King James Version

What Does Leviticus 16:27 Mean?

Leviticus 16:27 in the King James Version says “And the bullock for the sin offering, and the goat for the sin offering, whose blood was brought in to make atonement in...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the bullock for the sin offering, and the goat for the sin offering, whose blood was brought in to make atonement in the holy place, shall one carry forth without the camp; and they shall burn in the fire their skins, and their flesh, and their dung.”

Leviticus 16:27 · KJV

Context

25

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

26

And he that let go the goat for the scapegoat shall wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in water, and afterward come into the camp.

27

And the bullock for the sin offering, and the goat for the sin offering, whose blood was brought in to make atonement in the holy place, shall one carry forth without the camp; and they shall burn in the fire their skins, and their flesh, and their dung.

28

And he that burneth them shall wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in water, and afterward he shall come into the camp.

29

And this shall be a statute for ever unto you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you:

Read Leviticus 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the bullock for the sin offering, and the goat for the sin offering, whose blood was brought in to make atonement in the holy place, shall one carry forth without the camp; and they shall burn in the fire their skins, and their flesh, and their dung.

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 Hebrew word kaphar (כָּפַר) means 'to cover' or 'to make atonement.' The sacrificial system provided temporary covering for sin, pointing forward to Christ's perfect, once-for-all sacrifice. 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.
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.

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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. 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. How does God's holiness, as revealed in this verse, shape your understanding of worship, obedience, and daily living?
  2. In what ways does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ's atoning sacrifice and the seriousness of sin?
  3. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
וְאֵת֩1 of 24
H853

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

פַּ֨ר2 of 24

“And the bullock”

H6499

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

הַֽחַטָּ֗את3 of 24

“for the sin offering”

H2403

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

וְאֵ֣ת׀4 of 24
H853

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

שְׂעִ֣יר5 of 24

“and the goat”

H8163

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

הַֽחַטָּ֗את6 of 24

“for the sin offering”

H2403

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

אֲשֶׁ֨ר7 of 24
H834

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

הוּבָ֤א8 of 24

“was brought in”

H935

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

אֶת9 of 24
H853

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

דָּמָם֙10 of 24

“whose 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

לְכַפֵּ֣ר11 of 24

“to make atonement”

H3722

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

בַּקֹּ֔דֶשׁ12 of 24

“in the holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

יוֹצִ֖יא13 of 24

“place shall one carry forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אֶל14 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מִח֣וּץ15 of 24

“without”

H2351

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

לַֽמַּחֲנֶ֑ה16 of 24

“the camp”

H4264

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

וְשָֽׂרְפ֣וּ17 of 24

“and they shall burn”

H8313

to be (causatively, set) on fire

בָאֵ֔שׁ18 of 24

“in the fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

אֶת19 of 24
H853

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

עֹֽרֹתָ֥ם20 of 24

“their skins”

H5785

skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather

וְאֶת21 of 24
H853

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

בְּשָׂרָ֖ם22 of 24

“and their flesh”

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

וְאֶת23 of 24
H853

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

פִּרְשָֽׁם׃24 of 24

“and their dung”

H6569

excrement (as eliminated)

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 16:27 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 16:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 4:21Leviticus 6:30Leviticus 4:11-12Leviticus 8:17Matthew 27:31-33Hebrews 13:11-14

Places in This Verse

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

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