King James Version

What Does Leviticus 16:8 Mean?

Leviticus 16:8 in the King James Version says “And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat. scapegoat: Heb....” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 16:8 · KJV

Context

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

10

But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the LORD, to make an atonement with him, and to let him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness.

Read Leviticus 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat.

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 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 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. 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 Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  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 · 12 words
וְנָתַ֧ן1 of 12

“shall cast”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אַֽהֲרֹ֛ן2 of 12

“And Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

עַל3 of 12
H5921

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

שְׁנֵ֥י4 of 12

“upon the two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

הַשְּׂעִירִ֖ם5 of 12

“goats”

H8163

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

וְגוֹרָ֥ל6 of 12

“lot”

H1486

properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)

וְגוֹרָ֥ל7 of 12

“lot”

H1486

properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)

אֶחָ֖ד8 of 12

“and the other”

H259

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

לַֽיהוָ֔ה9 of 12

“for the LORD”

H3068

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

וְגוֹרָ֥ל10 of 12

“lot”

H1486

properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)

אֶחָ֖ד11 of 12

“and the other”

H259

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

לַֽעֲזָאזֵֽל׃12 of 12

“for the scapegoat”

H5799

goat of departure; the scapegoat

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 16:8 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 16:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 1:23-26Jonah 1:7Proverbs 16:331 Samuel 14:41-42Ezekiel 48:29Joshua 18:10-11

Places in This Verse

AzazelSpecial Place3 verses across 1 book
View all places in Leviticus 16 →

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