King James Version

What Does Leviticus 16:12 Mean?

Leviticus 16:12 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Leviticus 16:12 · KJV

Context

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:

14

And he shall take of the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it with his finger upon the mercy seat eastward; and before the mercy seat shall he sprinkle of the blood with his finger seven times.

Read Leviticus 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:

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 five main offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt) addressed different aspects of relationship with God, all fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive sacrifice.
Every sacrifice and ritual in Leviticus points forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the entire sacrificial system as both perfect sacrifice and eternal high priest.

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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. 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. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?
  2. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְלָקַ֣ח1 of 17

“And he shall take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

וּמְלֹ֣א2 of 17

“full”

H4393

fulness (literally or figuratively)

הַ֠מַּחְתָּה3 of 17

“a censer”

H4289

a pan for live coals

גַּֽחֲלֵי4 of 17

“coals”

H1513

an ember

אֵ֞שׁ5 of 17

“of burning”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

מֵעַ֤ל6 of 17
H5921

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

הַמִּזְבֵּ֙חַ֙7 of 17

“from off the altar”

H4196

an altar

מִלִּפְנֵ֣י8 of 17

“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

יְהוָ֔ה9 of 17

“the LORD”

H3068

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

וּמְלֹ֣א10 of 17

“full”

H4393

fulness (literally or figuratively)

חָפְנָ֔יו11 of 17

“and his hands”

H2651

a fist (only in the dual)

קְטֹ֥רֶת12 of 17

“incense”

H7004

a fumigation

סַמִּ֖ים13 of 17

“of sweet”

H5561

an aroma

דַּקָּ֑ה14 of 17

“beaten small”

H1851

crushed, i.e., (by implication) small or thin

וְהֵבִ֖יא15 of 17

“and bring”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

מִבֵּ֥ית16 of 17

“it within”

H1004

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

לַפָּרֹֽכֶת׃17 of 17

“the vail”

H6532

a separatrix, i.e., (the sacred) screen

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 16:12 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 16:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 30:34-38Leviticus 10:1Revelation 8:3-4Numbers 16:46Numbers 16:18Exodus 31:11

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Leviticus 16 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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