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Leviticus 21:8 - Priests: Holy to Hashem

Leviticus 21:8 - ויקרא 21:8

Hebrew Text

וְקִדַּשְׁתּוֹ כִּי־אֶת־לֶחֶם אֱלֹהֶיךָ הוּא מַקְרִיב קָדֹשׁ יִהְיֶה־לָּךְ כִּי קָדוֹשׁ אֲנִי יְהוָה מְקַדִּשְׁכֶם׃

English Translation

Thou shalt sanctify him therefore; for he offers the bread of thy God: he shall be holy to thee: for I the Lord, who sanctify you, am holy.

Transliteration

Vekidashto ki-et-lechem eloheycha hu makriv kadosh yihyeh-lach ki kadosh ani Adonai mekadishchem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְקִ֨דַּשְׁתּ֔וֹ כִּֽי־אֶת־לֶ֥חֶם אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ ה֣וּא מַקְרִ֑יב קָדֹשׁ֙ יִֽהְיֶה־לָּ֔ךְ כִּ֣י קָד֔וֹשׁ אֲנִ֥י יְהֹוָ֖ה מְקַדִּשְׁכֶֽם׃
וְקִ֨דַּשְׁתּ֔וֹ כִּֽי־אֶת־לֶ֥חֶם אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ ה֣וּא מַקְרִ֑יב קָדֹשׁ֙ יִֽהְיֶה־לָּ֔ךְ כִּ֣י קָד֔וֹשׁ אֲנִ֥י יְהֹוָ֖ה מְקַדִּשְׁכֶֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context and Source

The verse (Vayikra 21:8) appears in the Torah portion of Emor, where the Torah outlines the special laws pertaining to Kohanim (priests). This verse emphasizes the sanctity of the Kohen and his role in offering the "bread of your God," referring to the Korbanot (sacrifices) and the Lechem HaPanim (Showbread) in the Mishkan and later the Beit HaMikdash.

Explanation of the Verse

The verse contains three key directives:

  • "וְקִדַּשְׁתּוֹ" (You shall sanctify him) – Rashi explains that this refers to the obligation to give the Kohen precedence in all matters of holiness, such as being the first to recite a blessing, lead the Birkat HaMazon, or receive the first portion at a meal. The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 4:1) elaborates that this sanctity extends to ensuring the Kohen is treated with honor due to his sacred service.
  • "כִּי־אֶת־לֶחֶם אֱלֹהֶיךָ הוּא מַקְרִיב" (for he offers the bread of your God) – The Lechem HaPanim and other offerings are described as "the bread of God," symbolizing the intimate connection between the Kohen and divine service. The Sforno notes that this phrase underscores the Kohen's role as an intermediary between Bnei Yisrael and Hashem.
  • "קָדֹשׁ יִהְיֶה־לָּךְ כִּי קָדוֹשׁ אֲנִי יְהוָה מְקַדִּשְׁכֶם" (he shall be holy to you, for I, Hashem who sanctifies you, am holy) – The sanctity of the Kohen mirrors the holiness of Hashem Himself. The Kli Yakar explains that just as Hashem is separate from impurity, the Kohen must maintain a higher standard of purity and conduct.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Torat Kohanim) connects this verse to the broader theme of kedushah (holiness) in Jewish life. It teaches that just as the Kohen is sanctified through his service, every Jew is called to live a life of holiness by emulating divine attributes (imitatio Dei). The sanctity of the Kohen serves as a model for the entire nation.

Practical Halachic Implications

  • The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 246) rules that a Kohen must be given honor in matters of Torah and mitzvot, such as being called first to the Torah.
  • The Chofetz Chaim (in Ahavat Chesed) emphasizes that respecting the Kohanim is part of recognizing the sanctity of the Beit HaMikdash and its service, even in exile.

📚 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 special status in offering sacrifices.
📖 Sanhedrin 83b
Cited in a discussion about the holiness of the priests and the requirements for their service in the Temple.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean to 'sanctify' the Kohen (priest) in Leviticus 21:8?
A: The verse instructs the Jewish people to treat the Kohen (priest) with special respect and honor because he serves in the Temple and offers the 'bread of God' (the showbread). Rashi explains that this means we must give the Kohen precedence in matters of sanctity, such as being called first to the Torah and receiving the first portion at meals.
Q: Why does the verse say 'for he offers the bread of your God'?
A: The 'bread of your God' refers to the showbread (Lechem HaPanim) that was placed in the Holy Temple every Shabbat (Exodus 25:30). Since the Kohen performs this sacred service, he must be treated with holiness. The Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 5:7) discusses the details of this mitzvah.
Q: How does this verse apply today when we don't have the Temple?
A: Even today, we show honor to Kohanim (priests) in various ways, such as calling them first to the Torah (aliyah) and having them recite the priestly blessing (Birkat Kohanim). The Talmud (Gittin 59b) teaches that these honors remain in place as a remembrance of the Temple service.
Q: What does 'for I the Lord, who sanctify you, am holy' teach us?
A: This teaches that just as Hashem is holy, He commands us to emulate His ways by sanctifying ourselves and those who serve Him. The Sforno explains that just as God elevates the Jewish people, we must elevate those who serve in sacred roles like the Kohanim.
Q: Why is holiness so important in this verse?
A: Holiness (kedusha) is a central theme in Judaism, separating the sacred from the ordinary. The verse emphasizes that since God is holy, those who serve Him must also be treated with holiness. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 24:9) connects this to the idea that the Jewish people are called to be 'a kingdom of priests and a holy nation' (Exodus 19:6).