Leviticus 10:11

KJV

And that ye may teach the children of Israel all the statutes which the LORD hath spoken unto them by the hand of Moses.

KJV (with Strong's)

And that ye may teach {H3384} the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} all the statutes {H2706} which the LORD {H3068} hath spoken {H1696} unto them by the hand {H3027} of Moses {H4872}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and so that you will teach the people of Isra'el all the laws ADONAI has told them through Moshe."

Berean Standard Bible

so that you may teach the Israelites all the statutes that the LORD has given them through Moses.”

American Standard Version

and that ye may teach the children of Israel all the statutes which Jehovah hath spoken unto them by Moses.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 10:11 articulates a profound and foundational responsibility of the Aaronic priesthood: to diligently instruct the entire community of Israel in all the divine statutes and ordinances that the LORD had revealed through Moses. This crucial command, delivered immediately after the severe judgment on Nadab and Abihu for their unauthorized worship, powerfully underscores the critical importance of discernment, strict adherence to God's holy commands, and the priests' indispensable role as authoritative interpreters and communicators of God's revealed will to His covenant people. It highlights that proper worship and holy living are inextricably linked to a comprehensive understanding of divine truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 10:11 is strategically positioned as a pivotal instruction following the dramatic and terrifying judgment upon Nadab and Abihu in [Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1-2 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - The Death of Nadab and Abihu"). Their offering of "strange fire"—an act of disobedience and presumption—resulted in their immediate consumption by divine fire, serving as a stark and unforgettable lesson on the absolute necessity of obedience, reverence, and purity in approaching a holy God. In the immediate aftermath, Aaron and his remaining sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, receive precise directives concerning their conduct in the Tabernacle, including a prohibition against consuming wine or strong drink before ministering ([Leviticus 10:8-9](/leviticus/10-8-9 "Leviticus 10:8-9 - Prohibition of Wine for Priests")). This command for self-control was essential for maintaining clear judgment, enabling them to "put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean" ([Leviticus 10:10](/leviticus/10-10 "Leviticus 10:10 - Priestly Discernment")). It is this divinely enabled capacity for spiritual discernment that directly precedes and undergirds their teaching mandate in [Leviticus 10:11](/leviticus/10-11 "Leviticus 10:11 - Priestly Teaching Mandate"), emphasizing that their ritual duties were intrinsically linked to their pedagogical role in guiding the nation toward covenant faithfulness and holiness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The establishment of Israel as a covenant people at Sinai, detailed extensively in [Exodus 19-24](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19-24 - The Giving of the Law at Sinai") and elaborated throughout Leviticus, set them apart from all other nations. In the ancient Near East, religious leaders often served as custodians of sacred knowledge and interpreters of divine will. However, Israel's priesthood was unique in that their authority derived directly from Yahweh's explicit commands, not from human tradition or self-appointment. The "statutes which the LORD hath spoken unto them by the hand of Moses" refers to the comprehensive body of Mosaic Law, which governed every facet of Israelite life—religious, civil, and moral. In a largely pre-literate society, oral instruction and consistent teaching were paramount for transmitting these intricate laws across generations. The priests, as the divinely appointed custodians of the covenant and the Tabernacle rituals, were therefore the primary educators responsible for ensuring that the entire nation understood and adhered to God's revealed standards of holiness, purity, and justice. This understanding was essential for maintaining God's holy presence among them and fulfilling their unique covenantal obligations as a kingdom of priests and a holy nation ([Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - A Kingdom of Priests and a Holy Nation")).

