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And since they had no sons, only Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests during the lifetime of their father Aaron.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/3-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/04_Num_03_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 3:4 - The Sons of Aaron" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/numbers/3-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/numbers/3-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/numbers/">Numbers</a> > <a href="/numbers/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/numbers/3-3.htm" title="Numbers 3:3">◄</a> Numbers 3:4 <a href="/numbers/3-5.htm" title="Numbers 3:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/numbers/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/numbers/3.htm">New International Version</a> Nadab and Abihu, however, died before the LORD when they made an offering with unauthorized fire before him in the Desert of Sinai. They had no sons, so Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests during the lifetime of their father Aaron. <a href="/nlt/numbers/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> But Nadab and Abihu died in the LORD’s presence in the wilderness of Sinai when they burned before the LORD the wrong kind of fire, different than he had commanded. Since they had no sons, this left only Eleazar and Ithamar to serve as priests with their father, Aaron. <a href="/esv/numbers/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> But Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD when they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children. So Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests in the lifetime of Aaron their father. <a href="/bsb/numbers/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/numbers/3.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/numbers/3.htm">New King James Version</a> Nadab and Abihu had died before the LORD when they offered profane fire before the LORD in the Wilderness of Sinai; and they had no children. So Eleazar and Ithamar ministered as priests in the presence of Aaron their father. <a href="/nasb_/numbers/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But Nadab and Abihu died in the presence of the LORD when they offered strange fire before the LORD in the wilderness of Sinai; and they had no children. So Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests in the lifetime of their father Aaron. <a href="/nasb/numbers/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> But 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. So Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests in the lifetime of their father Aaron. <a href="/nasb77/numbers/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But 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. So Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests in the lifetime of their father Aaron. <a href="/lsb/numbers/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But Nadab and Abihu died before Yahweh when they offered strange fire before Yahweh in the wilderness of Sinai; and they had no children. So Eleazar and Ithamar ministered as priests in the lifetime of their father Aaron. <a href="/amp/numbers/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But Nadab and Abihu died in the presence of the LORD when they offered strange (unholy, unacceptable, inappropriate) fire before the LORD in the Wilderness of Sinai; and they had no sons. So Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests in the presence and under the supervision of Aaron their father. <a href="/csb/numbers/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But Nadab and Abihu died in the LORD’s presence when they presented unauthorized fire before the LORD in the Wilderness of Sinai, and they had no sons. So Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests under the direction of Aaron their father. <a href="/hcsb/numbers/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But Nadab and Abihu died in the LORD&#8217s presence when they presented unauthorized fire before the LORD in the Wilderness of Sinai, and they had no sons. So Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests under the direction of Aaron their father. <a href="/asv/numbers/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Nadab and Abihu died before Jehovah, when they offered strange fire before Jehovah, in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children; and Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest's office in the presence of Aaron their father. <a href="/cev/numbers/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But the LORD killed Nadab and Abihu in the Sinai Desert when they used fire that was unacceptable in their offering to the LORD. And because Nadab and Abihu had no sons, only Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests with their father Aaron. <a href="/erv/numbers/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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 presence of Aaron their father. <a href="/gwt/numbers/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Nadab and Abihu died in the LORD's presence because they offered unauthorized fire in his presence in the Desert of Sinai. They had no children. So only Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests during the lifetime of their father Aaron. <a href="/gnt/numbers/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> but Nadab and Abihu were killed when they offered unholy fire to the LORD in the Sinai Desert. They had no children, so Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests during Aaron's lifetime. <a href="/isv/numbers/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> Nadab and Abihu died in the LORD's presence when they offered unauthorized fire before him in the Sinai wilderness. Since they didn't have their own children, Eleazar and Ithamar ministered as priest under the authority of Aaron their father. <a href="/msb/numbers/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/numbers/3.htm">NET Bible</a> 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. So Eleazar and Ithamar ministered as priests in the presence of Aaron their father. <a href="/nheb/numbers/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> 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. Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest's office in the presence of Aaron their father. <a href="/wbt/numbers/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/web/numbers/3.htm">World English Bible</a> Nadab and Abihu died before Yahweh when they offered strange fire before Yahweh in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children. Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest’s office in the presence of Aaron their father. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/numbers/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Nadab dies—Abihu also—before YHWH, in their bringing strange fire near before YHWH, in the wilderness of Sinai, and they did not have sons; and Eleazar—Ithamar also—acts as priest in the presence of their father Aaron. <a href="/ylt/numbers/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Nadab dieth -- Abihu also -- before Jehovah, in their bringing near strange fire before Jehovah, in the wilderness of Sinai, and sons they had not; and Eleazar -- Ithamar also -- acteth as priest in the presence of Aaron their father. <a href="/slt/numbers/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Nadab and Abihu will die before Jehovah in their bringing strange fire before Jehovah, in the desert of Sinai: and there were no sons to them: and Eleazar will be priest, and Ithamar, before Aaron their father.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/numbers/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Now Nadab and Abiu died, without children, when they offered strange fire before the Lord, in the desert of Sinai: and Eleazar and Ithamar performed the priestly office in the presence of Aaron their father. <a href="/cpdv/numbers/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For Nadab and Abihu died without children, when they offered, in the sight of the Lord, a strange fire, in the desert of Sinai. And so, Eleazar and Ithamar exercised the priesthood in the sight of Aaron, their father. <a href="/nabre/numbers/3.htm">New American Bible</a> But Nadab and Abihu died in the presence of the LORD when they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD in the wilderness of Sinai; and they left no sons. So only Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests during the lifetime of their father Aaron. <a href="/nrsvce/numbers/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD when they offered unholy fire before the LORD in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children. Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests in the lifetime of their father Aaron.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/numbers/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But 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 during the lifetime of Aaron their father. <a href="/hpbt/numbers/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Nadab and Abihu died before LORD JEHOVAH when they offered foreign fire before LORD JEHOVAH in the wilderness of Sinai and they had no sons, and Eliazer and Ithamar served as Priest in the life of Ahron their father.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/numbers/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> 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 presence of Aaron their father. <a href="/sep/numbers/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Nadab and Abiud died before the Lord, when they offered strange fire before the Lord, in the wilderness of Sina; and they had no children; and Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priests' office with Aaron their father. <a href="/parallel/numbers/3-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=665" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/numbers/3.htm">The Sons of Aaron</a> …3These were Aaron’s sons, the anointed priests, who were ordained to serve as priests. 4<a href="/hebrew/5070.htm" title="5070: nā·ḏāḇ (N-proper-ms) -- An Israelite name. From nadab; liberal; Nadab, the name of four Israelites.">Nadab</a> <a href="/hebrew/30.htm" title="30: wa·’ă·ḇî·hū (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- He is father, a son of Aaron. From 'ab and huw'; father of Him; Abihu, a son of Aaron.">and Abihu, however,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: way·yā·māṯ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">died</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lip̄·nê (Prep-l:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">in the presence of</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/7126.htm" title="7126: bə·haq·ri·ḇām (Prep-b:: V-Hifil-Inf:: 3mp) -- To come near, approach. A primitive root; to approach for whatever purpose.">when they offered</a> <a href="/hebrew/2114.htm" title="2114: zā·rāh (Adj-fs) -- A primitive root; to turn aside; hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically to commit adultery.">unauthorized</a> <a href="/hebrew/784.htm" title="784: ’êš (N-cs) -- A fire. A primitive word; fire.">fire</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lip̄·nê (Prep-l:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">before</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/4057.htm" title="4057: bə·miḏ·bar (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- A pasture, a desert, speech. From dabar in the sense of driving; a pasture; by implication, a desert; also speech.">in the Wilderness</a> <a href="/hebrew/5514.htm" title="5514: sî·nay (N-proper-fs) -- The mountain where the law was given. Of uncertain derivation; Sinai, mountain of Arabia.">of Sinai.