Leviticus 10:19

KJV

And Aaron said unto Moses, Behold, this day have they offered their sin offering and their burnt offering before the LORD; and such things have befallen me: and [if] I had eaten the sin offering to day, should it have been accepted in the sight of the LORD?

KJV (with Strong's)

And Aaron {H175} said {H1696} unto Moses {H4872}, Behold, this day {H3117} have they offered {H7126} their sin offering {H2403} and their burnt offering {H5930} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}; and such things have befallen {H7122} me: and if I had eaten {H398} the sin offering {H2403} to day {H3117}, should it have been accepted {H3190} in the sight {H5869} of the LORD {H3068}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Aharon answered Moshe, "Even though they offered their sin offering and burnt offering today, things like these have happened to me! If I had eaten the sin offering today, would it have pleased ADONAI?"

Berean Standard Bible

But Aaron replied to Moses, “Behold, this very day they presented their sin offering and their burnt offering before the LORD. Since these things have happened to me, if I had eaten the sin offering today, would it have been acceptable in the sight of the LORD?”

American Standard Version

And Aaron spake unto Moses, Behold, this day have they offered their sin-offering and their burnt-offering before Jehovah; and there have befallen me such things as these: and if I had eaten the sin-offering to-day, would it have been well-pleasing in the sight of Jehovah?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 10:19 captures a deeply poignant dialogue between Aaron and Moses, occurring immediately after the tragic, divinely ordained deaths of Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu. In this verse, Aaron articulates a profound justification for why the sin offering's meat had not been consumed by the priests as commanded, expressing his overwhelming grief and concern that his ritual participation, given his current state of mourning, would render the offering unacceptable in the sight of the LORD. This pivotal moment illuminates the profound tension between the rigid demands of ritual law and the reality of profound human suffering, ultimately highlighting God's surprising compassion for the heart of the worshiper even amidst stringent requirements for holiness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the highly dramatic and somber narrative of [Leviticus 10](/leviticus/10 "Leviticus 10 - The Consecration of Priests and the Death of Nadab and Abihu"). The chapter opens with the shocking divine judgment upon Nadab and Abihu, who offered "strange fire" before the LORD and were consumed by fire from Him ([Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1-2 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - Nadab and Abihu's Unauthorized Offering")). In the immediate aftermath, Moses delivers strict instructions to Aaron and his remaining sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, concerning their priestly duties, emphasizing the absolute necessity of holiness and separation in their service ([Leviticus 10:3-11](/leviticus/10-3-11 "Leviticus 10:3-11 - Moses' Instructions on Priestly Conduct")). Moses then reiterates the specific commands regarding the consumption of the holy portions of the offerings, particularly the sin offering, which was to be eaten by the priests in a holy place ([Leviticus 10:12-15](/leviticus/10-12-15 "Leviticus 10:12-15 - Instructions for Eating Holy Portions")). When Moses discovers that the sin offering had been burned rather than eaten, he expresses his displeasure ([Leviticus 10:16-18](/leviticus/10-16-18 "Leviticus 10:16-18 - Moses Inquires About the Unconsumed Sin Offering")), prompting Aaron's deeply personal and theological explanation in verse 19, which Moses surprisingly accepts in [Leviticus 10:20](/leviticus/10-20 "Leviticus 10:20 - Moses Accepts Aaron's Reasoning").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The sin offering (Hebrew: _chaṭṭâʼâh_) was a foundational sacrifice in the Mosaic Law, primarily for purification from sin and ritual impurity. A prescribed portion of this offering was typically eaten by the priests in a holy place, symbolizing their role in bearing the iniquity of the congregation and making atonement ([Leviticus 10:17](/leviticus/10-17 "Leviticus 10:17 - Priests Bearing Iniquity")). However, Israelite culture, particularly concerning the priesthood, placed immense emphasis on ritual purity. Mourning for the dead, especially for close relatives, often rendered individuals ritually unclean, requiring specific purification rites and temporary exclusion from sacred activities. Priests, in particular, had stringent rules regarding contact with the dead and expressions of grief to maintain their consecrated status ([Leviticus 21:1-12](/leviticus/21-1-12 "Leviticus 21:1-12 - Laws for Priestly Purity")). Aaron's sons had just died by divine judgment, an event of unparalleled tragedy and theological significance. Aaron's statement, "such things have befallen me," encapsulates not only his profound personal sorrow but also the potential ritual defilement or unsuitability of his state for partaking in a holy meal that required a joyful and pure disposition. His concern was rooted in a deep understanding of God's holiness and the meticulous requirements for acceptable worship, fearing that his grief-stricken and potentially impure state would profane the sacred act and incur further divine displeasure.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. It underscores the **absolute holiness of God** and the meticulous demands for approaching Him in worship, as seen in the immediate judgment on Nadab and Abihu. It also highlights the **sacredness of the priesthood** and the weighty responsibility of those who mediate between God and His people, emphasizing their need for purity and adherence to divine commands. Crucially, the passage introduces the theme of **divine compassion and understanding** amidst human frailty, demonstrating that God's justice is tempered with mercy, particularly when genuine reverence and a right heart are present. Aaron's question about acceptance ([Leviticus 10:19](/leviticus/10-19 "Leviticus 10:19 - Aaron's Question of Acceptance")) and Moses' subsequent affirmation ([Leviticus 10:20](/leviticus/10-20 "Leviticus 10:20 - Moses Accepts Aaron's Reasoning")) reveal that while ritual adherence is vital, God also considers the extraordinary circumstances and the worshiper's sincere intent.