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1 Chronicles 24:2

1 Chronicles 24:2 in Multiple Translations

But Nadab and Abihu died before their father did, and they had no sons; so Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests.

But Nadab and Abihu died before their father, and had no children: therefore Eleazar and Ithamar executed the priest’s office.

But Nadab and Abihu died before their father, and had no children: therefore Eleazar and Ithamar executed the priest’s office.

But Nadab and Abihu came to their end before their father, and had no children; so Eleazar and Ithamar did the work of priests.

But Nadab and Abihu died before their father did, and they had no sons. Only Eleazar and Ithamar carried on as priests.

But Nadab and Abihu died before their father, and had no children: therefore Eleazar and Ithamar executed the Priestes office.

and Nadab dieth, and Abihu, in the presence of their father, and they had no sons, and Eleazar and Ithamar act as priests.

But Nadab and Abihu died before their father, and had no children; therefore Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests.

But Nadab and Abihu died before their father, and had no children: therefore Eleazar and Ithamar executed the priests' office.

But Nadab and Abiu died before their father, and had no children: so Eleazar, and Ithamar did the office of the priesthood.

But Nadab and Abihu died before their father died, and they had no children. So their younger brothers Eleazar and Ithamar became the priests.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 24:2

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.

1 Chronicles 24:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יָּ֨מָת נָדָ֤ב וַ/אֲבִיהוּא֙ לִ/פְנֵ֣י אֲבִי/הֶ֔ם וּ/בָנִ֖ים לֹא הָי֣וּ לָ/הֶ֑ם וַֽ/יְכַהֲנ֔וּ אֶלְעָזָ֖ר וְ/אִיתָמָֽר
וַ/יָּ֨מָת mûwth H4191 to die Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
נָדָ֤ב Nâdâb H5070 Nadab N-proper
וַ/אֲבִיהוּא֙ ʼĂbîyhûwʼ H30 Abihu Conj | N-proper
לִ/פְנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp
אֲבִי/הֶ֔ם ʼâb H1 father N-ms | Suff
וּ/בָנִ֖ים bên H1121 son Conj | N-mp
לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part
הָי֣וּ hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-3cp
לָ/הֶ֑ם Prep | Suff
וַֽ/יְכַהֲנ֔וּ kâhan H3547 to minister Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶלְעָזָ֖ר ʼElʻâzâr H499 Eleazar N-proper
וְ/אִיתָמָֽר ʼÎythâmâr H385 Ithamar Conj | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 24:2

