Leviticus 21:23 net — but he must not go near the special curtain or step forward to the altar because he has a physical flaw. Thus he must n…

NET Bible

"but he must not go near the special curtain or step forward to the altar because he has a physical flaw. Thus he must not profane my holy places, for I am the LORD who sanctifies them.’”"

— Leviticus 21:23, NET Bible

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Leviticus 21:23 in Other Translations

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Leviticus 21 — Context

20

or a hunchback, or a dwarf, or one with a spot in his eye, or a festering eruption, or a feverish rash, or a crushed testicle.

21

No man from the descendants of Aaron the priest who has a physical flaw may step forward to present the LORD’s gifts; he has a physical flaw, so he must not step forward to present the food of his God.

22

He may eat both the most holy and the holy food of his God,

23

but he must not go near the special curtain or step forward to the altar because he has a physical flaw. Thus he must not profane my holy places, for I am the LORD who sanctifies them.’”

24

So Moses spoke these things to Aaron, his sons, and all the Israelites.

Leviticus 21:23 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Leviticus 21:23 say?
Leviticus 21:23 in the NET Bible reads: “but he must not go near the special curtain or step forward to the altar because he has a physical flaw. Thus he must not profane my holy places, for I am the LORD who sanctifies them.’””
Where is Leviticus 21:23 in the Bible?
Leviticus 21:23 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Leviticus, chapter 21, verse 23.
Who wrote Leviticus?
Leviticus is traditionally attributed to Moses (traditional). It was written c. 1446–1406 BC.
What is the book of Leviticus about?
Leviticus is Israel's handbook for holy living in the presence of a holy God. It details the sacrificial system, priestly duties, dietary and purity laws, and the festivals — all teaching that sin requires atonement and that God's people are called to be set apart.
What are the major themes of Leviticus?
Leviticus explores themes including Holiness, Sacrifice, Atonement, Priesthood, Purity. These themes shape the meaning and context of Leviticus 21:23.
What translation should I read Leviticus 21:23 in?
Leviticus 21:23 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Leviticus 21:23?
Leviticus 21:23 reads (NET): “but he must not go near the special curtain or step forward to the altar because he has a physical flaw. Thus he must not profane my holy places, for I am the LORD who sanctifies them.’”” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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