Leviticus 10:6 Meaning and Explanation
“And Moses said unto Aaron, and unto Eleazar and unto Ithamar, his sons, Uncover not your heads, neither rend your clothes; lest ye die, and lest wrath come upon all the people: but let your brethren, the whole house of Israel, bewail the burning which the LORD hath kindled.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Moses forbids Aaron and his surviving sons from mourning outwardly, while permitting the people to mourn.
The Context of Leviticus 10:6
Moses instructs Aaron and his sons not to mourn outwardly while the people mourn.
What Does Leviticus 10:6 Mean?
The prohibition against visible mourning—uncovering the head and tearing clothes—was directed at Aaron and his sons specifically. The reason given is twofold: their death and the spreading of wrath to the people. As priests who were to remain in service before the Lord, they were to maintain their composure and continue their priestly duties. Their grief, though real, was not to be publicly displayed through conventional mourning practices.
However, the people were permitted and indeed encouraged to bewail the burning kindled by the Lord. This allowed the congregation to acknowledge the solemnity of God's judgment and the seriousness of serving Him. The distinction shows that the priesthood itself must maintain a different standard of response to God's justice than the general population, being called to trust in God's wisdom even through personal tragedy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 10:6
What does Leviticus 10:6 mean?
Moses forbids Aaron and his surviving sons from mourning outwardly, while permitting the people to mourn.
What is the context of Leviticus 10:6?
Moses instructs Aaron and his sons not to mourn outwardly while the people mourn.