King James Version

What Does Leviticus 10:1 Mean?

Leviticus 10:1 in the King James Version says “And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, a...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.”

Leviticus 10:1 · KJV

Context

1

And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.

2

And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.

3

Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.

Read Leviticus 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.

This verse falls within the section on Nadab and Abihu's Unauthorized Fire. The tragic death of Aaron's sons for offering unauthorized fire demonstrates the severity of approaching God improperly.

The Aaronic priesthood mediated between God and Israel, offering sacrifices and maintaining the tabernacle. This prefigured Christ's superior priesthood after the order of Melchizedek.
Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The tragic death of Aaron's sons for offering unauthorized fire demonstrates the severity of approaching God improperly. Chapters 8-10 describe the priesthood's consecration and early ministry. Aaron and his sons received special anointing for their mediatorial role between God and Israel. The tragic account of Nadab and Abihu (ch. 10) demonstrates that approaching God requires reverence and obedience. Ancient Near Eastern cultures had various sacrificial systems, but Israel's sacrificial worship was unique in its ethical foundation, monotheistic framework, and emphasis on atonement rather than appeasement. Unlike pagan rituals focused on manipulating deities, Israel's sacrifices acknowledged God's sovereignty and sought reconciliation based on His gracious provision. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  2. How does understanding the purpose behind God's laws help you obey Him from the heart rather than mere duty?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וַיִּקְח֣וּ1 of 22

“took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

בְנֵֽי2 of 22

“the sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אַ֠הֲרֹן3 of 22

“of Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

נָדָ֨ב4 of 22

“And Nadab”

H5070

nadab, the name of four israelites

וַֽאֲבִיה֜וּא5 of 22

“and Abihu”

H30

abihu, a son of aaron

אִ֣ישׁ6 of 22

“either”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

מַחְתָּת֗וֹ7 of 22

“of them his censer”

H4289

a pan for live coals

וַיִּתְּנ֤וּ8 of 22

“and put”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

בָהֵן֙9 of 22

“therein”

H2004

they (only used when emphatic)

אֵ֣שׁ10 of 22

“fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

וַיָּשִׂ֥ימוּ11 of 22

“and put”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

עָלֶ֖יהָ12 of 22
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

קְטֹ֑רֶת13 of 22

“incense”

H7004

a fumigation

וַיַּקְרִ֜יבוּ14 of 22

“thereon and offered”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

לִפְנֵ֤י15 of 22

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָה֙16 of 22

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֵ֣שׁ17 of 22

“fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

זָרָ֔ה18 of 22

“strange”

H2114

to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery

אֲשֶׁ֧ר19 of 22
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לֹ֦א20 of 22
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

צִוָּ֖ה21 of 22

“which he commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אֹתָֽם׃22 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Leviticus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Leviticus 10:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Leviticus 10:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 26:61Leviticus 16:12Deuteronomy 12:32Numbers 16:46Exodus 24:1Exodus 6:23

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