King James Version

What Does Leviticus 10:4 Mean?

Leviticus 10:4 in the King James Version says “And Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said unto them, Come near, carry your ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 10:4 · KJV

Context

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.

5

So they went near, and carried them in their coats out of the camp; as Moses had said.

6

And Moses said unto Aaron, and unto Eleazar and unto Ithamar, his sons, Uncover not your heads, neither rend your clothes; lest ye die, and lest wrath come upon all the people: but let your brethren, the whole house of Israel, bewail the burning which the LORD hath kindled.

Read Leviticus 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 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 Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  2. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
  3. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וַיִּקְרָ֣א1 of 22

“called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

מֹשֶׁ֗ה2 of 22

“And Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֶל3 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מִֽישָׁאֵל֙4 of 22

“Mishael”

H4332

mishael, the name of three israelites

וְאֶ֣ל5 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶלְצָפָ֔ן6 of 22

“and Elzaphan”

H469

elitsaphan or eltsaphan, an israelite

בְּנֵ֥י7 of 22

“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

עֻזִּיאֵ֖ל8 of 22

“of Uzziel”

H5816

uzziel, the name of six israelites

דֹּ֣ד9 of 22

“the uncle”

H1730

(figuratively) to love; by implication, a love-token, lover, friend; specifically an uncle

אַֽהֲרֹ֑ן10 of 22

“of Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר11 of 22

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵהֶ֗ם12 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

קִ֠רְב֞וּ13 of 22

“unto them Come near”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

שְׂא֤וּ14 of 22

“carry”

H5375

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

אֶת15 of 22
H853

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

אֲחֵיכֶם֙16 of 22

“your brethren”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

מֵאֵ֣ת17 of 22
H853

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

פְּנֵֽי18 of 22

“from 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

הַקֹּ֔דֶשׁ19 of 22

“the sanctuary”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

אֶל20 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מִח֖וּץ21 of 22

“out”

H2351

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

לַֽמַּחֲנֶֽה׃22 of 22

“of the camp”

H4264

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

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 10:4 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 10:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 6:22Exodus 6:18Acts 5:6Numbers 3:30Numbers 3:19Acts 5:9-10

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