Numbers 26:61
Numbers 26:61 in Multiple Translations
but Nadab and Abihu died when they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD.
And Nadab and Abihu died, when they offered strange fire before the LORD.
And Nadab and Abihu died, when they offered strange fire before Jehovah.
Death overtook Nadab and Abihu when they made an offering of strange fire before the Lord.
but Nadab and Abihu died when they offered forbidden fire in the Lord's presence.
And Nadab and Abihu dyed, because they offred strange fire before the Lord.
and Nadab dieth — Abihu also — in their bringing near strange fire before Jehovah.
Nadab and Abihu died when they offered strange fire before the LORD.
And Nadab and Abihu died, when they offered strange fire before the LORD.
Of whom Nadab and Abiu died, when they had offered the strange fire before the Lord.
But Nadab and Abihu died when they burned incense for a sacrifice to Yahweh in a way that disobeyed what Yahweh had commanded.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 26:61
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.
Numbers 26:61 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּ֥מָת
נָדָ֖ב
וַ/אֲבִיה֑וּא
בְּ/הַקְרִיבָ֥/ם
אֵשׁ
זָרָ֖ה
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
יְהוָֽה
וַ/יָּ֥מָת
mûwth
H4191
to die
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
נָדָ֖ב
Nâdâb
H5070
Nadab
N-proper
וַ/אֲבִיה֑וּא
ʼĂbîyhûwʼ
H30
Abihu
Conj | N-proper
בְּ/הַקְרִיבָ֥/ם
qârab
H7126
to present
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
אֵשׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
N-cs
זָרָ֖ה
zûwr
H2114
be a stranger
Adj
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 26:61
וַ/יָּ֥מָת
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.
נָדָ֖ב
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/אֲבִיה֑וּא
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.
בְּ/הַקְרִיבָ֥/ם
qârab
H7126
"to present"
Prep | V-Hiphil-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.
אֵשׁ
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.
זָרָ֖ה
zûwr
H2114
"be a stranger"
Adj
This word has several meanings, including being a stranger or foreigner, like when Abraham lived in Egypt as a foreigner. It can also mean to commit adultery, highlighting the idea of turning aside from what is right and proper, as warned against in Proverbs 5.
Definition: 1) to be strange, be a stranger 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become estranged 1a2) strange, another, stranger, foreigner, an enemy (participle) 1a3) strange woman, prostitute, harlot (meton) 1b) (Niphal) to be estranged 1c) (Hophal) to be a stranger, be one alienated
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: (come from) another (man, place), fanner, go away, (e-) strange(-r, thing, woman). See also: Exodus 29:33; Proverbs 11:15; Psalms 44:21.
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 — Numbers 26:61
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Levites Numbered
59and Amram’s wife was named Jochebed. She was also a daughter of Levi, born to Levi in Egypt. To Amram she bore Aaron, Moses, and their sister Miriam.
60Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar were born to Aaron,
61but Nadab and Abihu died when they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD.
62The registration of the Levites totaled 23,000, every male a month old or more; they were not numbered among the other Israelites, because no inheritance was given to them among the Israelites. 63These were the ones numbered by Moses and Eleazar the priest when they counted the Israelites on the plains of Moab by the Jordan, across from Jericho.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | 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. |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 24:1–2 | These were the divisions of the descendants of Aaron. The sons of Aaron were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. But Nadab and Abihu died before their father did, and they had no sons; so Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests. |
Numbers 26:61 Summary
This verse reminds us that God is holy and expects us to follow His instructions carefully, as seen in the story of Nadab and Abihu who died for offering unauthorized fire before the Lord. Their actions show us that disobeying God's commands can have serious consequences. We can learn from their mistake by being careful to follow God's Word in our own lives, and by worshiping Him in the ways He has commanded, such as in Exodus 25-31 and Leviticus 1-7. By doing so, we demonstrate our love and respect for God, and we can avoid the dangers of disobedience, living a life that honors Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to offer unauthorized fire before the Lord?
Offering unauthorized fire before the Lord refers to the act of Nadab and Abihu using fire not prescribed by God to burn incense, as seen in Leviticus 10:1, which led to their death as a result of disobedience to God's specific instructions.
Why were Nadab and Abihu's actions so severely punished?
Nadab and Abihu's actions were severely punished because they disregarded God's clear instructions and commandments, demonstrating a lack of reverence and respect for God's holiness, as emphasized in Leviticus 10:3 and Numbers 3:4.
What lessons can be learned from the deaths of Nadab and Abihu?
The deaths of Nadab and Abihu teach us about the importance of obedience to God's commandments and the dangers of disobedience, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Hebrews 12:29, where God's holiness and justice are highlighted.
How does this event relate to the broader biblical theme of worship?
This event highlights the importance of proper worship and the need to follow God's instructions for worship, as seen in Exodus 25-31 and Leviticus 1-7, demonstrating that worship is not just a personal expression but must be guided by God's Word and done in a way that honors Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I might be offering 'unauthorized fire' in my own life, and how can I correct these actions to align with God's will?
- How can I cultivate a deeper reverence for God's holiness and commands in my daily life?
- In what ways can I ensure that my worship is pleasing to God, and what are some potential pitfalls to avoid in my own worship practices?
- What role does obedience play in my relationship with God, and how can I prioritize obedience in my daily decisions and actions?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 26:61
[See comments on Numbers 26:57]
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 26:61
And the name of Amram's wife was Jochebed, the daughter of Levi, whom her mother bare to Levi in Egypt: and she bare unto Amram Aaron and Moses, and Miriam their sister. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 26:61
61. See on Numbers 3:4.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 26:61
61. Strange fire — Leviticus 10:1, note.
Sermons on Numbers 26:61
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(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 |
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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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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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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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 |