Leviticus 10:17

KJV

Wherefore have ye not eaten the sin offering in the holy place, seeing it [is] most holy, and [God] hath given it you to bear the iniquity of the congregation, to make atonement for them before the LORD?

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore have ye not eaten {H398} the sin offering {H2403} in the holy {H6944} place {H4725}, seeing it is most {H6944} holy {H6944}, and God hath given {H5414} it you to bear {H5375} the iniquity {H5771} of the congregation {H5712}, to make atonement {H3722} for them before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}?

Complete Jewish Bible

"Why didn't you eat the sin offering in the area of the sanctuary, since it is especially holy? He gave it to you to take away the guilt of the community, to make atonement for them before ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

“Why didn’t you eat the sin offering in the holy place? For it is most holy; it was given to you to take away the guilt of the congregation by making atonement for them before the LORD.

American Standard Version

Wherefore have ye not eaten the sin-offering in the place of the sanctuary, seeing it is most holy, and he hath given it you to bear the iniquity of the congregation, to make atonement for them before Jehovah?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 10:17 records Moses' sharp rebuke to Aaron and his remaining sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, questioning their failure to consume the sin offering in the holy place. This omission, occurring immediately after the tragic deaths of Nadab and Abihu for unauthorized worship, underscored the critical importance of strict adherence to God's commands regarding priestly duties. The verse emphasizes the profound sanctity of the sin offering and its essential role in the divinely ordained process of bearing the congregation's iniquity and making atonement before the LORD.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated in the immediate, raw aftermath of a profound divine judgment. In [Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - The Death of Nadab and Abihu"), Aaron's elder sons, Nadab and Abihu, offered "strange fire" before the LORD, resulting in their instantaneous consumption by divine fire. This catastrophic event served as a terrifying demonstration of God's absolute holiness and the non-negotiable requirement for precise obedience in worship. Moses' subsequent instructions to Aaron and his surviving sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, in [Leviticus 10:3-11](/leviticus/10-3 "Leviticus 10:3-11 - Moses' Instructions to Aaron") reiterate the gravity of their priestly office and the necessity of distinguishing between the holy and the common, the clean and the unclean. It is within this atmosphere of heightened awareness of divine wrath and the sanctity of priestly service that Moses confronts Aaron regarding the neglected sin offering, directly referencing the regulations previously established in [Leviticus 6:26](/leviticus/6-26 "Leviticus 6:26 - Regulations for the Sin Offering").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Levitical priesthood and the sacrificial system were the divinely appointed means by which ancient Israel could approach a holy God. Following the detailed instructions for the tabernacle's construction and the ordination of the priests in [Exodus 25-40](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") and [Leviticus 8](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8 - The Ordination of Aaron and His Sons"), the people were now learning the practical implications of living in covenant with a holy God. The sin offering (Hebrew: *chatta't*) was one of the most significant sacrifices, designed to atone for unintentional sins committed by individuals or the community. A crucial aspect of this offering, as outlined in [Leviticus 6:24-30](/leviticus/6-24 "Leviticus 6:24-30 - Further Regulations for the Sin Offering"), was that certain parts of the offering, specifically the flesh, were to be eaten by the priests in a holy place. This act was not merely a meal but a ritualistic participation in the atonement process, signifying the priests' role in bearing the iniquity of the people. Their failure to perform this specific duty, especially after the recent divine judgment, indicated a profound lapse in their understanding or execution of their sacred responsibilities.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Most holy (Hebrew, _qōḏeš qāḏāšîm'_):** This phrase, literally "holiness of holinesses" or "holy of holies," denotes the highest degree of sanctity. It is used to describe objects or places supremely consecrated to God, such as the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle ([Exodus 26:33](/exodus/26-33 "Exodus 26:33 - The Most Holy Place")) or the offerings that were exclusively for priestly consumption in the holy area, not to be taken outside. Its application to the sin offering emphasizes its inherent sacredness and the strict protocols required for its handling and consumption, underscoring the gravity of Aaron's oversight.
