall be holy.

Transliteration

Kedoshim yihyu leloheihem velo yechalelu shem eloheihem ki et-ishei Adonai lechem eloheihem hem makrivim vehayu kodesh.

Hebrew Leining Text

קְדֹשִׁ֤ים יִהְיוּ֙ לֵאלֹ֣הֵיהֶ֔ם וְלֹ֣א יְחַלְּל֔וּ שֵׁ֖ם אֱלֹהֵיהֶ֑ם כִּי֩ אֶת־אִשֵּׁ֨י יְהֹוָ֜ה לֶ֧חֶם אֱלֹהֵיהֶ֛ם הֵ֥ם מַקְרִיבִ֖ם וְהָ֥יוּ קֹֽדֶשׁ׃
קְדֹשִׁ֤ים יִהְיוּ֙ לֵאלֹ֣הֵיהֶ֔ם וְלֹ֣א יְחַלְּל֔וּ שֵׁ֖ם אֱלֹהֵיהֶ֑ם כִּי֩ אֶת־אִשֵּׁ֨י יְהֹוָ֜ה לֶ֧חֶם אֱלֹהֵיהֶ֛ם הֵ֥ם מַקְרִיבִ֖ם וְהָ֥יוּ קֹֽדֶשׁ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context and Source

The verse appears in Vayikra (Leviticus) 21:6, addressing the special sanctity required of Kohanim (priests). The Torah emphasizes their elevated spiritual status and the corresponding obligations to maintain holiness and avoid desecration of Hashem's name.

Meaning of "They Shall Be Holy"

Rashi explains that the phrase "קְדֹשִׁים יִהְיוּ" ("They shall be holy") refers to the Kohanim separating themselves from forbidden relationships and sinful behavior. The Sifra (Torat Kohanim) elaborates that this holiness extends to avoiding ritual impurity when not required for mitzvot, such as burying close relatives.

Prohibition Against Profaning Hashem's Name

The phrase "וְלֹא יְחַלְּלוּ שֵׁם אֱלֹהֵיהֶם" ("and not profane the name of their God") is interpreted by Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 5:10) as a warning against actions that could lead to Chillul Hashem (desecration of G-d's name). Since Kohanim serve in the Beit HaMikdash, their conduct must reflect the highest standards to avoid public scandal.

The Role of Offerings in Their Sanctity

The verse connects their holiness to their service: "כִּי אֶת־אִשֵּׁי יְהוָה לֶחֶם אֱלֹהֵיהֶם הֵם מַקְרִיבִם" ("for the offerings of the Lord made by fire, the bread of their God, they do offer"). The Kli Yakar explains that since they handle sacred offerings, they must embody sanctity in their daily lives. The term "לֶחֶם אֱלֹהֵיהֶם" ("bread of their God") underscores that their sustenance comes from divine service, requiring purity.

Practical Implications

  • Separation from Impurity: Kohanim must avoid contact with the dead except for immediate family (Vayikra 21:1-4).
  • Marital Restrictions: They are forbidden from marrying certain women (e.g., divorcees, converts in some cases) to preserve their sanctity (Vayikra 21:7).
  • Behavioral Standards: Their public conduct must be beyond reproach to prevent Chillul Hashem.

Broader Lesson for All Jews

While this verse specifically addresses Kohanim, the Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 269) derives a universal principle: every Jew must strive for holiness appropriate to their role. Just as Kohanim are sanctified through Temple service, all Jews can elevate themselves through Torah study, mitzvot, and ethical behavior.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yevamot 86b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the sanctity of priests and their obligations to maintain holiness.
📖 Kiddushin 56b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the laws of sanctity and the prohibition against profaning God's name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean for the Kohanim (priests) to be 'holy to their God'?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Yevamot 22b), this verse teaches that Kohanim (priests) must maintain a higher standard of holiness in their behavior and personal conduct because they serve in the Temple. This includes special restrictions like whom they can marry and avoiding contact with the dead (except for immediate family).
Q: Why does the verse warn against 'profaning the name of their God'?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 5:10) explains that when a Kohen acts improperly, it reflects badly on the sanctity of the Temple service and can lead others to disrespect Torah laws. This is considered a serious offense called 'Chillul Hashem' (desecration of God's name).
Q: What is the 'bread of their God' mentioned in this verse?
A: The 'bread of their God' refers to the various offerings brought in the Temple, particularly the meal-offerings (Menachot) as explained in the Talmud (Menachot 73b). These offerings are called 'bread' because they are food offerings presented before God, similar to how one would present food to a king.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jews who are not Kohanim?
A: While this verse specifically addresses Kohanim, the Midrash (Sifra) teaches that all Jews are called to be 'a kingdom of priests and a holy nation' (Exodus 19:6). The principles of maintaining holiness and avoiding desecration of God's name apply to all Jews, just at different levels.
Q: Why is holiness so important in Judaism?
A: The concept of kedusha (holiness) is central to Judaism. Ramban (on Leviticus 19:2) explains that holiness means separating ourselves from improper behavior and elevating our actions to serve God. The Kohanim serve as models of this ideal, showing how to live a life dedicated to spiritual purity and divine service.