Bible Dictionaries
Dwarf

Holman Bible Dictionary

A person of abnormally small size, especially one with abnormal body proportions. The Hebrew word translated as dwarf by most English translations of Leviticus 21:20 is used in Genesis 41:3 ,Genesis 41:3,41:23 to describe the emaciated cows and shrivelled heads of grain. Some thus understand the word to mean lean or emaciated. The early Greek and Latin versions understood the word to mean a type of eye disorder (compare REB). Though denied the privilege of making the offering to God, priests with such a blemish were permitted to eat the holy food with other priests and Levites.