King James Version

What Does Leviticus 16:10 Mean?

Leviticus 16:10 in the King James Version says “But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the LORD, to make an atonement ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the LORD, to make an atonement with him, and to let him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness.”

Leviticus 16:10 · KJV

Context

8

And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat. scapegoat: Heb. Azazel

9

And Aaron shall bring the goat upon which the LORD'S lot fell, and offer him for a sin offering. fell: Heb. went up

10

But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the LORD, to make an atonement with him, and to let him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness.

11

And Aaron shall bring the bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and shall make an atonement for himself, and for his house, and shall kill the bullock of the sin offering which is for himself:

12

And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the LORD, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the vail:

Read Leviticus 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the LORD, to make an atonement with him, and to let him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness.

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 Hebrew word kaphar (כָּפַר) means 'to cover' or 'to make atonement.' The sacrificial system provided temporary covering for sin, pointing forward to Christ's perfect, once-for-all sacrifice.
What Leviticus portrayed through types and shadows, Christ fulfilled in reality through His incarnation, perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection.

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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. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ's atoning sacrifice and the seriousness of sin?
  2. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  3. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְהַשָּׂעִ֗יר1 of 16

“But the goat”

H8163

shaggy; as noun, a he-goat; by analogy, a faun

אֲשֶׁר֩2 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָלָ֨ה3 of 16

“fell”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

עָלָ֤יו4 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַגּוֹרָל֙5 of 16

“on which the lot”

H1486

properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)

לַֽעֲזָאזֵ֖ל6 of 16

“for a scapegoat”

H5799

goat of departure; the scapegoat

יָֽעֳמַד7 of 16

“shall be presented”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

חַ֛י8 of 16

“alive”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

לִפְנֵ֥י9 of 16

“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

יְהוָ֖ה10 of 16

“the LORD”

H3068

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

לְכַפֵּ֣ר11 of 16

“to make an atonement”

H3722

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

עָלָ֑יו12 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

לְשַׁלַּ֥ח13 of 16

“with him and to let him go”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֹת֛וֹ14 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לַֽעֲזָאזֵ֖ל15 of 16

“for a scapegoat”

H5799

goat of departure; the scapegoat

הַמִּדְבָּֽרָה׃16 of 16

“into the wilderness”

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

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 16:10 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 16:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 John 2:2Leviticus 16:21-22Hebrews 9:23-241 John 3:16Isaiah 53:4-11Romans 4:25

Places in This Verse

AzazelSpecial Place3 verses across 1 book
View all places in Leviticus 16 →

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