King James Version

What Does Leviticus 16:11 Mean?

Leviticus 16:11 in the King James Version says “And Aaron shall bring the bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and shall make an atonement for himself, an...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Leviticus 16:11 · KJV

Context

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:

13

And he shall put the incense upon the fire before the LORD, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat that is upon the testimony, that he die not:

Read Leviticus 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:

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. 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 five main offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt) addressed different aspects of relationship with God, all fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive 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. Archaeological discoveries at sites like Ugarit reveal Canaanite religious practices Israel's laws explicitly rejected, confirming the Bible's historical reliability and the distinctiveness of Israelite worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ's atoning sacrifice and the seriousness of sin?
  2. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  3. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְהִקְרִ֨יב1 of 17

“shall bring”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אַֽהֲרֹ֜ן2 of 17

“And Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

אֶת3 of 17
H853

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

פַּ֥ר4 of 17

“the bullock”

H6499

a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)

הַֽחַטָּ֖את5 of 17

“of the sin offering”

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

אֲשֶׁר6 of 17
H834

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

ל֔וֹ7 of 17
H0
וְכִפֶּ֥ר8 of 17

“which is for himself and shall make an atonement”

H3722

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

בַּֽעֲד֖וֹ9 of 17
H1157

in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc

וּבְעַ֣ד10 of 17
H1157

in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc

בֵּית֑וֹ11 of 17

“for himself and for his house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וְשָׁחַ֛ט12 of 17

“and shall kill”

H7819

to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)

אֶת13 of 17
H853

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

פַּ֥ר14 of 17

“the bullock”

H6499

a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)

הַֽחַטָּ֖את15 of 17

“of the sin offering”

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

אֲשֶׁר16 of 17
H834

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

לֽוֹ׃17 of 17
H0

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 16:11 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 16:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 16:6Hebrews 7:27Hebrews 9:7Leviticus 16:3

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