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sin Offering (Hebrew, _chaṭṭâʼâh'_):** This term (H2403) refers to the "purification offering" or "sin offering" prescribed in the Mosaic Law. Its primary purpose was to atone for specific sins or ritual impurities, thereby purifying the worshiper and restoring them to a state of ceremonial cleanness before God. A key aspect of certain sin offerings was that the priests were to eat a portion of the meat in the holy place, symbolizing their role in bearing the iniquity of the people and facilitating atonement. Aaron's dilemma highlights the tension between this prescribed priestly duty and the extraordinary circumstances he faced.
* **Befallen (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** The KJV phrase "such things have befallen me" translates the Hebrew verb (H7122), meaning "to encounter," "to happen to," or "to meet." It powerfully conveys the sudden, overwhelming, and tragic events that had just occurred. It speaks to the immense personal catastrophe of losing two sons to divine judgment, implying a state of profound shock, grief, and perhaps ritual impurity that made the joyful or ritually clean consumption of the holy portion of the sin offering inappropriate, if not impossible, from Aaron's perspective. It emphasizes the extraordinary nature of his circumstances.
* **Accepted (Hebrew, _yâṭab'_):** This verb (H3190) signifies "to be (causative) make well," "to be good," and figuratively, "to be accepted," "to find favor," or "to be pleasing." Aaron's ultimate concern was not merely the mechanical performance of the ritual but whether the act, given his internal and external circumstances, would be met with God's divine favor and approval. His question, "should it have been accepted in the sight of the LORD?", underscores his deep reverence for God's holiness and his desire for genuine, God-honoring worship, even amidst his profound sorrow.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Aaron said unto Moses, Behold, this day have they offered their sin offering and their burnt offering before the LORD;"**: Aaron begins his defense by affirming that the required sacrifices—the sin offering and the burnt offering—had indeed been presented before the LORD by his remaining sons, Eleazar and Ithamar. This indicates that the priestly duties were, in part, being carried out despite the recent tragedy, establishing the context for his subsequent explanation regarding the unconsumed sin offering.
* **"and such things have befallen me:"**: This is the poignant core of Aaron's explanation. He refers directly to the devastating death of Nadab and Abihu, an event of immense personal sorrow and theological significance. This phrase conveys his overwhelming grief, shock, and potentially his state of ritual impurity due to mourning, which would make him unfit to partake in a holy meal. It highlights the extraordinary and unprecedented nature of the circumstances that have profoundly impacted him.
* **"and [if] I had eaten the sin offering to day, should it have been accepted in the sight of the LORD?"**: This rhetorical question expresses Aaron's profound theological and emotional dilemma. He understands that eating the sin offering was a prescribed priestly duty, but he fears that his current state of intense mourning and potential defilement would render the act profane and unacceptable to God, possibly incurring further divine wrath. His concern is for the integrity of the sacred ritual and, more importantly, for God's honor and acceptance, prioritizing God's pleasure over strict adherence to the letter of the law in such exceptional circumstances.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 10:19 is rich in **Pathos**, powerfully evoking deep empathy for Aaron's overwhelming grief and the immense personal tragedy he had just endured. His concise declaration, "such things have befallen me," conveys his sorrow without explicit emotional language, allowing the reader to grasp the profound weight of his suffering and the unprecedented nature of his circumstances. The verse also employs a potent **Rhetorical Question**: "should it have been accepted in the sight of the LORD?" Aaron is not genuinely seeking information; rather, he is expressing his profound internal conflict, his deep reverence for God's holiness, and his fear that his grief-stricken state would defile the sacred act of eating the sin offering. This question highlights the profound **Tension** between the strict letter of the Mosaic Law concerning priestly duties and the profound human reality of trauma and mourning. It sets up a moment of unexpected divine compassion, as Moses, representing God, accepts Aaron's reasoning, demonstrating that God looks beyond mere ritual performance to the heart and circumstances of the worshiper.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 10:19 powerfully illustrates the tension between divine holiness and human frailty, revealing a God who, while demanding absolute purity in worship, also demonstrates profound compassion for His grieving servants. Aaron's concern for the acceptability of his worship, even amidst overwhelming personal tragedy, underscores the critical importance of a right heart and pure motives in approaching God. It highlights that true worship is not merely the mechanical performance of rituals but an act of reverence that considers the worshiper's internal state and circumstances. This passage serves as a reminder that God desires not just outward conformity but genuine, heartfelt devotion, and that in extraordinary circumstances, His understanding can transcend the rigid application of the law, valuing sincere intent and a desire for purity above strict adherence to a command that, in that moment, might have been profaned by a heart overwhelmed with sorrow.

