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 10:12KJVWhat 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.