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

LEVITICUS 10:11KJV
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Leviticus 10:11 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 10:11 mean?

Leviticus 10:11 says that the priests are responsible for teaching the people of Israel all the rules and instructions that God gave through Moses. This verse highlights the priestly duty to pass on God’s laws clearly and faithfully to the whole community.

In the setting of Leviticus 10, Moses is speaking to Aaron and his sons after the deaths of Nadab and Abihu, emphasizing the seriousness of their role. The verse shows that priests were not only to perform rituals but also to instruct the "children of Israel"—meaning all Israelites—about God’s statutes, ensuring everyone understood what God had commanded.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 10:11

  • "Teach" (ירה, yarah): This word often means "to instruct" or "to point out," suggesting that the priests were to give clear, direct guidance, not just general advice.
  • "Statutes" (חק, choq): This term refers to specific, set rules or decrees, underlining that the priests were to teach precise commandments, not just broad principles.
  • "By the hand of Moses" (בְּיַד־מֹשֶׁה, b’yad-Mosheh): This phrase shows that the laws came through Moses as God’s chosen messenger, reinforcing the authority behind the instructions.

Why Leviticus 10:11 matters

  • Leviticus 10:11 clarifies that priestly work involved teaching, not just performing sacrifices or rituals, highlighting their role as spiritual guides.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s laws were meant for all Israelites, not just leaders or priests, showing the importance of shared understanding.
  • Placing this command right after a tragic event (the deaths of Nadab and Abihu) stresses the need for careful, accurate teaching to prevent future mistakes.

Where else these words appear

“teach” Hebrew H3384 · used in 75 verses

  • Genesis 31:51 And Laban said to Jacob, Behold this heap, and behold this pillar, which I have cast betwixt me and thee;
  • 1 Kings 8:36 Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, that thou teach them the good way wherein they should walk, and give rain upon thy land, which thou hast given to thy people for an inheritance.
  • Psalms 45:4 And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.

“statutes” Hebrew H2706 · used in 124 verses

  • Genesis 47:22 Only the land of the priests bought he not; for the priests had a portion assigned them of Pharaoh, and did eat their portion which Pharaoh gave them: wherefore they sold not their lands.
  • Deuteronomy 26:17 Thou hast avouched the LORD this day to be thy God, and to walk in his ways, and to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and to hearken unto his voice:
  • Psalms 119:12 Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.