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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Leviticus 16  › Leviticus 16:1

Leviticus 16:1

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Leviticus 16:1 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Now the LORD spoke to Moses after the death of two of Aaron’s sons when they approached the presence of the LORD.

King James Version KJV

And the LORD spake unto Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they offered before the LORD, and died;

American Standard Version ASV

And Jehovah spake unto Moses, after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they drew near before Jehovah, and died;

Bible in Basic English BBE

And the Lord said to Moses, after the death of the two sons of Aaron when they took in strange fire before the Lord and death overtook them;

Free Bible Version FBV

The Lord spoke to Moses after the death of two of Aaron's sons when they went into the Lord's presence.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Fvrthermore the Lord spake vnto Moses, after the death of the two sonnes of Aaron, whe they came to offer before the Lord, and dyed:

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Jehovah speaketh unto Moses, after the death of the two sons of Aaron, in their drawing near before Jehovah, and they die;

World English Bible WEB

The LORD spoke to Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they came near before the LORD, and died;

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the LORD spoke to Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they offered before the LORD, and died:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the Lord spoke to Moses, after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they were slain upon their offering strange fire:

Translation for Translators T4T

After the two sons of Aaron died because they burned incense to Yahweh in a manner that was contrary to what Yahweh commanded, Yahweh spoke to Moses/me.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 16:1

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 16:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יְדַבֵּ֤ר יְהוָה֙ אֶל מֹשֶׁ֔ה אַחֲרֵ֣י מ֔וֹת שְׁנֵ֖י בְּנֵ֣י אַהֲרֹ֑ן בְּ/קָרְבָתָ֥/ם לִ/פְנֵי יְהוָ֖ה וַ/יָּמֻֽתוּ
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֤ר dâbar H1696 to speak Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
מֹשֶׁ֔ה Môsheh H4872 Moses N-proper
אַחֲרֵ֣י ʼachar H310 after Prep
מ֔וֹת mâveth H4194 death N-ms
שְׁנֵ֖י shᵉnayim H8147 two Adj
בְּנֵ֣י bên H1121 son N-mp
אַהֲרֹ֑ן ʼAhărôwn H175 Aaron N-proper
בְּ/קָרְבָתָ֥/ם qârab H7126 to present Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
לִ/פְנֵי pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp
יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
וַ/יָּמֻֽתוּ mûwth H4191 to die Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
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 16:1

וַ/יְדַבֵּ֤ר dâbar H1696 "to speak" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
יְהוָה֙ 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.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מֹשֶׁ֔ה Môsheh H4872 "Moses" N-proper
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
אַחֲרֵ֣י ʼachar H310 "after" Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
מ֔וֹת mâveth H4194 "death" N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to death, whether natural or violent, and is used in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It can also mean the place of the dead, or a state of ruin. This concept is seen in the story of Moses, where death is a punishment for disobedience.
Definition: 1) death, dying, Death (personified), realm of the dead 1a) death 1b) death by violence (as a penalty) 1c) state of death, place of death Aramaic equivalent: mot (מוֹת "death" H4193)
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: (be) dead(-ly), death, die(-d). See also: Genesis 21:16; Job 38:17; Psalms 6:6.
שְׁנֵ֖י shᵉnayim H8147 "two" Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
בְּנֵ֣י bên H1121 "son" 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.
אַהֲרֹ֑ן ʼAhărôwn H175 "Aaron" N-proper
Aaron was the brother of Moses and the first high priest of the Israelites. He was a leader in the Exodus from Egypt and played a key role in the early history of the Israelites. His story is told in Exodus and Leviticus.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.4.14; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Moses (H4872) and Miriam (H4813); married to Elisheba (H0472); father of: Nadab (H5070), Abihu (H0030), Eleazar (H0499) and Ithamar (H0385) Also named: Aarōn (Ἀαρών "Aaron" G0002) § Aaron = "light bringer" brother of Moses, a Levite and the first high priest
Usage: Occurs in 328 OT verses. KJV: Aaron. See also: Exodus 4:14; Exodus 34:31; Numbers 3:39.
בְּ/קָרְבָתָ֥/ם qârab H7126 "to present" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.
Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.
לִ/פְנֵי 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.
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/יָּמֻֽתוּ 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.

Study Notes — Leviticus 16:1

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Leviticus 10:1–2 Now 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. So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died in the presence of the LORD.

Leviticus 16:1 Summary

This verse reminds us that God is a holy and just God who demands to be worshiped in the way He has prescribed, as seen in Exodus 30:10 and Leviticus 10:3. After the death of Aaron's two sons, God spoke to Moses to provide further instructions on how to approach His presence, which is a powerful reminder of the importance of reverence and obedience. Just as Aaron had to be careful in his approach to God, we must also be mindful of our own approach to God, and seek to worship Him in spirit and truth, as Jesus taught in John 4:24. By following God's instructions and seeking to honor Him, we can avoid the mistakes of Aaron's sons and cultivate a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God, as seen in Psalm 103:1-5 and Hebrews 10:19-25.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to the two sons of Aaron?

The two sons of Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, died when they approached the presence of the Lord with unauthorized fire, as recorded in Leviticus 10:1-2, and this event is referenced in Leviticus 16:1 as a reminder of the importance of following God's instructions.

Why did God speak to Moses after the death of Aaron's sons?

God spoke to Moses after the death of Aaron's sons to remind him and Aaron of the importance of following God's instructions carefully, and to provide further instructions on how to approach God's presence, as seen in Leviticus 16:2-3 and supported by Exodus 30:10.

