And ye shall eat it in the holy place, because it is thy due, and thy sons' due, of the sacrifices of the LORD made by fire: for so I am commanded.

LEVITICUS 10:13KJV
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Leviticus 10:13 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 10:13 mean?

Leviticus 10:13 instructs Aaron and his sons to eat a portion of the sacrificial offering in a designated holy area, because this share is their rightful portion from the offerings made by fire to the LORD, as commanded. The verse emphasizes both the location and the reason: this is a duty given by God as part of their priestly service.

In this scene, Moses is speaking to Aaron and his remaining sons after the death of Nadab and Abihu. The situation is tense, as God has just shown the seriousness of following His instructions exactly. Moses reminds them that certain offerings are not only for God but also provide for the priests, and these must be eaten in a holy place, following God’s specific command.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 10:13

  • "eat" (אָכַל, 'akal): This word means to consume or eat, and here it refers to the priests eating their portion of the offering, showing their participation in the sacrificial system.
  • "holy" (קָדוֹשׁ, qadosh): This word means set apart or sacred. The “holy place” is a physically restricted area, emphasizing that the act of eating is not casual but part of their sacred duties.
  • "due" (חֹק, choq): This word means an assigned portion or statute. It highlights that the priests’ share is not a privilege they take for themselves, but a right given by God’s law.
  • "sacrifices" and "fire" (אִשֶּׁה, ishsheh): This word refers to offerings made by fire, which are gifts presented to God on the altar. The phrase connects the priests’ portion directly to what is offered to God, underlining their unique role.

Why Leviticus 10:13 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the priests’ share of the offerings is not a personal reward, but a duty and provision established by God’s command, not by human arrangement.
  • The emphasis on eating in a “holy place” shows the importance of reverence and obedience in every aspect of worship, even in practical matters like meals.
  • Leviticus 10:13 ties into the wider passage by showing that, even after a severe judgment, the regular duties and privileges of the priesthood continue as God has set them, underscoring the order and structure of Israel’s worship.

Where else these words appear

“sacrifices” 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.

“holy” Hebrew H6918 · used in 106 verses

  • Exodus 19:6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
  • 2 Chronicles 35:3 And said unto the Levites that taught all Israel, which were holy unto the LORD, Put the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David king of Israel did build; it shall not be a burden upon your shoulders: serve now the LORD your God, and his people Israel,
  • Isaiah 29:19 The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.

“due” 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.