King James Version

What Does Leviticus 16:7 Mean?

Leviticus 16:7 in the King James Version says “And he shall take the two goats, and present them before the LORD at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 16:7 · KJV

Context

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

9

And Aaron shall bring the goat upon which the LORD'S lot fell, and offer him for a sin offering. fell: Heb. went up

Read Leviticus 16 full chapter

Commentary

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

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 holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

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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 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. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְלָקַ֖ח1 of 11

“And he shall take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶת2 of 11
H853

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

שְׁנֵ֣י3 of 11

“the two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

הַשְּׂעִירִ֑ם4 of 11

“goats”

H8163

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

וְהֶֽעֱמִ֤יד5 of 11

“and present”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

אֹתָם֙6 of 11
H853

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

לִפְנֵ֣י7 of 11

“them before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָ֔ה8 of 11

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

פֶּ֖תַח9 of 11

“at the door”

H6607

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

אֹ֥הֶל10 of 11

“of the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵֽד׃11 of 11

“of the congregation”

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

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 16:7 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 16:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 12:1Matthew 16:21Leviticus 4:4Leviticus 1:3Leviticus 12:6-7

Test Your Knowledge

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

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