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Leviticus 10:10

Leviticus 10:10 in Multiple Translations

You must distinguish between the holy and the common, between the clean and the unclean,

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

and that ye may make a distinction between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean;

And make a division between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean;

You must realize the difference between the holy and the ordinary, between clean and unclean,

That ye may put difference betweene the holy and the vnholy, and betweene the cleane and the vncleane,

so as to make a separation between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the pure;

You are to make a distinction between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean.

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

And that you may have knowledge to discern between holy and unholy, between unclean and clean:

You must do that in order to learn what things are holy and what things are ◄not holy/common►, and from the things that are not holy you must learn what things are acceptable to me and what things are not.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 10:10

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Leviticus 10:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וּֽ/לֲ/הַבְדִּ֔יל בֵּ֥ין הַ/קֹּ֖דֶשׁ וּ/בֵ֣ין הַ/חֹ֑ל וּ/בֵ֥ין הַ/טָּמֵ֖א וּ/בֵ֥ין הַ/טָּהֽוֹר
וּֽ/לֲ/הַבְדִּ֔יל bâdal H914 to separate Conj | Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
בֵּ֥ין bêyn H996 between Prep
הַ/קֹּ֖דֶשׁ qôdesh H6944 Holy Place Art | N-ms
וּ/בֵ֣ין bêyn H996 between Conj | Prep
הַ/חֹ֑ל chôl H2455 common Art | N-ms
וּ/בֵ֥ין bêyn H996 between Conj | Prep
הַ/טָּמֵ֖א ṭâmêʼ H2931 unclean Art | Adj
וּ/בֵ֥ין bêyn H996 between Conj | Prep
הַ/טָּהֽוֹר ṭâhôwr H2889 pure Art | Adj
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 10:10

וּֽ/לֲ/הַבְדִּ֔יל bâdal H914 "to separate" Conj | Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
This verb means to separate or divide, and is used in various contexts, including to set apart or make a distinction. It is translated as divide, separate, or difference in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to divide, separate 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to divide, separate, sever 1a2) to separate, set apart 1a3) to make a distinction, difference 1a4) to divide into parts 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to separate oneself from (reflexive of 1a2) 1b2) to withdraw from 1b3) to separate oneself unto 1b4) to be separated 1b5) to be excluded 1b6) to be set apart
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: (make, put) difference, divide (asunder), (make) separate (self, -ation), sever (out), [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 1:4; Deuteronomy 29:20; Isaiah 56:3.
בֵּ֥ין bêyn H996 "between" Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
הַ/קֹּ֖דֶשׁ qôdesh H6944 "Holy Place" Art | N-ms
The Holy Place refers to a sacred or set-apart area, like the temple in Jerusalem. It is a place of sanctity and holiness, where God is worshipped. The Bible describes it as a place of reverence and awe.
Definition: This name means apartness, holiness, sacredness Also named: hagion (ἅγιον "Holy Place" G0039)
Usage: Occurs in 380 OT verses. KJV: consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, ([idiom] most) holy ([idiom] day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary. See also: Exodus 3:5; Leviticus 23:4; 1 Chronicles 26:26.
וּ/בֵ֣ין bêyn H996 "between" Conj | Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
הַ/חֹ֑ל chôl H2455 "common" Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word describes something or someone as common or unholy, like the profane place in Jeremiah 3:2. It means not set apart for God's use. This idea is seen in Ezekiel 22:26.
Definition: profaneness, commonness, unholy, profane, common, sand
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: common, profane (place), unholy. See also: Leviticus 10:10; Ezekiel 22:26; Ezekiel 48:15.
וּ/בֵ֥ין bêyn H996 "between" Conj | Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
הַ/טָּמֵ֖א ṭâmêʼ H2931 "unclean" Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to be unclean in a spiritual sense, often due to sin or impurity, as seen in Leviticus. It can refer to people, places, or things. The concept is key to understanding biblical purity laws.
Definition: 1) unclean, impure 1a) ethically and religiously 1b) ritually 1c) of places
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: defiled, [phrase] infamous, polluted(-tion), unclean. See also: Leviticus 5:2; Numbers 9:6; Isaiah 6:5.
וּ/בֵ֥ין bêyn H996 "between" Conj | Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
הַ/טָּהֽוֹר ṭâhôwr H2889 "pure" Art | Adj
Tahor means pure or clean, and can refer to physical, moral, or ceremonial purity. In the Bible, it describes clean animals and morally upright people. It is often used to describe something as fair or pure.
Definition: 1) pure, clean 1a) clean (ceremonially-of animals) 1b) pure (physically) 1c) pure, clean (morally, ethically)
Usage: Occurs in 86 OT verses. KJV: clean, fair, pure(-ness). See also: Genesis 7:2; Leviticus 13:40; Psalms 12:7.