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 10:11 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Holiness and Purity**. The entire book of Leviticus is dedicated to teaching Israel how to live as a holy people in the presence of a holy God, and this verse highlights the priestly role in enabling the people to "put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean" ([Leviticus 10:10](/leviticus/10-10 "Leviticus 10:10 - Priestly Discernment")). Another critical theme is **Divine Authority and Obedience**. The tragic events preceding this verse underscore that God's commands are not suggestions but absolute requirements, and the teaching mandate ensures that the people are fully aware of these non-negotiable divine standards. The verse also emphasizes the theme of **Mediation and Revelation**, as the statutes are explicitly stated to be those "which the LORD hath spoken unto them by the hand of Moses," affirming Moses' unique role as God's chosen mediator and the divine origin of the Law. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Covenant Responsibility**, as the priests' teaching ensures the nation's capacity to uphold its covenant obligations and walk in the ways of the LORD, thereby securing His continued blessing and presence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **teach (Hebrew, _yârâh'_):** From the primitive root H3384, _yârâh_ fundamentally means "to flow as water," "to lay or throw" (like an arrow), or "to point out" (as if aiming the finger). In its causative (Hiphil) stem, as used here, it signifies "to instruct," "to show the way," "to direct," or "to guide." This is the very root from which the Hebrew word _Torah_ (תּוֹרָה), meaning "instruction" or "law," is derived. Therefore, the priestly role was not merely to recite rules but to actively guide, direct, and illuminate the path of God's will for the people, acting as spiritual navigators. Their teaching was meant to lead the Israelites in the way of righteousness, understanding, and proper conduct before God.
* **statutes (Hebrew, _chôq'_):** Derived from H2706, _chôq_ refers to an "enactment," "appointment," "decree," "law," or "ordinance." It often implies something fixed, prescribed, or even "engraved," suggesting permanence, immutability, and divine authority. Unlike temporary commands or ad-hoc judgments, _chôq_ denotes a binding, often ceremonial or cultic, law that is an integral part of the established divine order. The use of this word emphasizes that the priests were to teach not just general principles but specific, unchangeable divine mandates that governed the very fabric of Israelite life and worship, ensuring conformity to God's holy standards.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** From the primitive word H3027, _yâd_ literally refers to the "hand" (the open one, indicating power, means, or direction). Figuratively, it carries a wide range of meanings, including "power," "means," "dominion," "ministry," or "agency." In the phrase "by the hand of Moses," _yâd_ signifies Moses as the instrument or agent through whom God's will was communicated. It emphasizes that Moses was not the originator of the laws, but the divinely appointed conduit or intermediary, underscoring the direct divine origin and absolute authority of the statutes being taught.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And that ye may teach the children of Israel":** This clause directly states the primary purpose and recipient of the priestly instruction. The priests' divinely-enabled capacity to discern between holy and unholy, clean and unclean ([Leviticus 10:10](/leviticus/10-10 "Leviticus 10:10 - Priestly Discernment")), was not for their private knowledge or exclusive benefit but was to be actively transmitted to the entire community, "the children of Israel." This highlights the communal nature of God's covenant and the necessity of widespread understanding and obedience for the nation's spiritual well-being and their continued relationship with a holy God.
* **"all the statutes":** This phrase emphasizes the comprehensiveness and totality of the instruction. The priests were not permitted to pick and choose which laws to teach, to omit difficult passages, or to prioritize certain aspects over others. Their solemn mandate was to convey the entirety of God's revealed will, ensuring that no aspect of the divine covenant was withheld from the people. This underscores the holistic nature of God's law, encompassing all areas of life—moral, civil, and ceremonial—and requiring complete adherence.
* **"which the LORD hath spoken unto them by the hand of Moses":** This concluding phrase establishes the ultimate authority and immutable origin of these statutes. They were not human inventions, priestly traditions, or cultural norms, but direct divine revelation. The phrase "by the hand of Moses" affirms Moses' unique and indispensable role as the divinely appointed mediator through whom God communicated His will to Israel. This divine authorship imbued the statutes with absolute, unquestionable authority, making their diligent teaching and faithful obedience paramount for the covenant people.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 10:11 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The verse functions as a **Didactic Statement**, directly instructing the priests on their pedagogical duty, emphasizing the practical outcome of their spiritual discernment. There is a strong sense of **Juxtaposition** in its placement immediately after the tragic deaths of Nadab and Abihu; the severe consequence of disobedience (death) is immediately followed by the divine mandate for diligent instruction, highlighting that comprehensive knowledge and faithful adherence to God's commands are essential for life, blessing, and avoiding divine judgment. The phrase "which the LORD hath spoken unto them by the hand of Moses" serves as an **Authoritative Declaration**, lending immense weight and immutable authority to the statutes and the teaching thereof by grounding them firmly in direct divine revelation and mediated authority. This also functions as a powerful form of **Emphasis** on the divine origin, reinforcing the non-negotiable nature of the laws and the solemnity of the priestly teaching role.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 10:11 profoundly underscores the divine origin and authoritative nature of God's law, revealing His desire for His people to know and obey His will. It establishes the Old Testament priesthood not merely as ritual functionaries, but as vital spiritual educators entrusted with the sacred task of mediating divine truth to the community. This teaching role was fundamental to Israel's covenant relationship with God, ensuring that the nation understood the distinctions between the holy and the common, the clean and the unclean, thereby enabling them to live in a manner that honored God and maintained His presence among them. The verse highlights that true worship, proper conduct, and covenant faithfulness flow from an informed understanding of God's revealed character and commands, and that ignorance of His law can lead to severe consequences.

