4 But he shall not defile himself, being a chief man among his people, to profane himself.
4 He must not make himself unclean for people related to him by marriage,
4 He shall not make himself unclean as a husband among his people and so profane himself.
4 but he must not contaminate himself with the dead who are only related to him by marriage and thus profane himself.
4 Otherwise he shall not defile himself, being a chief man among his people, to profane himself.
4 But a priest must not defile himself and make himself unclean for someone who is related to him only by marriage.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Leviticus 21:4
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.