King James Version

What Does Leviticus 10:19 Mean?

Leviticus 10:19 in the King James Version says “And Aaron said unto Moses, Behold, this day have they offered their sin offering and their burnt offering before the LOR...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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?”

Leviticus 10:19 · KJV

Context

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?

20

And when Moses heard that, he was content .

Read Leviticus 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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?

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. Archaeological discoveries at sites like Ugarit reveal Canaanite religious practices Israel's laws explicitly rejected, confirming the Bible's historical reliability and the distinctiveness of Israelite worship.

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 · 22 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֨ר1 of 22

“said”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אַֽהֲרֹ֜ן2 of 22

“And Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

אֶל3 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֗ה4 of 22

“unto Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

הֵ֣ן5 of 22
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

הַיּ֔וֹם6 of 22

“Behold this day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הִקְרִ֨יבוּ7 of 22

“have they offered”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אֶת8 of 22
H853

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

חַטָּאת֙9 of 22

“the sin offering”

H2403

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

וְאֶת10 of 22
H853

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

עֹֽלָתָם֙11 of 22

“and their burnt offering”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

לִפְנֵ֣י12 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

יְהוָֽה׃13 of 22

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

וַתִּקְרֶ֥אנָה14 of 22

“and such things have befallen”

H7122

to encounter, whether accidentally or in a hostile manner

אֹתִ֖י15 of 22
H853

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

כָּאֵ֑לֶּה16 of 22
H428

these or those

וְאָכַ֤לְתִּי17 of 22

“me and if I had eaten”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

חַטָּאת֙18 of 22

“the sin offering”

H2403

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

הַיּ֔וֹם19 of 22

“Behold this day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַיִּיטַ֖ב20 of 22

“should it have been accepted”

H3190

to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)

בְּעֵינֵ֥י21 of 22

“in the sight”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

יְהוָֽה׃22 of 22

“of 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 10:19 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 10:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 9:12Leviticus 9:8Malachi 1:10Hosea 9:4Jeremiah 6:20Malachi 2:13

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