* [Deuteronomy 6:7](/deuteronomy/6-7 "Teaching Children Diligently")
* [Malachi 2:7](/malachi/2-7 "Malachi 2:7 - The Priest's Lips Should Guard Knowledge")
* [2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2_timothy/3-16-17 "2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is God-breathed and Profitable")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 10:11, though rooted in the Old Covenant priesthood, offers enduring principles for all believers today, particularly for those in spiritual leadership. It reminds us that true spiritual leadership is fundamentally about teaching God's Word with clarity, authority, and diligence. Whether in the pulpit, the classroom, the small group, or the home, those entrusted with spiritual influence bear a profound responsibility to accurately transmit divine truth, "all the statutes" of God's revealed will. Furthermore, the verse calls every believer to cultivate a spirit of discernment, actively seeking to understand God's statutes so we can distinguish between truth and error, holiness and profanity, and clean and unclean in a world that increasingly blurs these essential lines. Our ability to live lives pleasing to God is directly tied to our knowledge and application of His Word, which remains our authoritative guide for faith and practice. Just as the Israelites needed constant instruction, so too do we need to continually immerse ourselves in Scripture, allowing it to shape our minds, transform our hearts, and direct our paths in every area of life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does my personal pursuit of God's Word reflect the importance of knowing "all the statutes" as emphasized in this verse?**
* **How can I better exercise discernment in my daily life, distinguishing between what is holy and unholy, clean and unclean, according to biblical principles?**
* **If I am in a position of spiritual influence (parent, teacher, leader, mentor), how am I faithfully fulfilling the mandate to "teach the children of Israel" (or those under my care) God's truth with diligence and clarity?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure that God's authoritative Word, rather than cultural trends, personal preferences, or fleeting opinions, is the ultimate guide for my life and decisions?**

### FAQ
**Why is this command given immediately after the death of Nadab and Abihu?**

Answer: The immediate context of [Leviticus 10:11](/leviticus/10-11 "Leviticus 10:11 - Priestly Teaching Mandate") following the tragic deaths of Nadab and Abihu ([Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1-2 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - The Death of Nadab and Abihu")) is profoundly significant. Their sin was offering "strange fire"—an act of unauthorized worship and presumption before a holy God. This severe judgment underscored the absolute necessity of strict adherence to God's precise commands in all matters of worship and service. Therefore, the command to teach the statutes immediately thereafter emphasizes that proper worship and holy living are not based on human innovation, preference, or ignorance, but on precise divine instruction. The priests' ability to "put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean" ([Leviticus 10:10](/leviticus/10-10 "Leviticus 10:10 - Priestly Discernment")) was directly linked to their teaching role, ensuring that the entire nation understood and upheld these vital distinctions, thereby preventing similar acts of irreverence and maintaining God's holy presence among them. It highlights that ignorance or disregard of God's law can have devastating, even fatal, consequences.

