King James Version

What Does Leviticus 16:5 Mean?

Leviticus 16:5 in the King James Version says “And he shall take of the congregation of the children of Israel two kids of the goats for a sin offering, and one ram fo...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 16:5 · KJV

Context

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.

7

And he shall take the two goats, and present them before the LORD at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

Read Leviticus 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 five main offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt) addressed different aspects of relationship with God, all fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive sacrifice.
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 ways does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ's atoning sacrifice and the seriousness of sin?
  2. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?
  3. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וּמֵאֵ֗ת1 of 12
H853

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

עֲדַת֙2 of 12

“of the congregation”

H5712

a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)

בְּנֵ֣י3 of 12

“of the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל4 of 12

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

יִקַּ֛ח5 of 12

“And he shall take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

שְׁנֵֽי6 of 12

“two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

שְׂעִירֵ֥י7 of 12

“kids”

H8163

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

עִזִּ֖ים8 of 12

“of the goats”

H5795

a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural (which also is used elliptically for goat's hair)

לְחַטָּ֑את9 of 12

“for a sin offering”

H2403

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

וְאַ֥יִל10 of 12

“ram”

H352

properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree

אֶחָ֖ד11 of 12

“and one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

לְעֹלָֽה׃12 of 12

“for a burnt offering”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

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 16:5 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 16:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 29:21Numbers 29:11Ezra 6:17Leviticus 8:2Hebrews 7:27-28Leviticus 4:13-21

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