Study Notes — Leviticus 10:10

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Ezekiel 22:26 Her priests do violence to My law and profane My holy things. They make no distinction between the holy and the common, and they fail to distinguish between the clean and the unclean. They disregard My Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them.
2 1 Peter 1:14–16 As obedient children, do not conform to the passions of your former ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
3 Leviticus 11:47 You must distinguish between the unclean and the clean, between animals that may be eaten and those that may not.’”
4 Ezekiel 44:23 They are to teach My people the difference between the holy and the common, and show them how to discern between the clean and the unclean.
5 Titus 1:15 To the pure, all things are pure; but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure. Indeed, both their minds and their consciences are defiled.
6 Leviticus 20:25–26 You are therefore to distinguish between clean and unclean animals and birds. Do not become contaminated by any animal or bird, or by anything that crawls on the ground; I have set these apart as unclean for you. You are to be holy to Me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be My own.
7 Jeremiah 15:19 Therefore this is what the LORD says: “If you return, I will restore you; you will stand in My presence. And if you speak words that are noble instead of worthless, you will be My spokesman. It is they who must turn to you, but you must not turn to them.

Leviticus 10:10 Summary

[This verse is about recognizing the difference between things that belong to God and things that are just for everyday use. It's like setting apart a special time each day to pray and read the Bible, as a way to honor God, similar to what is taught in Psalm 119:148. By doing so, we show respect for God and His holiness, as mentioned in Isaiah 6:1-5, where the prophet experiences God's holiness and is called to serve.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to distinguish between the holy and the common?

This means to recognize and respect the difference between things that are set apart for God's use and those that are for everyday use, as seen in Leviticus 10:10 and also in Ezekiel 22:26 where it talks about not making distinctions between the holy and the common.

How can we apply this verse to our daily lives?

We can apply this by setting apart time and resources for God, like tithing as mentioned in Malachi 3:10, and being mindful of our actions and thoughts, ensuring they align with God's will as stated in Romans 12:2.

What is the significance of distinguishing between the clean and the unclean?

This distinction is crucial for maintaining spiritual purity and avoiding things that could defile us, as taught in Leviticus 11:44-45 and 2 Corinthians 7:1, where we are called to perfect holiness out of reverence for God.

Is this verse only applicable to the Israelites?

While the context is specifically for the Israelites, the principle of distinguishing between the holy and the common, the clean and the unclean, applies to all believers as we are called to be holy as God is holy, according to 1 Peter 1:15-16.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do I currently distinguish between what is holy and what is common in my daily life?
  2. In what ways can I better set apart my life and actions for God's service?
  3. What are some 'unclean' things in my life that I need to let go of to maintain spiritual purity?
  4. How can I teach others about distinguishing between the holy and the common, as instructed in this verse?

Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 10:10

And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy,.... That being sober they might be able to distinguish between the one and the other; which a drunken man, having his mind and senses

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 10:10

And the LORD spake unto Aaron, saying, Do not drink wine ... This prohibition, and the accompanying admonitions, following immediately the occurrence of so fatal a catastrophe, has given rise to an

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 10:10

Persons and things, which Nadab and Abihu did not, mistaking unholy or common fire for that which was sacred and appointed by God for their use.

Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 10:10

Leviticus 10:10 And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean;Ver. 10. And that ye may put difference.] Drunkenness takes away the heart, besots and infatuates; robs a man of himself, and lays a beast in his place.

Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 10:10

(10) And that ye may put difference.—The motive here assigned for their abstinence from intoxicating liquor is, that by keeping sober they might be able to discriminate between the legal and illegal points in the prescribed observances, which required the greatest care. Thus, for instance, the rules as to which places and days and sundry portions of the offerings were holy or common, or as to holy fire and common fire, which Nadab and Abihu violated; or about ceremonially clean and unclean men, women, animals, and utensils. (See Ezekiel 44:23.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 10:10

Verse 10. That we may put difference between holy and unholy] This is a strong reason why they should drink no inebriating liquor, that their understanding being clear, and their judgment correct, they might be always able to discern between the clean and the unclean, and ever pronounce righteous judgment. Injunctions similar to this were found among the Egyptians, Carthaginians, and Greeks. Indeed, common sense itself shows that neither a drunkard nor a sot should ever be suffered to minister in holy things.

Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 10:10

10, 11. This passage may well have an immediate relation to the preceding context, as meaning that perfect sobriety was required in order to enable them to discriminate between ‘holy’ and ‘common’ and to give right Torah. Others have thought that the words in the last clause of Lev 10:11 ‘the Lord hath spoken’ shew that it is not connected with Leviticus 10:8, and that Leviticus 10:9 seems marked off by its last clause from what follows. Leviticus 10:10 would form an appropriate introduction to chs. 11–15. Driver and White (Haupt’s SBOT., ad loc.) think that something may have fallen out here. (5) The law of eating the holy things (12–15) The reference is to the Meal-Offering and Peace-Offering of Lev 9:17-18. The remainder of the Meal-Offering, after the handful therefrom had been burnt, belonged to the priests, Leviticus 2:2-3, Leviticus 6:16-18. Being most holy, it was eaten only by priests in a holy place here specified as ‘beside the altar.’ Cp. Leviticus 6:16; Leviticus 6:26; ‘in the court of the tent of meeting.’ The priestly portions of the Peace-Offering might be eaten by the families of the priests in a clean place, of course only by those who were ritually clean (Leviticus 7:20-21). The Sin-Offering when eaten, being most holy, was treated as the Meal-Offering. See Leviticus 6:24-29.

Sermons on Leviticus 10:10

SermonDescription
David Davis The Beauty of Holiness by David Davis This sermon emphasizes the beauty of holiness, recounting a powerful testimony of a communist man encountering the overwhelming beauty of God's presence, leading to his conversion.
Chuck Smith Matthew 7:6 by Chuck Smith Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of discernment in the Christian faith, particularly in the context of Jesus' teaching in Matthew 7:6. He warns against the dangers of indiscri
David Wilkerson Christ a Stranger (1984 Conference) by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher highlights the lack of time people have for prayer and Bible study due to their busy lives and distractions. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizi
K.P. Yohannan Who Qualifies to Stand in the Gap? by K.P. Yohannan K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the critical role of intercession in his sermon 'Who Qualifies to Stand in the Gap?', using Moses as a prime example of someone who stood in the gap for th
A.W. Tozer (1 Peter - Part 12): As Obedient Children by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher discusses the American spirit of rebellion and the importance of freedom. He references the historical event of pouring tea overboard in Boston Harbor
A.W. Tozer (1 Peter - Part 13): On Fashioning Ourselves as Christians by A.W. Tozer A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of fashioning ourselves as Christians according to God's holiness rather than our former lusts. He explains that while we are not fixed in our
Keith Daniel Be Ye Holy for I Am Holy by Keith Daniel In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being transformed and renewed in our minds to align with God's will. He quotes from 1 Peter 1:14, urging believers to be o

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