* [Leviticus 10:20](/leviticus/10-20 "Leviticus 10:20 - Moses Accepts Aaron's Reasoning")
* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1-samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Better Than Sacrifice")
* [Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - Mercy, Not Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Aaron's poignant question in Leviticus 10:19 offers timeless lessons for believers today. In a world that often demands unyielding performance and outward perfection, this passage reminds us that God is intimately aware of our human limitations, our sorrows, and the profound impact of life's tragedies on our ability to serve and worship Him. While the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament are fulfilled in Christ, the principle of worshipping God in spirit and truth remains paramount. Aaron's concern for divine acceptance, stemming from his awareness of his internal state, challenges us to examine our own hearts in worship and service. Are we merely going through the motions, or are our offerings—our time, talents, and resources—given with a sincere heart, even when we are broken or struggling? This passage encourages us to bring our whole selves, including our grief and weakness, before God, trusting in His compassion and understanding. It teaches us that authentic worship is not about flawless performance but about a heart genuinely seeking to honor God, even when life has "befallen" us with unspeakable pain, recognizing that His grace covers our imperfections.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Aaron's dilemma resonate with our own struggles to maintain spiritual disciplines or engage in worship amidst personal suffering or overwhelming grief?**
* **In what ways might our internal state, whether joy, sorrow, or distraction, affect the authenticity and acceptability of our worship or service to God?**
* **How does this passage inform our understanding of God's character, particularly His balance of holiness, justice, and profound compassion for human weakness?**

### FAQ
**Why was Moses initially displeased with Aaron's sons?**

Answer: Moses was displeased because the sin offering, which was a holy portion meant to be eaten by the priests in the holy place, had been burned instead of consumed. This was a deviation from the explicit instructions given for the handling of such offerings, as detailed in [Leviticus 10:16-18](/leviticus/10-16-18 "Leviticus 10:16-18 - Moses' Displeasure Over the Unconsumed Sin Offering").

