King James Version

What Does Leviticus 16:32 Mean?

Leviticus 16:32 in the King James Version says “And the priest, whom he shall anoint, and whom he shall consecrate to minister in the priest's office in his father's st... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the priest, whom he shall anoint, and whom he shall consecrate to minister in the priest's office in his father's stead, shall make the atonement, and shall put on the linen clothes, even the holy garments: consecrate: Heb. fill his hand

Leviticus 16:32 · KJV


Context

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.

31

It shall be a sabbath of rest unto you, and ye shall afflict your souls, by a statute for ever.

32

And the priest, whom he shall anoint, and whom he shall consecrate to minister in the priest's office in his father's stead, shall make the atonement, and shall put on the linen clothes, even the holy garments: consecrate: Heb. fill his hand

33

And he shall make an atonement for the holy sanctuary, and he shall make an atonement for the tabernacle of the congregation, and for the altar, and he shall make an atonement for the priests, and for all the people of the congregation.

34

And this shall be an everlasting statute unto you, to make an atonement for the children of Israel for all their sins once a year. And he did as the LORD commanded Moses.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the priest, whom he shall anoint, and whom he shall consecrate to minister in the priest's office in his father's stead, shall make the atonement, and shall put on the linen clothes, even the holy garments:

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 Aaronic priesthood mediated between God and Israel, offering sacrifices and maintaining the tabernacle. This prefigured Christ's superior priesthood after the order of Melchizedek.
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. Archaeological discoveries at sites like Ugarit reveal Canaanite religious practices Israel's laws explicitly rejected, confirming the Bible's historical reliability and the distinctiveness of Israelite worship.

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. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְכִפֶּ֨ר1 of 18

stead shall make the atonement

H3722

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

הַכֹּהֵ֜ן2 of 18

And the priest

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

אֲשֶׁר3 of 18
H834

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

יִמְשַׁ֣ח4 of 18

whom he shall anoint

H4886

to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint

אֹת֗וֹ5 of 18
H853

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

וַֽאֲשֶׁ֤ר6 of 18
H834

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

יְמַלֵּא֙7 of 18

and whom he shall consecrate

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

אֶת8 of 18
H853

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

יָד֔וֹ9 of 18
H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

לְכַהֵ֖ן10 of 18

to minister in the priest's office

H3547

to officiate as a priest; figuratively, to put on regalia

תַּ֣חַת11 of 18
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

אָבִ֑יו12 of 18

in his father's

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וְלָבַ֛שׁ13 of 18

and shall put on

H3847

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

אֶת14 of 18
H853

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

בִּגְדֵ֥י15 of 18

clothes

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

הַבָּ֖ד16 of 18

the linen

H906

flaxen thread or yarn; hence, a linen garment

בִּגְדֵ֥י17 of 18

clothes

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ׃18 of 18

even the holy

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity


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 16:32 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 16:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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