King James Version

What Does Leviticus 16:20 Mean?

Leviticus 16:20 in the King James Version says “And when he hath made an end of reconciling the holy place, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar, he sh...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when he hath made an end of reconciling the holy place, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar, he shall bring the live goat:”

Leviticus 16:20 · King James Version

Context

18

And he shall go out unto the altar that is before the LORD, and make an atonement for it; and shall take of the blood of the bullock, and of the blood of the goat, and put it upon the horns of the altar round about.

19

And he shall sprinkle of the blood upon it with his finger seven times, and cleanse it, and hallow it from the uncleanness of the children of Israel.

20

And when he hath made an end of reconciling the holy place, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar, he shall bring the live goat:

21

And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness: a fit: Heb. a man of opportunity

22

And the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited: and he shall let go the goat in the wilderness. not: Heb. of separation

Read Leviticus 16 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And when he hath made an end of reconciling the holy place, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar, he shall bring the live goat:

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 central theme of Leviticus is God's holiness and the call for His people to be holy. The Hebrew word qadosh (קָדוֹשׁ) means 'set apart' or 'sacred,' emphasizing both separation from sin and consecration to God's purposes. The five main offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt) addressed different aspects of relationship with God, all fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive sacrifice.
The access to God's presence that Leviticus carefully regulated is now freely available through Christ's blood, tearing the veil and opening the way to God.

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 texts like the Code of Hammurabi show that law codes were common in the ancient Near East, but biblical law uniquely grounded ethics in God's character rather than merely social convention.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's holiness, as revealed in this verse, shape your understanding of worship, obedience, and daily living?
  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?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְכִלָּה֙1 of 13

“And when he hath made an end”

H3615

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

מִכַּפֵּ֣ר2 of 13

“of reconciling”

H3722

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

אֶת3 of 13
H853

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

הַקֹּ֔דֶשׁ4 of 13

“the holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

וְאֶת5 of 13
H853

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

אֹ֥הֶל6 of 13

“place and the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵ֖ד7 of 13

“of the congregation”

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

וְאֶת8 of 13
H853

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

הַמִּזְבֵּ֑חַ9 of 13

“and the altar”

H4196

an altar

וְהִקְרִ֖יב10 of 13

“he shall bring”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אֶת11 of 13
H853

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

הַשָּׂעִ֥יר12 of 13

“goat”

H8163

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

הֶחָֽי׃13 of 13

“the live”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

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 16:20 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 16:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 16:16Ezekiel 45:20Leviticus 8:15Hebrews 7:25Revelation 1:18Romans 8:34

Places in This Verse

Holy Place 1Special Place24 verses across 4 books
View all places in Leviticus 16 →

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