* **To bear the iniquity (Hebrew, _lāśēʾṯ ʾeṯ-ʿăwōn'_):** The verb *nasa'* means "to lift, carry, bear," and *'avon* refers to "iniquity, guilt, punishment for sin." This phrase describes the priestly function of symbolically taking upon themselves the burden of the people's sin through the consumption of the sin offering. This act was understood as a vicarious bearing of guilt, enabling the removal or transfer of sin from the congregation. It was a crucial part of the atonement process, facilitating reconciliation between the sinful people and a holy God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore have ye not eaten the sin offering in the holy place,"**: Moses' question is a direct and pointed rebuke, highlighting a specific failure in priestly duty. The sin offering's flesh was designated for the priests to eat in a holy area, such as the courtyard of the tabernacle, as part of the ritual. Their omission was a serious breach of established protocol, especially in the wake of Nadab and Abihu's judgment.
* **"seeing it [is] most holy,"**: This clause provides the theological justification for Moses' question and the severity of the priests' error. The sin offering, by divine decree, possessed the highest degree of sanctity. Its "most holy" status meant it could not be treated lightly or its prescribed rituals ignored. Its sacred nature demanded strict adherence to God's instructions for its handling, which included priestly consumption.
* **"and [God] hath given it you to bear the iniquity of the congregation,"**: This explains the profound purpose of the priests eating the sin offering. It was not merely a meal, but a divinely appointed ritual through which the priests, by consuming the offering, symbolically "bore" or "carried away" the guilt and punishment of the community's sin. This act made them participants in the process of cleansing and purification for the people.
* **"to make atonement for them before the LORD?"**: This final clause states the ultimate goal of the entire sin offering ritual, including the priestly consumption. The act of "bearing iniquity" was essential for "making atonement" (Hebrew: *kipper*), which means to cover, purge, or reconcile. The priests' actions facilitated the removal of the congregation's guilt, allowing them to stand reconciled and acceptable in the presence of a holy God.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 10:17 employs several potent literary devices. The verse opens with a **Rhetorical Question**, "Wherefore have ye not eaten the sin offering...?" This is not a request for information but a forceful expression of disapproval and a challenge to Aaron and his sons, designed to underscore their dereliction of duty. The phrase "**most holy**" (Hebrew: *qōḏeš qāḏāšîm*) functions as an **Intensifier** or **Superlative**, emphasizing the extreme sanctity of the offering and, by extension, the gravity of their failure to treat it with the required reverence. Furthermore, the entire verse, particularly the concept of the priests "bearing the iniquity" through consuming the offering, serves as powerful **Symbolism**. The physical act of eating the sacred flesh symbolically represents the priests' vicarious identification with the people's sin and their role in facilitating its removal, thereby foreshadowing a deeper spiritual truth about substitutionary atonement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 10:17 profoundly illustrates the meticulousness of God's holiness and the weighty responsibility of those called to mediate between God and humanity. The sin offering, being "most holy," demanded absolute adherence to divine protocol, revealing that God's grace is always met with specific requirements for worship and obedience. The concept of the priests "bearing the iniquity" of the congregation underscores the vicarious nature of atonement, where one party (the priest) ritually takes on the burden of another's (the congregation's) sin to facilitate reconciliation. This act was not merely symbolic but a vital component of the covenant relationship, emphasizing that sin creates a barrier that requires divine provision and human participation (through the priests) to overcome. This theme of substitutionary bearing of sin is a foundational thread woven throughout Scripture, pointing to a greater reality.

* [Isaiah 53:6](/isaiah/53-6 "Isaiah 53:6 - All We Like Sheep Have Gone Astray")
* [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us")
* [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 10:17 serves as a stark reminder that God's holiness is not to be trifled with, and His commands are not arbitrary suggestions. For those called to serve in any capacity, whether as leaders or as members of the body of Christ, this verse underscores the necessity of diligent obedience and a profound reverence for God's revealed will. Our service is not merely about outward actions but about understanding and embracing the spiritual significance of what God has called us to do. Just as the priests' failure to eat the sin offering was a serious omission that hindered the full atonement process for the congregation, our own spiritual omissions or half-hearted obedience can impact not only our relationship with God but also our effectiveness in serving others. It calls us to examine our hearts and ensure that our worship and service are characterized by both knowledge and sincere devotion, recognizing the profound privilege and responsibility of being called into God's presence and work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "most holy" nature of the sin offering inform our understanding of God's character and the reverence due to Him in our worship today?**
* **In what ways might we, like Aaron's sons, inadvertently neglect or misunderstand aspects of our spiritual duties or callings?**
* **How does the concept of "bearing iniquity" in the Old Testament deepen our appreciation for the complete work of Christ on the cross?**
* **What specific areas of my life or service might require greater attention to God's revealed instructions and a deeper sense of spiritual responsibility?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so important for the priests to eat the sin offering?**

Answer: It was crucial because it was a divinely commanded act, integral to the atonement process for the congregation. By eating the "most holy" flesh of the sin offering in a holy place, the priests symbolically "bore the iniquity" of the people. This act was not merely a meal but a ritualistic participation in the transfer and removal of sin, facilitating reconciliation between the sinful community and a holy God. Their failure to do so, as highlighted by Moses in [Leviticus 10:17](/leviticus/10-17 "Leviticus 10:17 - Moses' Rebuke to Aaron"), was a serious dereliction of their sacred duty, especially in light of the recent divine judgment on Nadab and Abihu for unauthorized worship in [Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - The Death of Nadab and Abihu").

**What does "most holy" mean in the context of the sin offering?**

Answer: "Most holy" (Hebrew: *qōḏeš qāḏāšîm*) signifies the highest degree of sanctity and consecration to God. It means the offering was set apart exclusively for divine purposes and required the utmost reverence and strict adherence to God's specific instructions for its handling and consumption. For the sin offering, this meant its flesh could only be eaten by the priests in a holy place, not taken outside or treated as common food. This designation underscored the gravity of sin and the solemnity of the atonement process, emphasizing that God's presence and His means of reconciliation demand absolute purity and obedience, as detailed in various Levitical laws, for example, [Leviticus 6:29](/leviticus/6-29 "Leviticus 6:29 - Holiness of the Sin Offering").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 10:17, with its emphasis on the "most holy" sin offering and the priests' role in "bearing the iniquity of the congregation to make atonement," finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Levitical sin offerings, though divinely ordained, were imperfect and temporary, requiring continuous repetition because the blood of bulls and goats could never truly take away sins ([Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - Imperfection of Animal Sacrifices")). They were shadows pointing to the coming reality. Jesus, however, is the [ultimate "most holy" sacrifice](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Spotless Sacrifice"), the spotless Lamb of God who offered Himself once for all time ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's One Sacrifice")). Unlike the priests who symbolically bore iniquity through ritual consumption, Christ truly [bore the iniquity of humanity](/isaiah/53-6 "Isaiah 53:6 - The Suffering Servant") on the cross, becoming sin for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us")). His perfect sacrifice was not a ritual to be eaten, but a complete and final act of substitutionary atonement, fully satisfying God's righteous demands and providing eternal redemption for all who believe ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Eternal Redemption Through Christ")). Thus, the temporary priestly function of bearing sin is superseded by Christ's singular, perfect work, making direct access to God possible without the need for an earthly mediator or repeated sacrifices ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator")).

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

Exodus 28:38

And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD.

Numbers 18:1

¶ And the LORD said unto Aaron, Thou and thy sons and thy father's house with thee shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuary: and thou and thy sons with thee shall bear the iniquity of your priesthood.

Leviticus 6:24

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Leviticus 6:30

And no sin offering, whereof [any] of the blood is brought into the tabernacle of the congregation to reconcile [withal] in the holy [place], shall be eaten: it shall be burnt in the fire.

Exodus 28:43

And they shall be upon Aaron, and upon his sons, when they come in unto the tabernacle of the congregation, or when they come near unto the altar to minister in the holy [place]; that they bear not iniquity, and die: [it shall be] a statute for ever unto him and his seed after him.

John 1:29

¶ The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

Leviticus 16:22

And the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited: and he shall let go the goat in the wilderness.