**What is the significance of "by the hand of Moses"?**

Answer: The phrase "by the hand of Moses" is profoundly significant because it emphasizes the divine origin and authoritative mediation of the statutes. It declares that these laws were not human inventions, priestly traditions, or cultural norms, but direct revelations from the LORD Himself, communicated through His chosen prophet and mediator, Moses. This phrase authenticates the entire body of Mosaic Law as God's very Word to His people, establishing its immutable authority. It underscores that the priests were not to teach their own opinions, interpretations, or variations, but precisely "all the statutes which the LORD hath spoken." This divine authorship gave the laws absolute, unquestionable authority and made their diligent teaching and faithful obedience paramount for the covenant people of Israel, establishing the foundational legal, moral, and ceremonial framework for their national and spiritual life.

**Does this verse have any relevance for believers today, given the end of the Old Testament priesthood?**

Answer: Absolutely. While the Old Testament Levitical priesthood has been fulfilled and superseded by Christ's perfect high priesthood ([Hebrews 7:11-28](/hebrews/7 "Hebrews 7 - Christ a Superior Priest")), the underlying principles of [Leviticus 10:11](/leviticus/10-11 "Leviticus 10:11 - Priestly Teaching Mandate") remain highly relevant for New Covenant believers. First, it highlights the enduring importance of God's Word as the authoritative guide for faith and life. Just as the priests taught the statutes, so too are Christian leaders (pastors, teachers, elders) called to faithfully teach "all the counsel of God" ([Acts 20:27](/acts/20-27 "Acts 20:27 - Paul's Farewell to the Ephesian Elders")). Second, it underscores the universal priesthood of all believers ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")), who are called to know, live by, and share God's truth. Parents, in particular, bear a vital responsibility to teach their "children" God's ways ([Deuteronomy 6:7](/deuteronomy/6-7 "Deuteronomy 6:7 - Teaching Children Diligently")). Finally, the emphasis on discernment ([Leviticus 10:10](/leviticus/10-10 "Leviticus 10:10 - Priestly Discernment")) is timeless; believers must continually learn to distinguish between truth and error, holiness and worldliness, in an increasingly complex moral and spiritual landscape.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 10:11, with its emphasis on the Levitical priesthood's sacred role in teaching God's statutes, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant priests were imperfect mediators of God's law, Christ is the **Logos**, the very Word of God incarnate ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh")), who perfectly embodies and reveals the Father's will. He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), perfectly living out "all the statutes" and demonstrating their true meaning and spiritual intent. As the Great Teacher, Jesus consistently taught with unparalleled authority, explaining the depths of God's law and its spiritual demands, moving beyond mere external observance to the transformation of the heart ([Matthew 7:28-29](/matthew/7-28-29 "Matthew 7:28-29 - Jesus' Authority in Teaching")).

Under the New Covenant, the teaching mandate is transformed and expanded. Christ, our ultimate High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Our Great High Priest")), not only perfectly taught God's truth but also inaugurated a new era where God's law is written on the hearts of His people by the Holy Spirit ([Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant Written on Hearts")). The Spirit, whom Christ promised, guides believers into all truth and teaches them all things ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Teacher")). Furthermore, Christ commissioned His disciples, and by extension the church throughout all ages, to "go therefore and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you" ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). Thus, the teaching function of the Old Testament priesthood is perfectly fulfilled in Christ's complete revelation and continues through the Spirit-empowered ministry of His church, which is called to faithfully declare the whole counsel of God, centered on the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 28:20

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.

Malachi 2:7

For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he [is] the messenger of the LORD of hosts.

Nehemiah 8:8

So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused [them] to understand the reading.

Nehemiah 8:2

And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month.

Jeremiah 18:18

¶ Then said they, Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, and let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words.

Deuteronomy 24:8

Take heed in the plague of leprosy, that thou observe diligently, and do according to all that the priests the Levites shall teach you: as I commanded them, [so] ye shall observe to do.

Deuteronomy 33:10

They shall teach Jacob thy judgments, and Israel thy law: they shall put incense before thee, and whole burnt sacrifice upon thine altar.