King James Version

What Does Leviticus 10:14 Mean?

Leviticus 10:14 in the King James Version says “And the wave breast and heave shoulder shall ye eat in a clean place; thou, and thy sons, and thy daughters with thee: f...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the wave breast and heave shoulder shall ye eat in a clean place; thou, and thy sons, and thy daughters with thee: for they be thy due, and thy sons' due, which are given out of the sacrifices of peace offerings of the children of Israel.”

Leviticus 10:14 · KJV

Peace

Context

12

And Moses spake unto Aaron, and unto Eleazar and unto Ithamar, his sons that were left, Take the meat offering that remaineth of the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and eat it without leaven beside the altar: for it is most holy:

13

And ye shall eat it in the holy place, because it is thy due, and thy sons' due, of the sacrifices of the LORD made by fire: for so I am commanded.

14

And the wave breast and heave shoulder shall ye eat in a clean place; thou, and thy sons, and thy daughters with thee: for they be thy due, and thy sons' due, which are given out of the sacrifices of peace offerings of the children of Israel.

15

The heave shoulder and the wave breast shall they bring with the offerings made by fire of the fat, to wave it for a wave offering before the LORD; and it shall be thine, and thy sons' with thee, by a statute for ever; as the LORD hath commanded.

16

And Moses diligently sought the goat of the sin offering, and, behold, it was burnt: and he was angry with Eleazar and Ithamar, the sons of Aaron which were left alive, saying,

Read Leviticus 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the wave breast and heave shoulder shall ye eat in a clean place; thou, and thy sons, and thy daughters with thee: for they be thy due, and thy sons' due, which are given out of the sacrifices of peace offerings of the children of Israel.

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 five main offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt) addressed different aspects of relationship with God, all fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive sacrifice. Ritual purity laws taught Israel to distinguish between clean and unclean, holy and common, training them in discernment and reverence for God's presence.
What Leviticus portrayed through types and shadows, Christ fulfilled in reality through His incarnation, perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection.

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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 texts like the Code of Hammurabi show that law codes were common in the ancient Near East, but biblical law uniquely grounded ethics in God's character rather than merely social convention.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?
  2. How can you develop greater spiritual discernment in distinguishing what honors God from what defiles?
  3. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וְאֵת֩1 of 22
H853

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

חֲזֵ֨ה2 of 22

“breast”

H2373

the breast (as most seen in front)

הַתְּנוּפָ֜ה3 of 22

“And the wave”

H8573

a brandishing (in threat); by implication, tumult; specifically, the official undulation of sacrificial offerings

וְאֵ֣ת׀4 of 22
H853

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

שׁ֣וֹק5 of 22

“shoulder”

H7785

the (lower) leg (as a runner)

הַתְּרוּמָ֗ה6 of 22

“and heave”

H8641

a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute

תֹּֽאכְלוּ֙7 of 22

“shall ye eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

בְּמָק֣וֹם8 of 22

“place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

טָה֔וֹר9 of 22

“in a clean”

H2889

pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)

אַתָּ֕ה10 of 22
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

בְּנֵ֥י11 of 22

“and thy 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

וּבְנֹתֶ֖יךָ12 of 22

“and thy daughters”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

אִתָּ֑ךְ13 of 22
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

כִּֽי14 of 22
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

וְחָק15 of 22

“due”

H2706

an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)

וְחָק16 of 22

“due”

H2706

an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)

בְּנֵ֥י17 of 22

“and thy 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

נִתְּנ֔וּ18 of 22

“which are given”

H5414

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

מִזִּבְחֵ֥י19 of 22

“out of the sacrifices”

H2077

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

שַׁלְמֵ֖י20 of 22

“of peace offerings”

H8002

properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks

בְּנֵ֥י21 of 22

“and thy 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

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃22 of 22

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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 10:14 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 10:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 18:11Exodus 29:24-28Leviticus 9:21John 4:34Leviticus 7:29-34

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