King James Version

What Does Leviticus 16:4 Mean?

Leviticus 16:4 in the King James Version says “He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a lin...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: these are holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and so put them on.”

Leviticus 16:4 · KJV

Context

2

And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat.

3

Thus shall Aaron come into the holy place: with a young bullock for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering.

4

He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: these are holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and so put them on.

5

And he shall take of the congregation of the children of Israel two kids of the goats for a sin offering, and one ram for a burnt offering.

6

And Aaron shall offer his bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and make an atonement for himself, and for his house.

Read Leviticus 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: these are holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and so put them on.

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 New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  3. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
כְּתֹֽנֶת1 of 23

“coat”

H3801

a shirt

בַּ֖ד2 of 23

“and he shall have the linen”

H906

flaxen thread or yarn; hence, a linen garment

קֹ֣דֶשׁ3 of 23

“are holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

וּלְבֵשָֽׁם׃4 of 23

“He shall put on”

H3847

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

וּמִֽכְנְסֵי5 of 23

“breeches”

H4370

(only in dual) drawers (from concealing the private parts)

בַּ֖ד6 of 23

“and he shall have the linen”

H906

flaxen thread or yarn; hence, a linen garment

יִֽהְי֣וּ7 of 23
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

עַל8 of 23
H5921

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

בְּשָׂר֖וֹ9 of 23

“his flesh”

H1320

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

וּבְאַבְנֵ֥ט10 of 23

“girdle”

H73

a belt

בַּ֖ד11 of 23

“and he shall have the linen”

H906

flaxen thread or yarn; hence, a linen garment

יַחְגֹּ֔ר12 of 23

“and shall be girded”

H2296

to gird on (as a belt, armor, etc.)

וּבְמִצְנֶ֥פֶת13 of 23

“mitre”

H4701

a tiara, i.e., official turban (of a king or high priest)

בַּ֖ד14 of 23

“and he shall have the linen”

H906

flaxen thread or yarn; hence, a linen garment

יִצְנֹ֑ף15 of 23

“shall he be attired”

H6801

to wrap, i.e., roll or dress

בִּגְדֵי16 of 23

“garments”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

קֹ֣דֶשׁ17 of 23

“are holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

הֵ֔ם18 of 23

“these”

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

וְרָחַ֥ץ19 of 23

“therefore shall he wash”

H7364

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

בַּמַּ֛יִם20 of 23

“in water”

H4325

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

אֶת21 of 23
H853

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

בְּשָׂר֖וֹ22 of 23

“his flesh”

H1320

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

וּלְבֵשָֽׁם׃23 of 23

“He shall put on”

H3847

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

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 16:4 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 16:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 28:39-43Ezekiel 44:17-18Exodus 30:20Hebrews 7:26Leviticus 8:6-7Leviticus 6:10

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read Leviticus 16 with CommentaryAll Leviticus ChaptersComplete Leviticus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes