Lev 21:10 | NETfull | STEP | “‘The high priest – who is greater than his brothers, on whose head the anointing oil is poured, who has been ordained to wear the priestly garments – must neither dishevel the hair of his head nor tear his garments.

Leviticus 21:10

Rules for the High Priest

10 “‘The high ^{▼▼ The adjective “high” has been supplied in the translation for clarity, as in many English versions.} priest – who is greater than his brothers, on whose head the anointing oil is poured, who has been ordained ^{▼▼ Heb “and he has filled his hand.” For this expression see the note on Lev 8:33.} to wear the priestly garments – must neither dishevel the hair of his head nor tear his garments. ^{▼▼ Regarding these signs of mourning see the note on Lev 10:6. His head had been anointed (v. 10a) so it must not be unkempt (v. 10b), and his garments were special priestly garments (v. 10a) so he must not tear them (v. 10b). In the translation “garments” has been employed rather than “clothes” to suggest that the special priestly garments are referred to here; cf. NRSV “nor tear his vestments.”}