King James Version

What Does Leviticus 16:6 Mean?

Leviticus 16:6 in the King James Version says “And Aaron shall offer his bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and make an atonement for himself, and for ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 16:6 · KJV

Context

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.

8

And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat. scapegoat: Heb. Azazel

Read Leviticus 16 full chapter

Commentary

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

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 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. The five main offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt) addressed different aspects of relationship with God, all fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive sacrifice.
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. The Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ's atoning sacrifice and the seriousness of sin?
  2. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  3. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְהִקְרִ֧יב1 of 11

“shall offer”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אַֽהֲרֹ֛ן2 of 11

“And Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

אֶת3 of 11
H853

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

פַּ֥ר4 of 11

“his bullock”

H6499

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

הַֽחַטָּ֖את5 of 11

“of the sin offering”

H2403

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

אֲשֶׁר6 of 11
H834

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

ל֑וֹ7 of 11
H0
וְכִפֶּ֥ר8 of 11

“and make an atonement”

H3722

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

וּבְעַ֥ד9 of 11

“which is for himself”

H1157

in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc

וּבְעַ֥ד10 of 11

“which is for himself”

H1157

in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc

בֵּיתֽוֹ׃11 of 11

“for himself and for his house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

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 16:6 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 16:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 9:7Hebrews 9:7Job 1:5Ezekiel 43:27Ezekiel 43:19Leviticus 8:14-17

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