Leviticus 10:16 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 10:16 mean?

Leviticus 10:16 describes how Moses carefully looked for the goat that was meant to be offered as a sin offering, but discovered it had already been burned. Seeing this, Moses became angry with Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s surviving sons, and questioned them about it.

In this scene, Moses is checking whether the priests have followed God’s instructions after the deaths of Nadab and Abihu earlier in the chapter. The verse highlights Moses’ concern for strict obedience in handling the sacrifices, especially since only Eleazar and Ithamar remained to serve as priests after their brothers’ deaths.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 10:16

• The word "diligently" and "sought" both come from דָּרַשׁ (darash), which means to search out or investigate thoroughly. This emphasizes how seriously Moses was checking whether the sin offering had been handled correctly.
• "Goat" is שָּׂעִיר (sa‘ir), specifically referring to the animal designated for the sin offering, showing the focus on a particular ritual requirement.
• "Burnt" is שָׂרַף (saraf), meaning to burn up or destroy with fire, which here signals that the offering was completely consumed, not eaten as was sometimes required.
• "Angry" is קָצַף (qatsaf), which means to be enraged or provoked to wrath, showing that Moses’ reaction was intense and not just mild disappointment.

Why Leviticus 10:16 matters

• This verse shows how seriously the priests’ duties were taken, especially after a recent tragedy involving disobedience.
• The focus on Moses’ investigation and anger highlights the importance of following God’s instructions exactly, not just generally.
• It connects to the larger narrative of Leviticus 10, where the consequences of improper worship and sacrifice are a central theme, helping the reader see why Moses was so concerned.