5 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.

Other Translations of Leviticus 21:5

New International Version

5 " 'Priests must not shave their heads or shave off the edges of their beards or cut their bodies.

English Standard Version

5 They shall not make bald patches on their heads, nor shave off the edges of their beards, nor make any cuts on their body.

The Message

5 "Priests must not shave their heads or trim their beards or gash their bodies.

New King James Version

5 'They shall not make any bald place on their heads, nor shall they shave the edges of their beards nor make any cuttings in their flesh.

New Living Translation

5 "The priests must not shave their heads or trim their beards or cut their bodies.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Leviticus 21:5

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.