And Aaron said unto Moses, Behold, this day have they offered their sin offering and their burnt offering before the LORD; and such things have befallen me: and if I had eaten the sin offering to day, should it have been accepted in the sight of the LORD?

LEVITICUS 10:19KJV
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Leviticus 10:19 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 10:19 mean?

Leviticus 10:19 shows Aaron explaining to Moses why he did not eat the sin offering that day, saying that after all that had happened to him, it would not have been right in God’s sight for him to eat it. Aaron is expressing concern that, given the tragic events, his participation in the ritual might not be acceptable to God.

Aaron is speaking to Moses after the sudden deaths of his sons, Nadab and Abihu, who had offered unauthorized fire before the LORD. In this tense moment, Aaron refers to the offerings brought before God and the distressing events (“such things have befallen me”) as reasons for his hesitation. Aaron’s words reveal his sensitivity to God’s holiness and his uncertainty about whether he could properly fulfill his priestly duties in his grief.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 10:19

  • “offering” (חַטָּאת, ḥaṭṭā’t): This word means “sin offering.” Aaron specifically mentions the sin offering, which priests were normally supposed to eat as part of the ritual, showing his awareness of the law.
  • “befallen” (קָרָה, qārā’): This word means “to happen” or “to befall.” Aaron uses it to refer to the tragic events—the death of his sons—that have just occurred, highlighting the emotional and spiritual weight he is carrying.
  • “accepted” (יָטַב, yāṭab): This word means “to be good” or “to be pleasing.” Aaron is asking whether his eating the offering would really be pleasing or acceptable to God, given his current state.

Why Leviticus 10:19 matters

  • This verse clarifies that ritual actions, even when commanded, are not just about outward obedience but also about the heart and circumstances of the person performing them.
  • Aaron’s response helps explain why he did not follow the usual priestly practice, showing that grief and extraordinary situations can affect religious duties.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing the tension between strict ritual law and human experience, and it highlights Aaron’s respect for God’s holiness even in his sorrow.

Where else these words appear

“befallen” Hebrew H7122 · used in 16 verses

  • Genesis 42:4 But Benjamin, Joseph's brother, Jacob sent not with his brethren; for he said, Lest peradventure mischief befall him.
  • Deuteronomy 22:6 If a bird's nest chance to be before thee in the way in any tree, or on the ground, whether they be young ones, or eggs, and the dam sitting upon the young, or upon the eggs, thou shalt not take the dam with the young:
  • Job 4:14 Fear came upon me, and trembling, which made all my bones to shake.

“accepted” Hebrew H3190 · used in 102 verses

  • Genesis 4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
  • Joshua 22:30 And when Phinehas the priest, and the princes of the congregation and heads of the thousands of Israel which were with him, heard the words that the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the children of Manasseh spake, it pleased them.
  • Psalms 49:18 Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself.