Thou shalt sanctifie him therfore, for he offereth the bread of thy God: he shalbe holy vnto thee: for I the Lord which sanctifie you, am holy. Leviticus 21:8 (KJV)
This verse is part of the instructions given by God to Moses concerning the qualifications and responsibilities of the priests within the Israelite community. It addresses the priesthood—particularly the high priest—and stresses the need for their sanctification and holiness.
The word “sanctify” means to set apart or consecrate for a sacred purpose. In this context it refers to the priest being consecrated for his role in offering the bread of God and representing the people before God. Sanctification involves a separation from common or ordinary things to a state of purity and dedication to God’s service.
The verse mentions that the priest offers the “bread of God,” referring to the sacred showbread or “bread of the Presence” that was placed on a table in the Holy Place of the tabernacle (later the temple). The priests were responsible for preparing and placing this bread, which symbolized the continual presence and provision of God among His people.
Holiness is presented as a requirement for the priest. The personal holiness of the high priest was vital because he served as the representative and mediator between God and the people. His holiness ensured that the people could approach God through a worthy mediator who reflected God’s character.
The passage concludes by stating that God Himself sanctifies the priests. The source of their holiness is God, who is holy. Thus the priests are set apart and consecrated by God for their priestly duties, underscoring the significance of their role and its dependence on the character of God.
While these instructions were given to the Old‑Testament priests, the principle extends to believers today. As Christians we are called to be a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), and our own sanctification and holiness are likewise essential in our relationship with God.
