But Nadab and Abihu died before their father, and had no children: therefore Eleazar and Ithamar executed the priest's office.
Nadab and Abihu died before their father - i:e., not in his presence, but during his lifetime (see marginal reference).
Therefore Eleazar and Ithamar executed the priest's office. In consequence of the death of his two oldest sons without issue, the descendants of Aaron were comprised in the families of Eleazar and Ithamar. Both of these sons discharged the priestly functions as assistants to their father. Eleazar succeeded him, and in his line the high priesthood continued until it was transferred to the family of Ithamar, in the person of Eli.