2 except for a close relative, such as his mother or father, his son or daughter, his brother,
2 But for his kin, that is near unto him, that is, for his mother, and for his father, and for his son, and for his daughter, and for his brother,
2 except for his closest relatives, his mother, his father, his son, his daughter, his brother,
2 except for close relatives: mother, father, son, daughter, brother,
2 except for his relatives who are nearest to him: his mother, his father, his son, his daughter, and his brother;
2 The only exceptions are his closest relatives-his mother or father, son or daughter, brother,
3 or an unmarried sister who is dependent on him since she has no husband-for her he may make himself unclean.
3 And for his sister a virgin, that is nigh unto him, which hath had no husband; for her may he be defiled.
3 or his virgin sister (who is near to him because she has had no husband; for her he may make himself unclean).
3 or an unmarried sister who is dependent on him since she has no husband; for these he may make himself ritually unclean,
3 also his virgin sister who is near to him, who has had no husband, for her he may defile himself.
3 or his virgin sister who depends on him because she has no husband.
Laws concerning the priests.
As these priests were types of Christ, so all ministers must be followers of him, that their example may teach others to imitate the Saviour. Without blemish, and separate from sinners, He executed his priestly office on earth. What manner of persons then should his ministers be! But all are, if Christians, spiritual priests; the minister especially is called to set a good example, that the people may follow it. Our bodily infirmities, blessed be God, cannot now shut us out from his service, from these privileges, or from his heavenly glory. Many a healthful, beautiful soul is lodged in a feeble, deformed body. And those who may not be suited for the work of the ministry, may serve God with comfort in other duties in his church.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Leviticus 21:2
Chapter Contents
Laws concerning the priests.
As these priests were types of Christ, so all ministers must be followers of him, that their example may teach others to imitate the Saviour. Without blemish, and separate from sinners, He executed his priestly office on earth. What manner of persons then should his ministers be! But all are, if Christians, spiritual priests; the minister especially is called to set a good example, that the people may follow it. Our bodily infirmities, blessed be God, cannot now shut us out from his service, from these privileges, or from his heavenly glory. Many a healthful, beautiful soul is lodged in a feeble, deformed body. And those who may not be suited for the work of the ministry, may serve God with comfort in other duties in his church.