King James Version

What Does Leviticus 10:16 Mean?

Leviticus 10:16 in the King James Version says “And Moses diligently sought the goat of the sin offering, and, behold, it was burnt: and he was angry with Eleazar and I...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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,”

Leviticus 10:16 · KJV

Context

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,

17

Wherefore have ye not eaten the sin offering in the holy place, seeing it is most holy, and God hath given it you to bear the iniquity of the congregation, to make atonement for them before the LORD?

18

Behold, the blood of it was not brought in within the holy place: ye should indeed have eaten it in the holy place, as I commanded.

Read Leviticus 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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,

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. The five main offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt) addressed different aspects of relationship with God, all fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive sacrifice.
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. The Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ's atoning sacrifice and the seriousness of sin?
  2. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  3. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְאֵ֣ת׀1 of 17
H853

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

שְׂעִ֣יר2 of 17

“the goat”

H8163

shaggy; as noun, a he-goat; by analogy, a faun

הַֽחַטָּ֗את3 of 17

“of the sin offering”

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

דָּרַ֛שׁ4 of 17

“diligently”

H1875

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

דָּרַ֛שׁ5 of 17

“diligently”

H1875

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

מֹשֶׁ֖ה6 of 17

“And Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וְהִנֵּ֣ה7 of 17
H2009

lo!

שֹׂרָ֑ף8 of 17

“and behold it was burnt”

H8313

to be (causatively, set) on fire

וַ֠יִּקְצֹף9 of 17

“and he was angry”

H7107

to crack off, i.e., (figuratively) burst out in rage

עַל10 of 17
H5921

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

אֶלְעָזָ֤ר11 of 17

“with Eleazar”

H499

elazar, the name of seven israelites

וְעַל12 of 17
H5921

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

אִֽיתָמָר֙13 of 17

“and Ithamar”

H385

ithamar, a son of aaron

בְּנֵ֣י14 of 17

“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

אַֽהֲרֹ֔ן15 of 17

“of Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

הַנּֽוֹתָרִ֖ם16 of 17

“which were left”

H3498

to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve

לֵאמֹֽר׃17 of 17

“alive saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

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 10:16 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 10:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 9:3Leviticus 9:15Leviticus 6:26Mark 10:14Leviticus 6:30Ephesians 4:26

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