King James Version

What Does Leviticus 16:13 Mean?

Leviticus 16:13 in the King James Version says “And he shall put the incense upon the fire before the LORD, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat that ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Leviticus 16:13 · KJV

Context

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.

15

Then shall he kill the goat of the sin offering, that is for the people, and bring his blood within the vail, and do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it upon the mercy seat, and before the mercy seat:

Read Leviticus 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:

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.


Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

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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. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
  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 · 17 words
וְנָתַ֧ן1 of 17

“And he shall put”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶֽת2 of 17
H853

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

הַקְּטֹ֗רֶת3 of 17

“of the incense”

H7004

a fumigation

עַל4 of 17
H5921

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

הָאֵ֖שׁ5 of 17

“upon the fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

לִפְנֵ֣י6 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

יְהוָ֑ה7 of 17

“the LORD”

H3068

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

וְכִסָּ֣ה׀8 of 17

“may cover”

H3680

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

עֲנַ֣ן9 of 17

“that the cloud”

H6051

a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud

הַקְּטֹ֗רֶת10 of 17

“of the incense”

H7004

a fumigation

אֶת11 of 17
H853

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

הַכַּפֹּ֛רֶת12 of 17

“the mercy seat”

H3727

a lid (used only of the cover of the sacred ark)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר13 of 17
H834

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

עַל14 of 17
H5921

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

הָֽעֵד֖וּת15 of 17

“that is upon the testimony”

H5715

testimony

וְלֹ֥א16 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָמֽוּת׃17 of 17

“that he die”

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 16:13 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 16:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 25:211 John 2:1-2Exodus 30:7-8Exodus 30:1Numbers 16:18Exodus 28:43

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