King James Version

What Does Leviticus 16:28 Mean?

Leviticus 16:28 in the King James Version says “And he that burneth them shall wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in water, and afterward he shall come into the camp... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 16:28 · KJV


Context

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:

30

For on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before the LORD.


Commentary

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

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.


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

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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. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
  2. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  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 · 13 words
וְהַשֹּׂרֵ֣ף1 of 13

And he that burneth

H8313

to be (causatively, set) on fire

אֹתָ֔ם2 of 13
H853

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

יְכַבֵּ֣ס3 of 13

them shall wash

H3526

to trample; hence, to wash (properly, by stamping with the feet), whether literal (including the fulling process) or figurative

בְּגָדָ֔יו4 of 13

his clothes

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

וְרָחַ֥ץ5 of 13

and bathe

H7364

to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)

אֶת6 of 13
H853

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

בְּשָׂר֖וֹ7 of 13

his flesh

H1320

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

בַּמָּ֑יִם8 of 13

in water

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

וְאַֽחֲרֵי9 of 13

and afterward

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

כֵ֖ן10 of 13
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

יָב֥וֹא11 of 13

he shall come

H935

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

אֶל12 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַֽמַּחֲנֶֽה׃13 of 13

into 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


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 16:28 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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