Leviticus 21:4 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

But he shall not defile himself, being a chief man among his people— Very different versions are given of this passage: several ancient versions render it, neither shall he be defiled for the prince of his people: a rendering which Houbigant follows, and strongly approves. It seems, however, most probable, from comparing the eleventh verse in the original, that the sacred writer means to say, that he shall not defile himself for, or upon account of, any of his people. The LXX seem to have understood it in this sense: and let it be observed, that the context appears manifestly to justify this interpretation; first asserting, that he shall not be defiled for the dead among his people: some exceptions are then made; after which it is added, that, saving these exceptions, he shall be defiled for no other: see Houbigant.