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hā·yū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">And since they had</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">no</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ū·ḇā·nîm (Conj-w:: N-mp) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">sons,</a> <a href="/hebrew/499.htm" title="499: ’el·‘ā·zār (N-proper-ms) -- God has helped, six Isr. From 'el and azar; God helper; Elazar, the name of seven Israelites.">only Eleazar</a> <a href="/hebrew/385.htm" title="385: wə·’î·ṯā·mār (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- Land of palms, a son of Aaron. From 'iy and tamar; coast of the palm-tree; Ithamar, a son of Aaron.">and Ithamar</a> <a href="/hebrew/3547.htm" title="3547: way·ḵa·hên (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To act as a priest. ">served as priests</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">during</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: pə·nê (N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">the lifetime</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ă·ḇî·hem (N-msc:: 3mp) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">of their father</a> <a href="/hebrew/175.htm" title="175: ’a·hă·rōn (N-proper-ms) -- An elder brother of Moses. Of uncertain derivation; Aharon, the brother of Moses.">Aaron.</a> <div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/leviticus/10-1.htm">Leviticus 10:1-2</a> 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. / So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died in the presence of the LORD. <a href="/exodus/6-23.htm">Exodus 6:23</a> And Aaron married Elisheba, the daughter of Amminadab and sister of Nahshon, and she bore him Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. <a href="/1_chronicles/24-2.htm">1 Chronicles 24:2</a> But Nadab and Abihu died before their father did, and they had no sons; so Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests. <a href="/leviticus/16-1.htm">Leviticus 16:1</a> Now the LORD spoke to Moses after the death of two of Aaron’s sons when they approached the presence of the LORD. <a href="/exodus/28-1.htm">Exodus 28:1</a> “Next, have your brother Aaron brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, to serve Me as priests. <a href="/1_samuel/2-34.htm">1 Samuel 2:34</a> And this sign shall come to you concerning your two sons Hophni and Phinehas: They will both die on the same day. <a href="/1_chronicles/6-3.htm">1 Chronicles 6:3</a> The children of Amram: Aaron, Moses, and Miriam. The sons of Aaron: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. <a href="/1_chronicles/24-1.htm">1 Chronicles 24:1-2</a> These were the divisions of the descendants of Aaron. The sons of Aaron were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. / But Nadab and Abihu died before their father did, and they had no sons; so Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests. <a href="/1_kings/2-27.htm">1 Kings 2:27</a> So Solomon banished Abiathar from the priesthood of the LORD and thus fulfilled the word that the LORD had spoken at Shiloh against the house of Eli. <a href="/hebrews/7-23.htm">Hebrews 7:23</a> Now there have been many other priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office. <a href="/hebrews/7-11.htm">Hebrews 7:11-12</a> Now if perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for on this basis the people received the law), why was there still need for another priest to appear—one in the order of Melchizedek and not in the order of Aaron? / For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed as well. <a href="/hebrews/5-1.htm">Hebrews 5:1-4</a> Every high priest is appointed from among men to represent them in matters relating to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. / He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and misguided, since he himself is subject to weakness. / That is why he is obligated to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. ... <a href="/hebrews/9-6.htm">Hebrews 9:6-7</a> When everything had been prepared in this way, the priests entered regularly into the first room to perform their sacred duties. / But only the high priest entered the second room, and then only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. <a href="/acts/5-1.htm">Acts 5:1-11</a> Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. / With his wife’s full knowledge, he kept back some of the proceeds for himself, but brought a portion and laid it at the apostles’ feet. / Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold some of the proceeds from the land? ... <a href="/acts/7-42.htm">Acts 7:42-43</a> But God turned away from them and gave them over to the worship of the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets: ‘Did you bring Me sacrifices and offerings forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? / You have taken along the tabernacle of Molech and the star of your god Rephan, the idols you made to worship. Therefore I will send you into exile beyond Babylon.’</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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.Nadab<a href="/numbers/26-61.htm">Numbers 26:61</a> And Nadab and Abihu died, when they offered strange fire before the LORD.<a href="/leviticus/10-1.htm">Leviticus 10:1,2</a> And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/3-3.htm">Aaron</a> <a href="/numbers/3-2.htm">Abihu</a> <a href="/numbers/2-34.htm">Children</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-9.htm">Died</a> <a href="/numbers/3-2.htm">Eleazar</a> <a href="/leviticus/24-9.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/numbers/3-2.htm">Ithamar</a> <a href="/hebrews/2-15.htm">Lifetime</a> <a href="/exodus/38-8.htm">Ministered</a> <a href="/numbers/3-2.htm">Nadab</a> <a href="/leviticus/27-26.htm">Offered</a> <a href="/numbers/3-3.htm">Office</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-3.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/numbers/3-3.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/numbers/3-3.htm">Priest's</a> <a href="/exodus/38-8.htm">Served</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-45.