Leviticus 21:16

Study note

Setting — The LORD addresses Moses at the precise moment of shifting from general priestly lineage rules to specific Aaronic physical requirements. This statement serves as the formal introduction to the next block of priestly regulations.

The words — The verb וַיְדַבֵּר (va/y.da.Ber) translates literally as "and he spoke," marking the start of divine instruction. The proper noun יְהוָה (Yah.weh) identifies the speaker as Yahweh, establishing the authority behind the coming commands.

The thread — This direct address pattern frames the surrounding priestly legislation in Leviticus 21:15 and 21:17. It repeatedly anchors ritual eligibility to explicit divine speech rather than human discretion.

Why it lands — The text requires the reader to acknowledge that priestly standards originate from direct command, not cultural practice. Readers must submit to the stated boundary that ritual access is governed by God's explicit instruction.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.