וַ/יָּ֨מָת mûwth H4191 "to die" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
נָדָ֤ב Nâdâb H5070 "Nadab" N-proper
Nadab was the name of several Israelites, including the son of Aaron who was struck dead by God. The name means 'generous' and is mentioned in the books of Chronicles and Leviticus.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.8.30; son of: Abiel (H0022) and Maacah (H4601N); brother of: Kish (H7027), Ner (H5369), Abdon (H5658J), Zur (H6698I), Baal (H1168B), Gedor (H1446I), Ahio (H0283I), Zecher (H2144) and Mikloth (H4732) § Nadab = "generous" 1) eldest son of Aaron by Elisheba; struck dead before the sanctuary in the wilderness for kindling the censers with strange fire 2) son of king Jeroboam I of the northern kingdom of Israel and king of Israel for 2 years before being slain by Baasha 3) a Jerahmeelite, son of Shammai, of the tribe of Judah 4) a son of Gibeon of the tribe of Benjamin
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: Nadab. See also: Exodus 6:23; 1 Kings 15:25; 1 Chronicles 24:2.
וַ/אֲבִיהוּא֙ ʼĂbîyhûwʼ H30 "Abihu" Conj | N-proper
Abihu was a son of Aaron, a priest in the Bible. His name means 'he is my father'. Abihu made a mistake by offering wrong sacrifices to God and was punished. He's mentioned in Exodus 6:23.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.6.23; son of: Aaron (H0175) and Elisheba (H0472); brother of: Nadab (H5070), Eleazar (H0499) and Ithamar (H0385) § Abihu = "he is (my) father" a son of Aaron destroyed for sacrificing strange fire to God
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: Abihu. See also: Exodus 6:23; Numbers 3:4; 1 Chronicles 24:2.
לִ/פְנֵ֣י 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.
אֲבִי/הֶ֔ם ʼâb H1 "father" N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
וּ/בָנִ֖ים bên H1121 "son" Conj | N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
הָי֣וּ hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לָ/הֶ֑ם "" Prep | Suff
וַֽ/יְכַהֲנ֔וּ kâhan H3547 "to minister" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
To minister means to serve as a priest, like when Aaron and his sons served in the tabernacle. It's about performing sacred duties and acting on behalf of God, as seen in the book of Leviticus.
Definition: 1) to act as a priest, minister in a priest's office 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to minister as a priest, serve as a priest 1a2) to be or become a priest 1a3) to play the priest
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: deck, be (do the office of a, execute the, minister in the) priest('s office). See also: Exodus 28:1; Exodus 40:15; Isaiah 61:10.
אֶלְעָזָ֖ר ʼElʻâzâr H499 "Eleazar" N-proper
Eleazar means God has helped, and was the name of several Israelites, including a high priest and one of David's warriors.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.42 § Eleazar = "God has helped" 1) the high priest son of Aaron 2) Abinadab's son who cared for the ark 3) the priest who rebuilt and dedicated the restored walls of Jerusalem in time of Ezra 4) one of David's mighty warriors 5) a Levite 6) one of the line of Parosh
Usage: Occurs in 70 OT verses. KJV: Eleazar. See also: Exodus 6:23; Numbers 31:51; Nehemiah 12:42.
וְ/אִיתָמָֽר ʼÎythâmâr H385 "Ithamar" Conj | N-proper
Ithamar was a son of Aaron, a leader in the tribe of Levi, first mentioned in Exodus 6:23. He was the youngest of four brothers, including Nadab, Abihu, and Eleazar. His name means 'coast of palms'.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.6.23; son of: Aaron (H0175) and Elisheba (H0472); brother of: Nadab (H5070), Abihu (H0030) and Eleazar (H0499) § Ithamar = "coast of palms" fourth and youngest son of Aaron
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: Ithamar. See also: Exodus 6:23; Numbers 7:8; Ezra 8:2.

Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 24:2

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Leviticus 10:2 So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died in the presence of the LORD.
2 Numbers 3:4 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.
3 Numbers 26:61 but Nadab and Abihu died when they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD.
4 Exodus 24:9 Then Moses went up with Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel,
5 Exodus 29:9 Wrap the sashes around Aaron and his sons and tie headbands on them. The priesthood shall be theirs by a permanent statute. In this way you are to ordain Aaron and his sons.
6 Exodus 24:1 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Come up to the LORD—you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of Israel’s elders—and you are to worship at a distance.
7 Numbers 16:39–40 So Eleazar the priest took the bronze censers brought by those who had been burned up, and he had them hammered out to overlay the altar, just as the LORD commanded him through Moses. This was to be a reminder to the Israelites that no outsider who is not a descendant of Aaron should approach to offer incense before the LORD, lest he become like Korah and his followers.
8 Leviticus 10:12 And Moses said to Aaron and his remaining sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, “Take the grain offering that remains from the offerings made by fire to the LORD and eat it without leaven beside the altar, because it is most holy.
9 Numbers 18:7 But only you and your sons shall attend to your priesthood for everything concerning the altar and what is inside the veil, and you are to perform that service. I am giving you the work of the priesthood as a gift, but any outsider who comes near the sanctuary must be put to death.”

1 Chronicles 24:2 Summary

This verse tells us that Nadab and Abihu, two of Aaron's sons, died before their father and did not have any sons of their own. As a result, their brothers Eleazar and Ithamar took on the role of priests, as seen in Exodus 28:1. This shows us that God is a God of order and has a plan for succession and leadership, as mentioned in Numbers 3:1-4 and 1 Chronicles 24:1-4. It also reminds us that our actions have consequences, and disobedience can lead to serious repercussions, as seen in Leviticus 10:1-2.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Nadab and Abihu die before their father Aaron?

