King James Version

What Does Leviticus 16:15 Mean?

Leviticus 16:15 in the King James Version says “Then shall he kill the goat of the sin offering, that is for the people, and bring his blood within the vail, and do wit...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Leviticus 16:15 · KJV

Context

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

17

And there shall be no man in the tabernacle of the congregation when he goeth in to make an atonement in the holy place, until he come out, and have made an atonement for himself, and for his household, and for all the congregation of Israel.

Read Leviticus 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:

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. 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.
What Leviticus portrayed through types and shadows, Christ fulfilled in reality through His incarnation, perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection.

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. The Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

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 costliness of true worship and dedication to God?
  3. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
וְשָׁחַ֞ט1 of 25

“Then shall he kill”

H7819

to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)

אֶת2 of 25
H853

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

שְׂעִ֤יר3 of 25

“the goat”

H8163

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

הַֽחַטָּאת֙4 of 25

“of the sin offering”

H2403

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר5 of 25
H834

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

לָעָ֔ם6 of 25

“that is for the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וְהֵבִיא֙7 of 25

“and bring”

H935

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

אֶת8 of 25
H853

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

לְדַ֣ם9 of 25

“his 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

אֶל10 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מִבֵּ֖ית11 of 25

“within”

H1004

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

לַפָּרֹ֑כֶת12 of 25

“the vail”

H6532

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

עָשָׂה֙13 of 25

“and do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֶת14 of 25
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

לְדַ֣ם15 of 25

“his 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

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֤ר16 of 25
H834

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

עָשָׂה֙17 of 25

“and do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לְדַ֣ם18 of 25

“his 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

הַפָּ֔ר19 of 25

“of the bullock”

H6499

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

וְהִזָּ֥ה20 of 25

“and sprinkle”

H5137

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

אֹת֛וֹ21 of 25
H853

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

עַל22 of 25
H5921

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

הַכַּפֹּֽרֶת׃23 of 25

“it upon the mercy seat”

H3727

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

וְלִפְנֵ֥י24 of 25

“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

הַכַּפֹּֽרֶת׃25 of 25

“it upon the mercy seat”

H3727

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

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 16:15 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 16:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 9:7Hebrews 2:17Hebrews 9:3Hebrews 9:12Leviticus 16:2Hebrews 5:3

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