Old Testament
Leviticus 21:22
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He may still eat the food of his God, including both the most holy portions and the holy portions.
Compare translations
He shall eat the bread of his God, both of the most holy, and of the holy.
What Leviticus 21:22 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 21:22, the verse emphasizes that even those who may have certain physical blemishes or disabilities are still allowed to partake in the sacred food offered to God. This food includes both the most holy portions, which are reserved for the priests, and the holy portions, which are shared among the priests and their families. The passage highlights God's inclusive nature, showing that He does not exclude individuals based on their physical condition. Instead, He provides a way for all to participate in the spiritual nourishment that comes from serving Him. This reflects the broader biblical theme of grace and acceptance, reminding us that everyone has a place in God's community, regardless of their imperfections or limitations. The verse reassures the faithful that their relationship with God is not hindered by their physical state, allowing them to maintain their connection to the divine through the act of eating the sacred food.
How to apply Leviticus 21:22 to your life
This verse encourages us to embrace inclusivity in our communities, recognizing that everyone has value and a place, regardless of their circumstances. We should strive to create environments where all individuals feel welcomed and supported in their spiritual journeys, reflecting God's love and acceptance.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joseph, Jacob's son
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Leviticus 21:22
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Leviticus 21:22
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Leviticus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Leviticus 21:22 say about physical blemishes?
Leviticus 21:22 states that individuals with physical blemishes or disabilities are still permitted to eat the sacred food offered to God. This includes both the most holy portions reserved for priests and the holy portions shared among them. The verse underscores the idea that God's acceptance is not based on physical perfection, highlighting His inclusive nature.
How does Leviticus 21:22 reflect God's grace?
This verse reflects God's grace by showing that He does not exclude individuals based on their physical conditions. Instead, it emphasizes that everyone, regardless of their imperfections, has access to spiritual nourishment through participation in sacred rituals. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of grace, where God's love and acceptance extend to all.
What is the significance of 'most holy' and 'holy' portions?
In Leviticus 21:22, the 'most holy' portions are those specifically reserved for the priests, while the 'holy' portions can be shared among the priests and their families. The distinction highlights the sacredness of these offerings and the importance of community in sharing God's provisions, reinforcing the idea that all can partake in spiritual sustenance.
How can we apply Leviticus 21:22 in modern life?
We can apply the principles of Leviticus 21:22 by fostering inclusivity in our communities. This means recognizing the inherent value of every individual, regardless of their circumstances or challenges. By creating welcoming environments that support everyone's spiritual journeys, we reflect God's love and acceptance, encouraging a sense of belonging for all.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.