Leviticus 10 20

Leviticus 10:20 kjv

And when Moses heard that, he was content.

Leviticus 10:20 nkjv

So when Moses heard that, he was content.

Leviticus 10:20 niv

When Moses heard this, he was satisfied.

Leviticus 10:20 esv

And when Moses heard that, he approved.

Leviticus 10:20 nlt

And when Moses heard this, he was satisfied.

Leviticus 10 verses

Leviticus 10 20 Meaning

Leviticus 10:20 signifies that Moses, upon hearing and understanding Aaron’s reasoning for not eating the sin offering, was satisfied and agreed with his interpretation and action. Aaron, distraught and reverent after the recent deaths of his sons Nadab and Abihu, explained his profound fear that to eat the sin offering under such grieving and sensitive circumstances might profane it in the eyes of the Lord, thereby inviting further divine wrath. Moses' acceptance indicated that this deviation from the normal ritual requirement, driven by genuine sorrow and a heightened sense of holiness and caution, was approved by God.

Leviticus 10 20 Context

The immediate context of Leviticus 10:20 is the profound tragedy of Nadab and Abihu, sons of Aaron, who were consumed by divine fire for offering "strange fire" (Lev 10:1-5). This catastrophic event underscored the absolute necessity of precise and reverent adherence to God's commands in worship, particularly for priests. Following their deaths, Moses gave specific instructions concerning mourning, purification, and the proper consumption of priestly portions from sacrifices (Lev 10:6-15). When Moses discovered that Eleazar and Ithamar, the remaining sons of Aaron, had burnt the goat of the sin offering instead of eating it as required, he became angry (Lev 10:16-18). Aaron then explained that, given the profound and recent defilement in his family through sin and subsequent divine judgment, and his current state of grief, he felt it would be utterly presumptuous and potentially sacrilegious to eat the holy sin offering "in the sight of the Lord" (Lev 10:19), fearing further divine displeasure. This explanation directly leads to Moses' contentment. The broader chapter context emphasizes the consecration of the priesthood and the meticulous boundaries of holiness required for those serving God at the Tabernacle. Historically, this occurred during Israel’s wilderness wanderings, immediately after the formal installation of the priesthood, highlighting the early establishment of stringent requirements for purity and divine access.

Leviticus 10 20 Word analysis

• And: Hebrew: וַ (wa). A conjunctive particle, often translated as "and," "but," or "so." Here, it marks a consequence or continuation, indicating the outcome of Moses hearing Aaron's explanation.
• when Moses heard that: Hebrew: וַיִּשְׁמַע מֹשֶׁה אֵת (vayyishma Mosheh 'et).
  • וַיִּשְׁמַע (vayyishma): "And he heard." From the verb שָׁמַע (shamáʿ), meaning "to hear," but often implies more than just perceiving sound; it denotes understanding, attending to, and obeying. Here, it suggests Moses not only heard the words but also grasped the depth of Aaron's fear and the spiritual nuance of his reasoning.
  • מֹשֶׁה (Mosheh): Moses, the key mediator of the covenant and interpreter of God's will for Israel. His understanding and approval carry divine weight.
  • אֵת ('et): Literally "that," referring to Aaron's preceding explanation (Lev 10:19).
• he was content: Hebrew: וַיִּיטַב בְּעֵינָיו (vayyitav b'einav).
  • וַיִּיטַב (vayyitav): "And it was good." From the root יָטַב (yatav), meaning "to be good," "to be pleasing," "to be right." It is the Hiphil form, often conveying causality or causing something to be good. Here, it is impersonal, meaning "it seemed good."
  • בְּעֵינָיו (b'einav): "In his eyes." The Hebrew idiom "good in one's eyes" signifies approval, satisfaction, or agreement. It means it seemed correct or acceptable to Moses. This is a critical theological point, indicating divine approval through Moses' assessment.

Words-group analysis:

• "And when Moses heard that, he was content": This entire phrase indicates a change in Moses’ demeanor, from anger (Lev 10:16) to satisfaction. It highlights Moses' role as a wise and discerning leader who, rather than strictly enforcing a rule, understood the spirit and intent behind Aaron's action, especially in the context of profound grief and a sincere fear of God. This reflects God's capacity for understanding and discretion within the framework of His laws, valuing heart and sincere intent alongside ritual observance in exceptional circumstances. It shows divine acceptance of a decision born of profound reverence and sorrow, ensuring that holy things were treated with ultimate caution.

Leviticus 10 20 Bonus section

• Discretion and Grace: This verse is a poignant example of the principle of divine discretion and grace embedded even within the detailed Mosaic Law. It's not a blanket disregard for commands but an acknowledgment that extreme circumstances, coupled with a pure and reverent motive (Aaron's intense fear of God after his sons' death), can lead to an approved adaptation in practice without compromising the ultimate demand for holiness. It anticipates New Testament themes of "mercy rather than sacrifice" (Matt 9:13).
• Preventing Further Profanation: Aaron's action, approved by Moses, implies a nuanced understanding that eating the sacred portion while mourning or in a state of compromised holiness (due to the gravity of sin/judgment related to his sons) could be seen as adding to the profanation, rather than serving the intended purpose of atonement. His restraint, paradoxically, was a higher act of holiness in that moment.
• Moses as God's Mouthpiece: Moses' "contentment" should not be seen as a mere personal opinion, but as a divinely sanctioned endorsement. In his role as God's mediator, Moses' approval would have carried the authority of divine revelation for Israel.

Leviticus 10 20 Commentary

Leviticus 10:20 provides a vital insight into the application of divine law, demonstrating that God's justice is not rigidly mechanical but responsive to the human heart and specific circumstances when they genuinely align with profound reverence. Following the devastating deaths of Nadab and Abihu, the requirement for priests to eat portions of sin offerings (Lev 6:26, 10:17) became a point of contention. Moses was initially angry when this command was not fulfilled (Lev 10:16). However, Aaron's explanation revealed a heart gripped by an intense fear of further dishonoring a holy God. His argument was that eating the sin offering while experiencing such profound grief and potential ceremonial defilement might profane the offering rather than consecrate it for atonement, effectively adding to the tragic sin of his sons (Lev 10:19). Moses' acceptance ("he was content") signifies divine approval through His chosen mediator. This underscores that true holiness often transcends the mere letter of the law, prioritizing a genuine and cautious spirit, particularly when the stakes are as high as divine judgment and reverence for holy things. It teaches that even in the strictest ceremonial law, there is room for discernment and a consideration of intention, especially when born of humble submission and a meticulous fear of God's majesty.