King James Version

What Does Leviticus 16:22 Mean?

Leviticus 16:22 in the King James Version says “And the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited: and he shall let go the goat in the wil...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Leviticus 16:22 · KJV

Context

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

23

And Aaron shall come into the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall put off the linen garments, which he put on when he went into the holy place, and shall leave them there:

24

And he shall wash his flesh with water in the holy place, and put on his garments, and come forth, and offer his burnt offering, and the burnt offering of the people, and make an atonement for himself, and for the people.

Read Leviticus 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.


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 practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  2. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  3. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְנָשָׂ֨א1 of 13

“shall bear”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

הַשָּׂעִ֖יר2 of 13

“And the goat”

H8163

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

עָלָ֛יו3 of 13
H5921

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

אֶת4 of 13
H853

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

כָּל5 of 13
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עֲוֹֽנֹתָ֖ם6 of 13

“upon him all their iniquities”

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

אֶל7 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶ֣רֶץ8 of 13

“unto a land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

גְּזֵרָ֑ה9 of 13

“not inhabited”

H1509

a desert (as separated)

וְשִׁלַּ֥ח10 of 13

“and he shall let go”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֶת11 of 13
H853

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

הַשָּׂעִ֖יר12 of 13

“And the goat”

H8163

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

בַּמִּדְבָּֽר׃13 of 13

“in the wilderness”

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

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 16:22 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 16:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 53:11-12John 1:291 Peter 2:24Hebrews 9:28Psalms 103:10Micah 7:19

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