King James Version

What Does Leviticus 16:1 Mean?

Leviticus 16:1 in the King James Version says “And the LORD spake unto Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they offered before the LORD, and died;” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the LORD spake unto Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they offered before the LORD, and died;”

Leviticus 16:1 · KJV

Context

1

And the LORD spake unto Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they offered before the LORD, and died;

2

And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat.

3

Thus shall Aaron come into the holy place: with a young bullock for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering.

Read Leviticus 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the LORD spake unto Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they offered before the LORD, and died;

This verse falls within the section on Day of Atonement. The most sacred day in Israel's calendar, when the high priest entered the Holy of Holies to make atonement for all Israel's sins.

The Aaronic priesthood mediated between God and Israel, offering sacrifices and maintaining the tabernacle. This prefigured Christ's superior priesthood after the order of Melchizedek.
The access to God's presence that Leviticus carefully regulated is now freely available through Christ's blood, tearing the veil and opening the way to God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The most sacred day in Israel's calendar, when the high priest entered the Holy of Holies to make atonement for all Israel's sins. The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) described in chapter 16 became Israel's most sacred day. Only on this annual day could the high priest enter the Holy of Holies, making atonement for the entire nation. This ceremony, still observed in Judaism, found ultimate fulfillment in Christ's entrance into heaven itself (Hebrews 9:11-12). Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. The tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  2. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  3. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֤ר1 of 13

“spake”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

יְהוָ֖ה2 of 13

“And the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶל3 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֔ה4 of 13

“unto Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אַֽחֲרֵ֣י5 of 13

“after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

מ֔וֹת6 of 13

“the death”

H4194

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

שְׁנֵ֖י7 of 13

“of the two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

בְּנֵ֣י8 of 13

“sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אַֽהֲרֹ֑ן9 of 13

“of Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

בְּקָרְבָתָ֥ם10 of 13

“when they offered”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

לִפְנֵי11 of 13

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָ֖ה12 of 13

“And the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וַיָּמֻֽתוּ׃13 of 13

“and died”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Leviticus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Leviticus 16:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Leviticus 16:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 10:1-2

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