KJV ORIGINAL
They shall not make baldness upon their head, neither shall they shave off the corner of their beard, nor make any cuttings in their flesh.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
They must not shave bald spots on their heads, trim the edges of their beards, or cut their skin.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
God is giving specific instructions to the priests about maintaining their appearance and not copying pagan mourning rituals.
📚 Historical Context
This command was given to Aaron's sons, the priests of Israel, as part of their special requirements for serving God. Ancient pagan cultures often practiced extreme mourning rituals including shaving their heads, cutting their beards, and making cuts on their bodies to show grief or to appease their gods. God wanted His priests to be set apart from these practices and maintain their dignity even in times of mourning.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.
Share or Save