Bible Strands
Numbers 3:4
Nadab and Abihu, however, died in the presence of the LORD when they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD in the Wilderness of Sinai. And since they had no sons, only Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests during the lifetime of their father Aaron.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrator records this account immediately after listing Aaron’s ordained sons, placing the event in the Wilderness of Sinai before the LORD’s next direct command to Moses in Numbers 3:5.
The words — זָרָה (za.Rah) translates literally as "strange" and modifies the fire Nadab and Abihu presented. וַ/יָּ֣מָת (va/i.Ya.mot) means "and he died," marking the immediate conclusion of their service.
The thread — The incident is first detailed in Leviticus 10:1, which specifies the use of censers and incense, and is later recalled in Numbers 26:61, which again records their deaths for presenting unauthorized fire.
Why it lands — The text states that worship must follow divine instruction and that priestly service continues only through those who remain faithful, requiring readers to examine how they approach sacred duties.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And Nadab and Abihu died before the Lord, when they offered strange fire before the Lord, in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children: and Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest’s office in the sight of Aaron their father.
Cross-references
- Leviticus 10:1 Now Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense, and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to His command.
- Numbers 26:61 but Nadab and Abihu died when they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD.