11 Neither shall he go in to any dead body, nor defile himself for his father, or for his mother;

Other Translations of Leviticus 21:11

New International Version

11 He must not enter a place where there is a dead body. He must not make himself unclean, even for his father or mother,

English Standard Version

11 He shall not go in to any dead bodies nor make himself unclean, even for his father or for his mother.

The Message

11 He must not enter a room where there is a dead body. He must not ritually contaminate himself, even for his father or mother;

New King James Version

11 nor shall he go near any dead body, nor defile himself for his father or his mother;

New Living Translation

11 He must not defile himself by going near a dead body. He may not make himself ceremonially unclean even for his father or mother.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Leviticus 21:11

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.