Leviticus 22:16

Or suffer them to bear the iniquity of trespass, when they eat their holy things: for I the Lord do sanctify them.

Leviticus 22:16 (KJV)

Context

This verse concludes a section of laws about the priests’ handling of holy offerings. The preceding line warns against profaning the holy things of the children of Israel, and the following line records the Lord speaking unto Moses. Together they place Leviticus 22:16 within its immediate canonical sequence.

Meaning

The verse warns against allowing unauthorized persons to eat the priests’ holy things, which would cause them to bear iniquity and guilt. The phrase “Or suffer them to bear the iniquity of trespass” refers to the punishment of sin. The “them” may refer either to the strangers or unauthorized people who eat the holy things, or to the priests themselves who permit it. The Septuagint renders the word as “themselves,” suggesting the priests bear guilt for their negligence. The concluding declaration, “for I the Lord do sanctify them,” grounds the entire regulation in God’s own holiness and His act of setting apart both the offerings and the priests.

Application

God’s holiness demands careful obedience, and failure to guard what He has set apart brings guilt. This points to the need for holiness in approaching God and the weight of responsibility placed on those who serve Him.

Reflection

A faithful response distinguishes description from command and notices how the event fits the surrounding account. Reflection should follow the choices, consequences, and divine activity that the text itself makes visible.