Leviticus 10:10

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

And that ye may put difference {H914} between holy {H6944} and unholy {H2455}, and between unclean {H2931} and clean {H2889};

so that you will distinguish between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean;

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

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

Commentary

Leviticus 10:10 (KJV)

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

Context

This verse follows the tragic death of Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu, who offered "strange fire" to the Lord, resulting in their immediate judgment (Leviticus 10:1-2). In the aftermath, Moses gives specific instructions to Aaron and his remaining sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, regarding their priestly duties and proper conduct before God. Verse 10 explains a fundamental responsibility of the priesthood: to discern and teach the vital distinctions required by God's holiness.

Meaning and Significance

This verse highlights the critical role of the priests as mediators and instructors for the people of Israel. Their duty was not just to perform rituals, but to understand and uphold the divine standards of separation.

  • Holy vs. Unholy: This distinction concerns things set apart for God's exclusive use (holy) versus things that are common or profane (unholy). The priests had to ensure that sacred spaces, objects, and times were treated with reverence and kept separate from common use to maintain their sanctity.
  • Unclean vs. Clean: This distinction relates to ritual purity. Certain conditions (like disease or contact with a dead body) or substances could render a person or object ritually "unclean," making them temporarily unfit for worship or contact with holy things. The priests were responsible for identifying states of uncleanness, guiding people through purification rituals, and declaring when someone was clean again.

The Hebrew word for "put difference" (lΔ•habdil) means "to separate," "to divide," or "to distinguish." This wasn't a passive recognition but an active role in maintaining boundaries and teaching the people how to live in a way that honored God's holiness.

Application

While the specific ceremonial laws of clean and unclean are part of the Old Covenant, the underlying principle of discerning between what is acceptable and unacceptable to God remains crucial for believers today. As a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), we are called to live lives set apart for God. This involves:

  • Actively discerning between things that are holy and honor God versus those that are profane or worldly.
  • Striving for spiritual purity and avoiding things that defile us or hinder our relationship with God.
  • Living in accordance with God's command: "Be ye holy; for I am holy" (1 Peter 1:16).

Leviticus 10:10 serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of making clear distinctions in our lives, choosing what is clean and holy in God's sight.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 22:26

    Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed [difference] between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them.

  • 1 Peter 1:14

    As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:

  • 1 Peter 1:16

    Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

  • Leviticus 11:47

    To make a difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the beast that may be eaten and the beast that may not be eaten.

  • Ezekiel 44:23

    And they shall teach my people [the difference] between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.

  • Titus 1:15

    Unto the pure all things [are] pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving [is] nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.

  • Jeremiah 15:19

    Therefore thus saith the LORD, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, [and] thou shalt stand before me: and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them.
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