King James Version

What Does Leviticus 10:7 Mean?

Leviticus 10:7 in the King James Version says “And ye shall not go out from the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: for the anointing oil of the L...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 10:7 · KJV

Context

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,

9

Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.


Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

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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. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
  2. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  3. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וּמִפֶּתַח֩1 of 15

“from the door”

H6607

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

אֹ֨הֶל2 of 15

“of the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵ֜ד3 of 15

“of the congregation”

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

לֹ֤א4 of 15
H3808

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

תֵֽצְאוּ֙5 of 15

“And ye shall not go out”

H3318

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

פֶּן6 of 15
H6435

properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest

תָּמֻ֔תוּ7 of 15

“lest ye die”

H4191

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

כִּי8 of 15
H3588

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

שֶׁ֛מֶן9 of 15

“oil”

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

מִשְׁחַ֥ת10 of 15

“for the anointing”

H4888

unction (the act); by implication, a consecratory gift

יְהוָ֖ה11 of 15

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

עֲלֵיכֶ֑ם12 of 15
H5921

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

וַֽיַּעֲשׂ֖וּ13 of 15

“is upon you And they did”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כִּדְבַ֥ר14 of 15

“according to the word”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

מֹשֶֽׁה׃15 of 15

“of Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

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 10:7 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 10:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 21:122 Corinthians 1:21Acts 10:38Leviticus 8:30Leviticus 8:12Exodus 28:41

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