Definition: Say unto them, Whosoever [he be] of all your seed among your generations, that goeth unto the holy things, which the children of Israel hallow unto the LORD, having his uncleanness upon him, that soul shall be cut off from my presence: I [am] the LORD.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 22:3. It's a really important and somewhat challenging instruction for Jewish people – essentially, it’s about keeping sacred spaces and things that are considered holy. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is telling us to absolutely not go into areas or things that are designated as holy by God. It's a boundary set to protect the holiness of the LORD. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Say unto them…” : This isn’t a general rule; it’s specifically for the descendants of Israel (meaning people who descended from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob). “…Whosoever [he be] of all your seed among your generations…” : This is the crucial part. It means anyone – every descendant of those original Israelites – who ever goes into places designated as holy can be cut off from God’s presence. “Seed” refers to the lineage that follows Abraham. “…that goeth unto the holy things…” : This describes a specific area – the holiness of the temple, Tabernacle, or sacred spaces. It's a place where God is particularly present and revered. "...which the children of Israel hallow unto the LORD..." : The Israelites were given this space as a special sanctuary to worship God in. They were allowed to enter it, but with specific rules and prohibitions. “…having his uncleanness upon him…” : This is the key warning. It means that if someone has something unclean or impure – like sweat, bodily fluids, or other things considered unholy – they are forbidden from entering these holy places. “I [am] the LORD.” : This is a very powerful statement. It’s saying: "I am the one who set this boundary and controls what is permissible." It establishes God as the ultimate authority and protector of holiness. In simpler terms: "Don't go into places where the Israelites are allowed to worship, or have rituals, because your actions could bring impurity and disrespect towards God.” Why is this important? This verse highlights that God values holiness and purity above all else. It’s a reminder for people to treat sacred spaces with respect and avoid anything that would contaminate them. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a relationship with God through righteous living. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or concept? Give an example of what "uncleanness" might be (without going into too much detail)?