Leviticus 21 - Summary

Priestly holiness requires additional restrictions: priests may not defile themselves for the dead except nearest kin, must not make bald spots or cuttings, and must marry only virgins. The high priest has even stricter requirements, never leaving the sanctuary during mourning and marrying only an Israelite virgin. Physical defects disqualify descendants of Aaron from approaching the altar, though they may eat the priestly portions of holy food.