Leviticus 10:2
Leviticus 10:2 in Multiple Translations
So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died in the presence of the LORD.
And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.
And there came forth fire from before Jehovah, and devoured them, and they died before Jehovah.
And fire came out from before the Lord, burning them up and causing their destruction before the Lord.
Fire came out from the Lord's presence and burned them up. They died in the Lord's presence.
Therefore a fire went out from the Lord, and deuoured them: so they dyed before the Lord.
and fire goeth out from before Jehovah, and consumeth them, and they die before Jehovah.
Fire came out from before the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.
And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.
And fire coming out from the Lord destroyed them, and they died before the Lord.
So suddenly a fire from Yahweh appeared and burned them up [DOU] in the presence of Yahweh.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 10:2
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 10:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תֵּ֥צֵא
אֵ֛שׁ
מִ/לִּ/פְנֵ֥י
יְהוָ֖ה
וַ/תֹּ֣אכַל
אוֹתָ֑/ם
וַ/יָּמֻ֖תוּ
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
יְהוָֽה
וַ/תֵּ֥צֵא
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
אֵ֛שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
N-cs
מִ/לִּ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | Prep | N-cp
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וַ/תֹּ֣אכַל
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
אוֹתָ֑/ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
וַ/יָּמֻ֖תוּ
mûwth
H4191
to die
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 10:2
וַ/תֵּ֥צֵא
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
אֵ֛שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
מִ/לִּ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וַ/תֹּ֣אכַל
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
אוֹתָ֑/ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
וַ/יָּמֻ֖תוּ
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
Study Notes — Leviticus 10:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 10:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 10:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 10:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 10:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 10:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 10:2
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 10:2
- Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 10:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 10:2
- Sermons on Leviticus 10:2
Context — The Sin of Nadab and Abihu
1Now Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense, and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to His command.
2So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died in the presence of the LORD.
3Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD meant when He said: ‘To those who come near Me I will show My holiness, and in the sight of all the people I will reveal My glory.’” But Aaron remained silent. 4Moses summoned Mishael and Elzaphan, sons of Aaron’s uncle Uzziel, and said to them, “Come here; carry the bodies of your cousins outside the camp, away from the front of the sanctuary.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 26:61 | but Nadab and Abihu died when they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD. |
| 2 | Numbers 16:35 | And fire came forth from the LORD and consumed the 250 men who were offering the incense. |
| 3 | Leviticus 9:24 | Fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. And when all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell facedown. |
| 4 | Numbers 3:3–4 | These were Aaron’s sons, the anointed priests, who were ordained to serve as priests. Nadab and Abihu, however, died in the presence of the LORD when they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD in the Wilderness of Sinai. And since they had no sons, only Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests during the lifetime of their father Aaron. |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 6:7 | And the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down on the spot for his irreverence, and he died there beside the ark of God. |
| 6 | Isaiah 30:33 | For Topheth has long been prepared; it has been made ready for the king. Its funeral pyre is deep and wide, with plenty of fire and wood. The breath of the LORD, like a torrent of burning sulfur, sets it ablaze. |
| 7 | Numbers 16:32–33 | and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households—all Korah’s men and all their possessions. They went down alive into Sheol with all they owned. The earth closed over them, and they vanished from the assembly. |
| 8 | 1 Corinthians 10:11 | Now these things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. |
| 9 | 2 Kings 1:12 | Again Elijah replied, “If I am a man of God, may fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men.” And the fire of God came down from heaven and consumed the captain and his fifty men. |
| 10 | 1 Chronicles 15:13 | It was because you Levites were not with us the first time that the LORD our God burst forth in anger against us. For we did not consult Him about the proper order.” |
Leviticus 10:2 Summary
This verse shows that God is holy and serious about how we worship Him. When Nadab and Abihu disobeyed God's instructions, He consumed them with fire, as a demonstration of His holiness, similar to how He appeared to Moses in Exodus 24:17. This teaches us that we must be careful to follow God's commands and not just do what we think is right, as seen in Proverbs 14:12. By revering God's holiness, we can worship Him in a way that is pleasing to Him, as mentioned in John 4:24.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God consume Nadab and Abihu with fire?
God consumed Nadab and Abihu with fire because they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, contrary to His command, as seen in Leviticus 10:1, demonstrating His holiness and the importance of obedience to His instructions, as also emphasized in Deuteronomy 4:24.
What does it mean to die in the presence of the Lord?
To die in the presence of the Lord means to meet one's end while in the act of worship or service to God, highlighting the gravity of disobedience and the importance of reverence in worship, as seen in Leviticus 10:2 and supported by the concept of God's presence in Exodus 33:14-15.
Is God's judgment in this verse contradictory to His love?
God's judgment in Leviticus 10:2 is not contradictory to His love, but rather a demonstration of it, as it shows His commitment to holiness and the importance of obedience, which is also seen in Hebrews 12:6, where God disciplines those He loves.
How can we apply the lesson of Nadab and Abihu to our own lives?
We can apply the lesson of Nadab and Abihu by ensuring that our worship and service to God are guided by His commands and instructions, and not by our own desires or traditions, as seen in Colossians 3:17 and Matthew 15:9.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be offering 'unauthorized fire' in my own life, and how can I correct this?
- How does the concept of God's holiness impact my understanding of worship and service to Him?
- In what ways can I demonstrate reverence and obedience in my daily life, as a response to God's holiness?
- How can I balance the fear of God's judgment with the knowledge of His love and mercy, as seen in Psalm 103:8-14?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 10:2
And there went out fire from the Lord,.... They sinned by fire, and they were punished by fire, either from heaven, or from the most holy place, where the Lord dwelt between the cherubim; this was of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 10:2
And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 10:2
From the Lord; from heaven, or rather from the sanctuary. See . Devoured them; destroyed their lives; for their bodies and garments were not consumed, as it appears from ,5. Thus the sword is said to devour, . Thus lightning many times kills persons, without any hurt to their bodies or garments.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 10:2
Leviticus 10:2 And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.Ver. 2. And there went out fire.] By fire they sinned, and by fire they perished. “ Per quod quis peccat, per idem punitur et ipse: Nestorii lingua vermibus exesa est. ” - Evag., lib. i. So Archbishop Arundel’ s tongue rotted in his head. The Archbishop of Tours in France made suit for the erection of a court called Chambre Ardent, wherein to condemn the Protestants to the fire. He was afterwards stricken with a disease called the fire of God, which began at his feet and so ascended upward, that he caused one member after another to be cut off, and so he died miserably. Act. and Mon., fol. 1911.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 10:2
(2) And there went out fire from the Lord.—By fire they sinned, and by fire they died. The Divine fire which issued forth to consume the sacrifices as a token of acceptance, now descended as the avenger of sin to consume the sacrificers, just as the same gospel is to one a savour of life unto life, and to another a savour of death unto death. (2 Corinthians 2:16.) And devoured them.—That is, slay them, since we are told in Leviticus 10:5 that not only were their bodies in a perfect state of preservation, but even their garments were not burnt. The word consume, however, is used here to keep up the connection between this verse and chap 9:24. They died before the Lord.—That is, in the court of the sanctuary (see Leviticus 10:1), on the very spot where the sin was committed.
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 10:2
(3) The first priestly transgression and its punishment (1–7) 1. Nadab and Abihu were specially chosen to ‘come up unto the Lord’ with Moses, Aaron and the 70 elders (Exodus 24:1; Exodus 24:9-11, the only reference to these sons of Aaron outside P). his censer] The Heb. word is used in this sense here, in ch. Leviticus 16:12 (of Aaron on the Day of Atonement), and in Numbers 16 (the censers of Korah and his company, and of Aaron). A dish or pan for carrying live coal is meant. offered strange fire] This is sometimes explained as fire not taken from the altar of Burnt-Offering (cp. Leviticus 16:12; Numbers 16:46); but then the adjective ‘strange’ would have been used with fire when first mentioned—‘and put [strange] fire therein.’ If the offence consisted in bringing ‘strange incense’ (Exodus 30:9), i.e. incense not prepared according to the prescription in Exodus 30:34-36, then the next clause would have been—‘and laid [strange] incense thereon.’ The whole action is here described as ‘offering strange fire before the Lord,’ an expression found only here and in passages referring to this event (Numbers 3:4; Numbers 26:61). It was an irregular fire-offering, and the sin of Nadab and Abihu consisted in offering that which the Lord had not commanded them. At the commencement of priestly ministrations both priests and people are taught by this visitation to observe scrupulously the Divine commands in all that concerns the ministration of the sanctuary. From Leviticus 16:1 it may be conjectured that the regulations for entering into the Holy place were at one time more closely connected with this narrative. there came forth fire from before the Lord] As in Leviticus 9:24; see note there. devoured them] They were not wholly consumed (cp. Leviticus 10:5). For similar punishment cp.
Numbers 11:1; Numbers 16:35; 2 Kings 1:10.
Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 10:2
The fire which had just before sanctified the ministry of Aaron as well pleasing to God, now brought to destruction his two eldest sons because they did not sanctify Yahweh in their hearts, but dared
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 10:2
2. Fire from the Lord — The sacred fire which these priests had slighted had “come out from before the Lord.” Leviticus 9:24.
Sermons on Leviticus 10:2
| Sermon | Description | |
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(The Power of the Holy Spirit - 3) the Fire of God by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a witness for Christ in our daily lives. He compares the church to a small sample of God's kingdom and encourages bel |
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The Baptism of Fire by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance and preparing our hearts to receive Christ, drawing parallels to John the Baptist's ministry of preparing the way for Jesus. It |
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On Whom God's Fire Falls (Tamil) by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit and giving our best to God, warning against counterfeit anointings and false manifestations. It highlight |
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(The Fire of God) the Fire and the Sword by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the danger of seeking knowledge without allowing it to transform one's life. He points out that there is a growing obsession with Bible knowl |
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The Spirit of Fire by Samuel Chadwick | Samuel Chadwick preaches about the significance of fire as a symbol of God's presence and approval, emphasizing the importance of true worship and devotion. He warns against offeri |
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Leviticus 9:24 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the seriousness of God's intentions in reaching the world through a chosen priesthood, highlighting the dangers of 'strange fire'—actions taken without divin |
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He Wants It All by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of fully trusting God with every aspect of our lives, including our health, family, and future. He reflects on Isaiah's message that if we |