**What was the significance of the priests eating the sin offering?**

Answer: The act of the priests eating a portion of the sin offering was highly symbolic. It signified their role in bearing the iniquity of the congregation and making atonement for them, as explicitly stated in [Leviticus 10:17](/leviticus/10-17 "Leviticus 10:17 - Priests Bearing Iniquity"). It also represented their communion with God in the sacred space and their participation in the purification process on behalf of the people.

**Why did Moses accept Aaron's reasoning?**

Answer: Moses accepted Aaron's reasoning because he understood the profound grief and the extraordinary circumstances Aaron was enduring after the sudden, divine judgment on his sons. Aaron's concern was that his state of deep mourning, which often involved ritual impurity, would render the sacred act of eating the holy offering unacceptable to the LORD. Moses' acceptance, recorded in [Leviticus 10:20](/leviticus/10-20 "Leviticus 10:20 - Moses Accepts Aaron's Justification"), demonstrates God's compassion and understanding for the heart's condition, recognizing that genuine reverence and a desire for purity in worship can, in exceptional cases, supersede the rigid letter of the law.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 10:19, with Aaron's profound dilemma, powerfully foreshadows the perfect High Priesthood of Jesus Christ. Aaron, a human priest, was rendered potentially "unacceptable" to partake in the sin offering due to his personal grief and the ritual impurity associated with death. His question, "should it have been accepted in the sight of the LORD?", highlights the inherent limitations and vulnerabilities of the Old Covenant priesthood. They were men subject to sin, weakness, and the very defilement they sought to mediate. In stark contrast, Jesus, our great High Priest, is without sin and is not hindered by human frailty or the defilement of death. He perfectly fulfills the role of the ultimate [sin offering](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice"). Unlike Aaron, who could not consume the offering due to his state, Jesus Himself is the spotless Lamb of God, whose sacrifice is always perfectly [accepted by God](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Acceptable Sacrifice"). Through His once-for-all sacrifice, He entered the true holy place, heaven itself, securing an eternal redemption for us ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Because of His perfect purity and finished work, we, as believers, are now invited to partake in a spiritual communion with Him, to "eat His flesh and drink His blood" metaphorically ([John 6:53-56](/john/6-53-56 "John 6:53-56 - Eating Jesus' Flesh and Drinking His Blood")), an act that is always acceptable and brings life, regardless of our earthly sorrows, because our acceptance is found solely in Him. He is our sympathetic High Priest, able to empathize with our weaknesses, yet without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus Our Sympathetic High Priest")), making our spiritual offerings through Him always pleasing to God ([1 Peter 2:5](/1-peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - A Holy Priesthood Offering Spiritual Sacrifices")).

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

Leviticus 9:12

And he slew the burnt offering; and Aaron's sons presented unto him the blood, which he sprinkled round about upon the altar.

Leviticus 9:8

¶ Aaron therefore went unto the altar, and slew the calf of the sin offering, which [was] for himself.

Malachi 2:13

And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth [it] with good will at your hand.

Hosea 9:4

They shall not offer wine [offerings] to the LORD, neither shall they be pleasing unto him: their sacrifices [shall be] unto them as the bread of mourners; all that eat thereof shall be polluted: for their bread for their soul shall not come into the house of the LORD.

Isaiah 1:15

And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.

Jeremiah 14:12

When they fast, I will not hear their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and an oblation, I will not accept them: but I will consume them by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence.

Jeremiah 6:20

To what purpose cometh there to me incense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? your burnt offerings [are] not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet unto me.