What can we learn from the death of Aaron's sons?

The death of Aaron's sons teaches us about the importance of reverence and obedience to God's commands, as seen in Leviticus 10:3 and Deuteronomy 4:24, and reminds us that God is a holy and just God who demands to be worshiped in the way He has prescribed.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?

This verse sets the stage for the instructions that follow in Leviticus 16, which provide the details for the Day of Atonement, and serves as a reminder of the importance of proper worship and sacrifice, as supported by Hebrews 9:7 and Leviticus 23:27-28.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I can show reverence and respect for God in my daily life, just as Aaron was instructed to do in Leviticus 16:1-3?
  2. How can I balance my desire for a close relationship with God with the need to approach Him with humility and reverence, as seen in Isaiah 6:1-5 and Leviticus 16:1?
  3. What are some 'unauthorized fires' in my life that I need to avoid, and how can I ensure that my worship and service to God are pleasing to Him, as seen in Leviticus 10:1-2 and Matthew 15:9?
  4. How can I use the example of Aaron's sons as a reminder to be careful and obedient in my own walk with God, and to trust in His goodness and mercy, as seen in Psalm 119:67 and Romans 11:22?

Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 16:1

And the Lord spake unto Moses, after the death of the two sons of Aaron,.... That is, either immediately after their death, and so this chapter would have stood in its natural order next to the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 16:1

And the LORD spake unto Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they offered before the LORD, and died; After the death of the two sons of Aaron.

Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 16:1

Leviticus 16:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they offered before the LORD, and died;Ver. 1. After the death.] That others might be warned. Lege historiam, ne fias historia, saith one. When they offered before the Lord.] A little strange fire might seem a small matter in the eyes of indifferency: and yet it was such a sin as made all Israel guilty, as appears by the sacrifices offered for that sin, set down in this chapter.

Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 16:1

XVI.(1) And the Lord spake unto Moses.—As the observance of the minute regulations given in the preceding chapters about the daily sacrifices and purifications would necessarily be tainted with many imperfections and shortcomings, both on the part of the mediating priests and the offering laity, a general day of atonement is here instituted, when priest and people are alike to obtain atonement once a year for the sins which were mixed up even with their sacred worship. The day of atonement enacted in the chapter before us is therefore an appropriate conclusion of the laws of purification in the preceding chapters. It is an annual supplement and completion of all the ordinances which were daily practised, and the design of which was to obtain atonement and reconciliation. After the death of the two sons of Aaron.—That is, after Nadab and Abihu, his two eldest sons, had died, in consequence of having presumptuously entered the sanctuary in a profane manner, and at an irregular time. (See Leviticus 10:1-2.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 16:1

CHAPTER XVI The solemn yearly expiation for the high priest, who must not come at all times into the holy place, 1, 2. He must take a bullock for a sin-offering, and a ram for a burnt-offering, bathe himself, and be dressed in his sacerdotal robes, 3, 4. He shall take two goats, one of which is to be determined by lot to be a sacrifice; the other to be a scapegoat, 5-10. He shall offer a bullock for himself and for his family, 11-14. And shall kill the goat as a sin-offering for the people, and sprinkle its blood upon the mercy-seat, and hallow the altar of burnt-offerings, 15-19. The scapegoat shall be then brought, on the head of which he shall lay his hands, and confess the iniquities of the children of Israel; after which the goat shall be permitted to escape to the wilderness, 20-22. After this Aaron shall bathe himself, and make a burnt-offering for himself and for the people, 23-28. This is to be an everlasting statute, and the day on which the atonement is to be made shall be a Sabbath, or day of rest, through all their generations, 29-34. NOTES ON CHAP. XVI Verse 1. After the death of the two sons of Aaron] It appears from this verse that the natural place of this chapter is immediately after the tenth, where probably it originally stood; but the transposition, if it did take place, must be very ancient, as all the versions acknowledge this chapter in the place in which it now stands.

Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 16:1

1. On the introductory clauses see App. I (d), pp. 163 ff.

Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 16:1

The reference to the death of Nadab and Abihu is a notice of the occasion on which the instructions were given, well calculated to add point and emphasis to the solemn admonition to the high priest in the second verse.

Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 16:1

THE OF THE , Leviticus 16:1-2. 1. After the death of the two sons of Aaron — This judgment of Jehovah is recorded in chap.

Sermons on Leviticus 16:1

SermonDescription
Ron Bailey An Introduction to the Day of Atonement by Ron Bailey In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the tragedy that occurred in one of the leading families of the Israelites right at the beginning of their journey as a nation of priests. T
Andrew Murray "Ye Are the Branches " by Andrew Murray The preacher delves into the significance of the high priest in Israel, highlighting their role as mediators between Jehovah and the nation, especially during the Day of Atonement.
Chuck Smith 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
Jonathan Edwards A Warning to Professors by Jonathan Edwards In this sermon by Jonathan Edwards, he addresses those who attend religious ordinances but continue to engage in known sins. He warns them about the mockery they are guilty of by p
E.A. Johnston A Silent Church Amidst a Sinful Nation by E.A. Johnston In this sermon, the speaker highlights the current state of the Christian Church, describing it as helpless and facing powers of darkness. He emphasizes that the Church has substit
Leonard Ravenhill God's Work in the Darkness by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that entertainment is a substitute for true joy and that the glory of God needs to be restored. He mentions the importance of being anointed
J. Glyn Owen The Solemn Side of Worship by J. Glyn Owen In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Aaron and his two sons who were struck down by God's judgment. The speaker emphasizes that God's judgment was not disproportionat
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