King James Version

What Does Leviticus 10:9 Mean?

Leviticus 10:9 in the King James Version says “Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, le...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Leviticus 10:9 · KJV

Context

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:

10

And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean;

11

And that ye may teach the children of Israel all the statutes which the LORD hath spoken unto them by the hand of Moses.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:

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. 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 understanding the purpose behind God's laws help you obey Him from the heart rather than mere duty?
  2. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
  3. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
יַ֣יִן1 of 16

“wine”

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

וְשֵׁכָ֞ר2 of 16

“nor strong drink”

H7941

an intoxicant, i.e., intensely alcoholic liquor

אַל3 of 16
H408

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

תֵּ֣שְׁתְּ׀4 of 16

“Do not drink”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

אַתָּ֣ה׀5 of 16
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

וּבָנֶ֣יךָ6 of 16

“thou nor thy 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

אִתָּ֗ךְ7 of 16
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

בְּבֹֽאֲכֶ֛ם8 of 16

“with thee when ye go”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל9 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֹ֥הֶל10 of 16

“into the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵ֖ד11 of 16

“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

וְלֹ֣א12 of 16
H3808

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

תָמֻ֑תוּ13 of 16

“lest ye die”

H4191

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

חֻקַּ֥ת14 of 16

“it shall be a statute”

H2708

a statute

עוֹלָ֖ם15 of 16

“for ever”

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

לְדֹרֹֽתֵיכֶֽם׃16 of 16

“throughout your generations”

H1755

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

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 10:9 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 10:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 1:151 Timothy 3:3Ezekiel 44:21Titus 1:7Isaiah 28:7Ephesians 5:18

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