King James Version

What Does Leviticus 10:6 Mean?

Leviticus 10:6 in the King James Version says “And Moses said unto Aaron, and unto Eleazar and unto Ithamar, his sons, Uncover not your heads, neither rend your clothe... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Leviticus 10:6 · KJV


Context

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.

7

And ye shall not go out from the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: for the anointing oil of the LORD is upon you. And they did according to the word of Moses.

8

And the LORD spake unto Aaron, saying,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with God.

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 tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  2. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  3. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 29 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 29

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מֹשֶׁ֣ה2 of 29

And Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֶֽל3 of 29
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַהֲרֹ֡ן4 of 29

unto Aaron

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

וּלְאֶלְעָזָר֩5 of 29

and unto Eleazar

H499

elazar, the name of seven israelites

וּלְאִֽיתָמָ֨ר׀6 of 29

and unto Ithamar

H385

ithamar, a son of aaron

בָּנָ֜יו7 of 29

his 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

רָֽאשֵׁיכֶ֥ם8 of 29

not your heads

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

אַל9 of 29
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּפְרָ֣עוּ׀10 of 29

Uncover

H6544

to loosen; by implication, to expose, dismiss; figuratively, absolve, begin

וּבִגְדֵיכֶ֤ם11 of 29

your clothes

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

לֹֽא12 of 29
H3808

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

תִפְרֹ֙מוּ֙13 of 29

neither rend

H6533

to tear

וְלֹ֣א14 of 29
H3808

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

תָמֻ֔תוּ15 of 29

lest ye die

H4191

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

וְעַ֥ל16 of 29
H5921

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

כָּל17 of 29
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָֽעֵדָ֖ה18 of 29

come upon all the people

H5712

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

יִקְצֹ֑ף19 of 29

and lest wrath

H7107

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

וַֽאֲחֵיכֶם֙20 of 29

but let your brethren

H251

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

כָּל21 of 29
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בֵּ֣ית22 of 29

the whole house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל23 of 29

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

יִבְכּוּ֙24 of 29

bewail

H1058

to weep; generally to bemoan

אֶת25 of 29
H853

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

הַשְּׂרֵפָ֔ה26 of 29

the burning

H8316

cremation

אֲשֶׁ֖ר27 of 29
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

שָׂרַ֥ף28 of 29

hath kindled

H8313

to be (causatively, set) on fire

יְהוָֽה׃29 of 29

which 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 10:6 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 10:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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