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/numbers/3-1.htm">Sinai</a> <a href="/numbers/1-51.htm">Strange</a> <a href="/numbers/1-19.htm">Wilderness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/3-6.htm">Aaron</a> <a href="/numbers/26-60.htm">Abihu</a> <a href="/numbers/3-8.htm">Children</a> <a href="/numbers/4-20.htm">Died</a> <a href="/numbers/3-32.htm">Eleazar</a> <a href="/numbers/4-14.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/numbers/4-28.htm">Ithamar</a> <a href="/joshua/24-31.htm">Lifetime</a> <a href="/numbers/3-31.htm">Ministered</a> <a href="/numbers/26-60.htm">Nadab</a> <a href="/numbers/5-8.htm">Offered</a> <a href="/numbers/3-10.htm">Office</a> <a href="/numbers/4-7.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/numbers/3-10.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/numbers/3-10.htm">Priest's</a> <a href="/numbers/3-6.htm">Served</a> <a href="/numbers/11-11.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/numbers/3-14.htm">Sinai</a> <a href="/numbers/3-10.htm">Strange</a> <a href="/numbers/3-14.htm">Wilderness</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 3</div>1. <a href="/numbers/3-1.htm">The sons of Aaron</a> 5. <a href="/numbers/3-5.htm">The Levites are given to the priests instead of the firstborn</a> 14. <a href="/numbers/3-14.htm">Are numbered by their families</a> 21. <a href="/numbers/3-21.htm">The families, number, and charge of the Gershonites</a> 27. <a href="/numbers/3-27.htm">Of the Kohathites</a> 33. <a href="/numbers/3-33.htm">Of the Merarites</a> 38. <a href="/numbers/3-38.htm">The place and charge of Moses and Aaron</a> 40. <a href="/numbers/3-40.htm">The firstborn are freed by the Levites</a> 44. <a href="/numbers/3-44.htm">The balances are refunded</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/numbers/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Nadab and Abihu, however, died in the presence of the LORD Nadab and Abihu were the eldest sons of Aaron, the first high priest of Israel. Their death is recorded in <a href="/leviticus/10.htm">Leviticus 10:1-2</a>, where they offered "unauthorized fire" before the LORD. This event underscores the holiness of God and the importance of following His commands precisely. The phrase "in the presence of the LORD" indicates the seriousness of their offense, as they were serving in the tabernacle, the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. This incident serves as a warning about the consequences of disobedience and irreverence in worship.when they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD The "unauthorized fire" refers to incense that was not prescribed by God. In <a href="/exodus/30-9.htm">Exodus 30:9</a>, God gave specific instructions about the incense to be used in the tabernacle. Nadab and Abihu's actions represent a deviation from divine instructions, highlighting the necessity of adhering to God's commands. This act of disobedience is often seen as a symbol of human presumption and the danger of approaching God on one's own terms rather than His.in the Wilderness of Sinai The Wilderness of Sinai is a significant location in Israel's history, as it is where they received the Law and established the covenant with God. It is a place of divine revelation and instruction, as seen in <a href="/exodus/19.htm">Exodus 19-24</a>. The setting emphasizes the formative period of Israel's identity as God's chosen people and the establishment of their religious practices.And since they had no sons Nadab and Abihu's lack of descendants meant that their priestly line ended with them. In ancient Israel, lineage and inheritance were crucial for maintaining family roles and responsibilities, especially within the priesthood. This detail underscores the importance of Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's remaining sons, in continuing the priestly duties.only Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests during the lifetime of their father Aaron Eleazar and Ithamar, the younger sons of Aaron, took on the priestly responsibilities after the death of their brothers. This transition highlights the continuity of the priestly line despite the tragedy. Eleazar later becomes the high priest after Aaron's death, as noted in <a href="/numbers/20-28.htm">Numbers 20:28</a>. Their service during Aaron's lifetime signifies the importance of family and succession in maintaining the religious leadership of Israel.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/n/nadab_and_abihu.htm">Nadab and Abihu</a> Sons of Aaron, the first high priest. They died because they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, which was a direct violation of God's command. 2. <a href="/topical/e/eleazar_and_ithamar.htm">Eleazar and Ithamar</a> The remaining sons of Aaron who took over the priestly duties after the death of their brothers. 3. <a href="/topical/a/aaron.htm">Aaron</a> The first high priest of Israel, father of Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. 4. <a href="/topical/w/wilderness_of_sinai.htm">Wilderness of Sinai</a> The location where the Israelites camped after leaving Egypt, and where Nadab and Abihu's disobedience occurred. 5. <a href="/topical/u/unauthorized_fire.htm">Unauthorized Fire</a> The act of offering incense in a manner not prescribed by God, which led to the death of Nadab and Abihu.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_obedience_in_worship.htm">The Importance of Obedience in Worship</a> Worship must align with God's instructions. Nadab and Abihu's account is a cautionary tale about the consequences of deviating from God's commands. <a href="/topical/t/the_holiness_of_god.htm">The Holiness of God</a> God's holiness demands reverence and respect. The incident underscores the seriousness of approaching God with the right heart and actions. <a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_responsibility.htm">Leadership and Responsibility</a> Spiritual leaders are held to high standards. Aaron's remaining sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, had to step up and fulfill their roles responsibly. