King James Version

What Does Leviticus 10:17 Mean?

Leviticus 10:17 in the King James Version says “Wherefore have ye not eaten the sin offering in the holy place, seeing it is most holy, and God hath given it you to bea...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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?”

Leviticus 10:17 · KJV

Context

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.

19

And Aaron said unto Moses, Behold, this day have they offered their sin offering and their burnt offering before the LORD; and such things have befallen me: and if I had eaten the sin offering to day, should it have been accepted in the sight of the LORD?

Read Leviticus 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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?

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 central theme of Leviticus is God's holiness and the call for His people to be holy. The Hebrew word qadosh (קָדוֹשׁ) means 'set apart' or 'sacred,' emphasizing both separation from sin and consecration to God's purposes. The Hebrew word kaphar (כָּפַר) means 'to cover' or 'to make atonement.' The sacrificial system provided temporary covering for sin, pointing forward to Christ's perfect, once-for-all sacrifice. The five main offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt) addressed different aspects of relationship with God, all fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive sacrifice.
The holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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. How does God's holiness, as revealed in this verse, shape your understanding of worship, obedience, and daily living?
  2. In what ways does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ's atoning sacrifice and the seriousness of sin?
  3. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
מַדּ֗וּעַ1 of 22
H4069

what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?

לֹֽא2 of 22
H3808

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

אֲכַלְתֶּ֤ם3 of 22

“Wherefore have ye not eaten”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

אֶת4 of 22
H853

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

הַֽחַטָּאת֙5 of 22

“the sin offering”

H2403

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

בִּמְק֣וֹם6 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)

קָֽדָשִׁ֖ים7 of 22

“holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

כִּ֛י8 of 22
H3588

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

קָֽדָשִׁ֖ים9 of 22

“holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

קָֽדָשִׁ֖ים10 of 22

“holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

הִ֑וא11 of 22
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וְאֹתָ֣הּ׀12 of 22
H853

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

נָתַ֣ן13 of 22

“and God hath given”

H5414

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

לָכֶ֗ם14 of 22
H0
לָשֵׂאת֙15 of 22

“it you to bear”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

אֶת16 of 22
H853

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

עֲוֹ֣ן17 of 22

“the iniquity”

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

הָֽעֵדָ֔ה18 of 22

“of the congregation”

H5712

a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)

לְכַפֵּ֥ר19 of 22

“to make atonement”

H3722

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם20 of 22
H5921

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

לִפְנֵ֥י21 of 22

“for them 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

יְהוָֽה׃22 of 22

“the LORD”

H3068

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

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 10:17 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 10:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 6:24-30Numbers 18:1Exodus 28:38Leviticus 7:6-7Ezekiel 18:19-201 Peter 2:24

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 10 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Leviticus 10 with CommentaryAll Leviticus ChaptersComplete Leviticus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes