King James Version

What Does Leviticus 10:2 Mean?

Leviticus 10:2 in the King James Version says “And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 10:2 · 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.

4

And Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said unto them, Come near, carry your brethren from before the sanctuary out of the camp.

Read Leviticus 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died 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.


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. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
  2. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  3. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וַתֵּ֥צֵא1 of 9

“And there went out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אֵ֛שׁ2 of 9

“fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

לִפְנֵ֥י3 of 9

“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׃4 of 9

“from the LORD”

H3068

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

וַתֹּ֣אכַל5 of 9

“and devoured”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

אוֹתָ֑ם6 of 9
H853

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

וַיָּמֻ֖תוּ7 of 9

“them and they died”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

לִפְנֵ֥י8 of 9

“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׃9 of 9

“from 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 10:2 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 10:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 26:61Numbers 16:35Leviticus 9:24Numbers 3:3-42 Samuel 6:7Leviticus 16:1

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