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_disobedience.htm">The Consequences of Disobedience</a> Disobedience to God’s commands can lead to severe consequences. This serves as a reminder to take God's word seriously in all aspects of life. <a href="/topical/l/legacy_and_continuity.htm">Legacy and Continuity</a> Despite the failure of some, God's work continues through others. Eleazar and Ithamar's service ensured the continuity of the priestly duties.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 3</a> <a href="/q/who_was_eleazar_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Eleazar in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/who_was_herod_the_great.htm">Who was Ithamar in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/how_reconcile_1_chr_24_with_other_genealogies.htm">How can the list of priestly divisions in 1 Chronicles 24 be reconciled with conflicting genealogies in other Old Testament passages?</a> <a href="/q/who_was_ithamar_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Ithamar in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/numbers/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) Died before the Lord.--The account is given in <a href="/context/leviticus/10-1.htm" title="And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.">Leviticus 10:1-2</a>, where the same expression "before the Lord" is used both in regard to the offering of strange fire by Nadab and Abihu, and also in regard to their death.And they had no children.--To die childless was regarded not only as a reproach, but also as a judgment. This was especially the case in regard to Nadab and Abihu, inasmuch as the sons of one, or of both (as was the case in regard to the sons of Eleazar and of Ithamar), would have succeeded to the high priesthood.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - They had no children. If they had left sons, these would have succeeded to their office, and to the headship of the priestly line. In the sight of Aaron. In his lifetime (cf. <a href="/genesis/11-28.htm">Genesis 11:28</a>). Septuagint, "with Aaron." In the time of David the descendants of Eleazar were divided into sixteen courses, the descendants of Ithamar into eight (<a href="/2_chronicles/24-3.htm">2 Chronicles 24:3</a>). <a href="/commentaries/numbers/3-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Nadab נָדָ֣ב (nā·ḏāḇ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5070.htm">Strong's 5070: </a> Nadab -- an Israelite name and Abihu, however, וַאֲבִיה֣וּא (wa·’ă·ḇî·hū) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_30.htm">Strong's 30: </a> Abihu -- 'he is father', a son of Aaron died וַיָּ֣מָת (way·yā·māṯ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> To die, to kill in the presence לִפְנֵ֣י (lip̄·nê) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face of the LORD יְהוָ֡ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel when they offered בְּֽהַקְרִבָם֩ (bə·haq·ri·ḇām) Preposition-b | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7126.htm">Strong's 7126: </a> To come near, approach strange זָרָ֜ה (zā·rāh) Adjective - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2114.htm">Strong's 2114: </a> To turn aside, to be a, foreigner, strange, profane, to commit adultery fire אֵ֨שׁ (’êš) Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_784.htm">Strong's 784: </a> A fire before לִפְנֵ֤י (lip̄·nê) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face the LORD יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel in the Wilderness בְּמִדְבַּ֣ר (bə·miḏ·bar) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4057.htm">Strong's 4057: </a> A pasture, a desert, speech of Sinai. סִינַ֔י (sî·nay) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5514.htm">Strong's 5514: </a> Sinai -- the mountain where the law was given And since they had הָי֣וּ (hā·yū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be no לֹא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no sons, וּבָנִ֖ים (ū·ḇā·nîm) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son only Eleazar אֶלְעָזָר֙ (’el·‘ā·zār) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_499.htm">Strong's 499: </a> Eleazar -- 'God has helped', six Israelites and Ithamar וְאִ֣יתָמָ֔ר (wə·’î·ṯā·mār) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_385.htm">Strong's 385: </a> Ithamar -- 'land of palms', a son of Aaron served as priests וַיְכַהֵ֤ן (way·ḵa·hên) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3547.htm">Strong's 3547: </a> To officiate as a, priest, to put on regalia during עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the lifetime פְּנֵ֖י (pə·nê) Noun - common plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face of their father אֲבִיהֶֽם׃ (’ă·ḇî·hem) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father Aaron. אַהֲרֹ֥ן (’a·hă·rōn) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_175.htm">Strong's 175: </a> Aaron -- an elder brother of Moses <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/3-4.htm">Numbers 3:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/numbers/3-4.htm">Numbers 3:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/numbers/3-4.htm">Numbers 3:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/numbers/3-4.htm">Numbers 3:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/numbers/3-4.htm">Numbers 3:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/3-4.htm">Numbers 3:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/3-4.htm">Numbers 3:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/3-4.htm">Numbers 3:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/3-4.htm">Numbers 3:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/numbers/3-4.htm">Numbers 3:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/numbers/3-4.htm">OT Law: Numbers 3:4 Nadab and Abihu died before Yahweh when (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/3-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 3:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 3:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/3-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 3:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 3:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>