Nadab and Abihu died before their father Aaron because they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, as recorded in Leviticus 10:1-2, and this act of disobedience resulted in their death, as seen in Numbers 3:4 and 26:61.

What does it mean that Nadab and Abihu had no sons?

The fact that Nadab and Abihu had no sons means that their family line did not continue, and therefore they had no descendants to carry on their priestly duties, as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 24:2.

Why did Eleazar and Ithamar serve as priests?

Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests because they were the remaining sons of Aaron, and as such, they were the rightful heirs to the priestly office, as seen in Exodus 28:1 and Numbers 3:1-4.

What is the significance of this verse in the context of the priestly lineage?

This verse is significant because it highlights the importance of the priestly lineage and the fact that God is a God of order and succession, as seen in 1 Chronicles 24:1-4, and it also sets the stage for the division of the priestly duties among the descendants of Eleazar and Ithamar, as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 24:3-4.

Reflection Questions

  1. What can we learn from the example of Nadab and Abihu about the importance of obedience to God's commands?
  2. How does this verse illustrate the concept of spiritual succession and the passing on of responsibilities from one generation to the next?
  3. What does this verse reveal about God's sovereignty and control over the lives of individuals and the course of history?
  4. How can we apply the principles of this verse to our own lives and ministries, recognizing the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's will?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 24:2

But Nadab and Abihu died before their father,.... While he was living, see Leviticus 10:1 and had no children, therefore Eleazar and Ithamar executed the priests' office: otherwise, as Jarchi

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 24:2

But Nadab and Abihu died before their father, and had no children: therefore Eleazar and Ithamar executed the priest's office.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 24:2

i.e. Were the only persons to whom and to whose families the execution of that office was committed.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 24:2

1 Chronicles 24:2 But Nadab and Abihu died before their father, and had no children: therefore Eleazar and Ithamar executed the priest’ s office.Ver. 2. But Nadab and Abihu died.] And, as it is thought, in their drunkenness, to the great grief of their father Aaron. See Leviticus 10:2-9, &c

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 24:2

(2) But Nadab and Abihu died before their father.—Leviticus 10:1-2 tells why: viz., because they offered “strange fire” before the Lord. (See also Numbers 3:4, from which our text appears to be derived.) And had no children.—Literally, And sons had not become (been born) to them.Therefore Eleazar and Ithamar.—And Eleazar and Ithamar acted as priests; Numbers adds, “before the face of Aaron their father.” It is implied that the office of the priesthood remained with the two lines, or houses, of Eleazar and Ithamar.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 24:2

Verse 2. Nadab and Abihu died before their father] That is, during his lifetime. Eleazar and Ithamar executed the priest's office.] These two served the office during the life of their father Aaron; after his death Eleazar succeeded in the high priesthood. And under Eli the high priest, the family of Ithamar re-entered into that office.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 24:2

2. Nadab and Abihu died] By fire from heaven as a punishment for sacrilege; Leviticus 10:1-2; Numbers 3:4.

Sermons on 1 Chronicles 24:2

SermonDescription
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) 1 Chronicles 20-29 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the beauty of constant worship and praises being offered to God. He mentions how in the times of David, there were four thousand men dedicat
Art Katz (K-Char-03) Strange Fire by Art Katz In this sermon transcript, T. Austin Sparks discusses the concept of false life and false fire. He emphasizes the difference between spiritual eternal life and soul life, stating t
Samuel Chadwick 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
Leonard Ravenhill Worship Beyond Prayer and Praise by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his personal journey of preparing a sermon on the theme of worship. He shares that he began preparing this sermon in 1951 while lying in a h
David Wilkerson A Touch From God - Part 2 by David Wilkerson This sermon emphasizes the importance of responding to God's call to come up and come out, using Moses as an example of someone who drew near to God and pursued a life of prayer. I
Leonard Ravenhill The Golden Calf by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living with the awareness of God's presence at all times. He explains that being conscious of God's watchful eye can guide
Randy Jones Camp Half-Way by Randy Jones In this video, the preacher reflects on the story of the Israelites in the Bible and draws parallels to the current state of the world. He emphasizes that whenever the Israelites p

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