King James Version

What Does Leviticus 16:23 Mean?

Leviticus 16:23 in the King James Version says “And Aaron shall come into the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall put off the linen garments, which he put on when...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Leviticus 16:23 · KJV

Context

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.

25

And the fat of the sin offering shall he burn upon the altar.

Read Leviticus 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:

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 Aaronic priesthood mediated between God and Israel, offering sacrifices and maintaining the tabernacle. This prefigured Christ's superior priesthood after the order of Melchizedek.
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 does God's holiness, as revealed in this verse, shape your understanding of worship, obedience, and daily living?
  2. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  3. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
בְּבֹא֣וֹ1 of 16

“shall come”

H935

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

אַֽהֲרֹן֙2 of 16

“And Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

אֶל3 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֹ֣הֶל4 of 16

“into the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵ֔ד5 of 16

“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

וּפָשַׁט֙6 of 16

“and shall put off”

H6584

to spread out (i.e., deploy in hostile array); by analogy, to strip (i.e., unclothe, plunder, flay, etc.)

אֶת7 of 16
H853

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

בִּגְדֵ֣י8 of 16

“garments”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

הַבָּ֔ד9 of 16

“the linen”

H906

flaxen thread or yarn; hence, a linen garment

אֲשֶׁ֥ר10 of 16
H834

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

לָבַ֖שׁ11 of 16

“which he put on”

H3847

properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively

בְּבֹא֣וֹ12 of 16

“shall come”

H935

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

אֶל13 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ14 of 16

“into the holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

וְהִנִּיחָ֖ם15 of 16

“place and shall leave”

H3240

to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay

שָֽׁם׃16 of 16
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

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 16:23 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 16:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 44:19Ezekiel 42:14Leviticus 16:4Philippians 2:6-11Romans 8:3Hebrews 9:28

Places in This Verse

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

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 16 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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