And Moses spake unto Aaron, and unto Eleazar and unto Ithamar, his sons that were left, Take the meat offering that remaineth of the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and eat it without leaven beside the altar: for it is most holy:

LEVITICUS 10:12KJV
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Leviticus 10:12 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 10:12 mean?

Leviticus 10:12 instructs Aaron and his surviving sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, to eat the remainder of the grain offering (meat offering) that was left from the sacrifices made by fire to the LORD, and to eat it without leaven near the altar, because it is considered most holy. This verse sets out a specific command for the priests regarding how and where to consume a sacred portion of the offerings.

Moses is speaking directly to Aaron and his two remaining sons after the death of Nadab and Abihu, Aaron’s other sons. The situation is tense and somber, as this comes immediately after a tragedy in the priestly family. The instruction highlights the continued importance of following God’s commands for the offerings, even in the face of personal loss, and emphasizes the holiness and special handling required for these portions.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 10:12

  • The word for "meat offering" is מִנְחָה (minchah), which means a grain or gift offering, not meat as in animal flesh. This clarifies that the offering is made of grain, usually flour, oil, and frankincense.
  • "Without leaven" uses מַצָּה (matzah), meaning unleavened, which points to the purity required for this holy portion—leaven was often seen as a symbol of corruption or impurity.
  • "Most holy" is קֹדֶשׁ קָדָשִׁים (qodesh qadashim), meaning "holy of holies" or "most sacred." This stresses the exceptional sacredness of this offering and why only the priests could eat it, and only in a holy place.

Why Leviticus 10:12 matters

  • This verse clarifies that even after the loss of two sons, Aaron and his remaining sons must continue their priestly duties exactly as commanded, showing the seriousness of their role.
  • The instruction about eating the offering "beside the altar" and "without leaven" underscores the special status of this food and the need for ritual purity and obedience.
  • Leviticus 10:12 connects to the wider passage by showing a transition from judgment (the deaths of Nadab and Abihu) to the reaffirmation of priestly responsibilities, highlighting the ongoing expectations for those who serve in the sanctuary.

Where else these words appear

“Ithamar” Hebrew H385 · used in 20 verses

  • Exodus 6:23 And Aaron took him Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Naashon, to wife; and she bare him Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
  • Numbers 3:4 And Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD, when they offered strange fire before the LORD, in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children: and Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest's office in the sight of Aaron their father.
  • 1 Chronicles 24:1 Now these are the divisions of the sons of Aaron. The sons of Aaron; Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

“leaven” Hebrew H4682 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 19:3 And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.
  • Leviticus 2:4 And if thou bring an oblation of a meat offering baken in the oven, it shall be unleavened cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, or unleavened wafers anointed with oil.
  • Deuteronomy 16:16 Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty:

“beside” Hebrew H681 · used in 57 verses

  • Genesis 39:10 And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.
  • 1 Kings 10:19 The throne had six steps, and the top of the throne was round behind: and there were stays on either side on the place of the seat, and two lions stood beside the stays.
  • Proverbs 8:30 Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;

“offerings” Hebrew H801 · used in 64 verses

  • Exodus 29:18 And thou shalt burn the whole ram upon the altar: it is a burnt offering unto the LORD: it is a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
  • Leviticus 6:17 It shall not be baken with leaven. I have given it unto them for their portion of my offerings made by fire; it is most holy, as is the sin offering, and as the trespass offering.
  • Leviticus 24:7 And thou shalt put pure frankincense upon each row, that it may be on the bread for a memorial, even an offering made by fire unto the LORD.