Leviticus 21:4 - Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Bible Comments

The sense seems to be that, owing to his position in the nation, the priest is not to defile himself in any cases except those named in Leviticus 21:2-3. The Septuagint appear to have followed a different reading of the text which would mean, “he shall not defile himself for a moment.” The explanation in the margin of our version is hardly in keeping with the prohibition to Ezekiel on a special occasion. See Ezekiel 24:16.

Leviticus 21:4

4 But he shall not defile himself, being a chief man among his people, to profane himself.