King James Version

What Does Leviticus 16:14 Mean?

Leviticus 16:14 in the King James Version says “And he shall take of the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it with his finger upon the mercy seat eastward; and before ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 16:14 · KJV

Context

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:

16

And he shall make an atonement for the holy place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions in all their sins: and so shall he do for the tabernacle of the congregation, that remaineth among them in the midst of their uncleanness. remaineth: Heb. dwelleth

Read Leviticus 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

Leviticus 17:11 declares 'the life of the flesh is in the blood,' establishing blood's sacred role in atonement, pointing to Christ's blood shed for redemption.
Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

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. 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. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  2. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  3. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְלָקַח֙1 of 17

“And he shall take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

הַדָּ֖ם2 of 17

“of the blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

הַפָּ֔ר3 of 17

“of the bullock”

H6499

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

יַזֶּ֧ה4 of 17

“and sprinkle”

H5137

to spirt, i.e., besprinkle (especially in expiation)

בְּאֶצְבָּעֽוֹ׃5 of 17

“it with his finger”

H676

something to sieze with, i.e., a finger; by analogy, a toe

עַל6 of 17
H5921

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

וְלִפְנֵ֣י7 of 17

“and 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

הַכַּפֹּ֗רֶת8 of 17

“the mercy seat”

H3727

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

קֵ֑דְמָה9 of 17

“eastward”

H6924

the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)

וְלִפְנֵ֣י10 of 17

“and 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

הַכַּפֹּ֗רֶת11 of 17

“the mercy seat”

H3727

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

יַזֶּ֧ה12 of 17

“and sprinkle”

H5137

to spirt, i.e., besprinkle (especially in expiation)

שֶֽׁבַע13 of 17

“seven”

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

פְּעָמִ֛ים14 of 17

“times”

H6471

a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)

מִן15 of 17
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַדָּ֖ם16 of 17

“of the blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

בְּאֶצְבָּעֽוֹ׃17 of 17

“it with his finger”

H676

something to sieze with, i.e., a finger; by analogy, a toe

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 16:14 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 16:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 4:5-6Hebrews 9:25Hebrews 9:13Hebrews 9:7Leviticus 4:17Hebrews 10:4

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