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Leviticus 16:20

Leviticus 16:20 in Multiple Translations

When Aaron has finished purifying the Most Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting, and the altar, he is to bring forward the live goat.

¶ And when he hath made an end of reconciling the holy place, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar, he shall bring the live goat:

And when he hath made an end of atoning for the holy place, and the tent of meeting, and the altar, he shall present the live goat:

And when he has done whatever is necessary to make the holy place and the Tent of meeting and the altar free from sin, let him put the living goat before the Lord;

Once Aaron has finished purifying the Most Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting, and the altar, he is to present the live goat.

When he hath made an ende of purging the Holy place, and the Tabernacle of the Congregation, and the altar, then he shall bring the liue goate:

'And he hath ceased from making atonement [for] the sanctuary, and the tent of meeting, and the altar, and hath brought near the living goat;

“When he has finished atoning for the Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting, and the altar, he shall present the live goat.

And when he hath made an end of reconciling the holy place , and the tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar, he shall bring the live goat:

After he hath cleansed the sanctuary, and the tabernacle, and the altar, then let him offer the living goat:

“When Aaron has finished purifying the Very Holy Place inside the Sacred Tent and all of the Sacred Tent and the altar, he must bring the goat that was chosen to be set free.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 16:20

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Leviticus 16:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/כִלָּה֙ מִ/כַּפֵּ֣ר אֶת הַ/קֹּ֔דֶשׁ וְ/אֶת אֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵ֖ד וְ/אֶת הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֑חַ וְ/הִקְרִ֖יב אֶת הַ/שָּׂעִ֥יר הֶ/חָֽי
וְ/כִלָּה֙ kâlâh H3615 to end Conj | V-Piel-3ms
מִ/כַּפֵּ֣ר kâphar H3722 to atone Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הַ/קֹּ֔דֶשׁ qôdesh H6944 Holy Place Art | N-ms
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
אֹ֥הֶל ʼôhel H168 tent N-ms
מוֹעֵ֖ד môwʻêd H4150 meeting N-ms
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֑חַ mizbêach H4196 altar Art | N-ms
וְ/הִקְרִ֖יב qârab H7126 to present Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הַ/שָּׂעִ֥יר sâʻîyr H8163 hairy Art | N-ms
הֶ/חָֽי chay H2416 alive Art | Adj
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 16:20

וְ/כִלָּה֙ kâlâh H3615 "to end" Conj | V-Piel-3ms
This Hebrew word means to finish or end something, like completing a task or using up a resource, as seen in Genesis 2:2 where God finished creating the heavens and earth.
Definition: : finish 1) to accomplish, cease, consume, determine, end, fail, finish, be complete, be accomplished, be ended, be at an end, be finished, be spent 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be at an end 1a2) to be completed, be finished 1a3) to be accomplished, be fulfilled 1a4) to be determined, be plotted (bad sense) 1a5) to be spent, be used up 1a6) to waste away, be exhausted, fail 1a7) to come to an end, vanish, perish, be destroyed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, bring to an end, finish 1b2) to complete (a period of time) 1b3) to finish (doing a thing) 1b4) to make an end, end 1b5) to accomplish, fulfil, bring to pass 1b6) to accomplish, determine (in thought) 1b7) to put an end to, cause to cease 1b8) to cause to fail, exhaust, use up, spend 1b9) to destroy, exterminate 1c) (Pual) to be finished, be ended, be completed
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, cease, consume (away), determine, destroy (utterly), be (when... were) done, (be an) end (of), expire, (cause to) fail, faint, finish, fulfil, [idiom] fully, [idiom] have, leave (off), long, bring to pass, wholly reap, make clean riddance, spend, quite take away, waste. See also: Genesis 2:1; 2 Chronicles 29:17; Psalms 18:38.
מִ/כַּפֵּ֣ר kâphar H3722 "to atone" Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
To cover means to coat or cover something, like when the ark was covered with pitch to protect it. This word is also used figuratively to describe making amends or forgiving someone, like in a sacrifice or atonement.
Definition: 1) to cover, purge, make an atonement, make reconciliation 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to cover over, pacify, propitiate 1a2) to cover over, atone for sin, make atonement for 1a3) to cover over, atone for sin and persons by legal rites 1b) (Pual) 1b1) to be covered over 1b2) to be atoned for 1c) (Hithpael) to be covered
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: appease, make (an atonement, cleanse, disannul, forgive, be merciful, pacify, pardon, purge (away), put off, (make) reconcile(-liation). See also: Genesis 6:14; Leviticus 16:32; Psalms 65:4.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/קֹּ֔דֶשׁ qôdesh H6944 "Holy Place" Art | N-ms
The Holy Place refers to a sacred or set-apart area, like the temple in Jerusalem. It is a place of sanctity and holiness, where God is worshipped. The Bible describes it as a place of reverence and awe.
Definition: This name means apartness, holiness, sacredness Also named: hagion (ἅγιον "Holy Place" G0039)
Usage: Occurs in 380 OT verses. KJV: consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, ([idiom] most) holy ([idiom] day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary. See also: Exodus 3:5; Leviticus 23:4; 1 Chronicles 26:26.
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֹ֥הֶל ʼôhel H168 "tent" N-ms
The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.
Definition: : tent 1) tent 1a) nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience 1b) dwelling, home, habitation 1c) the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle) Also means: o.hel (אֹ֫הֶל ": home" H0168H)
Usage: Occurs in 314 OT verses. KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 4:20; Leviticus 14:23; Joshua 22:4.
מוֹעֵ֖ד môwʻêd H4150 "meeting" N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a meeting or appointed time, often for a sacred season or festival, like the tent of meeting in Exodus. It can also mean an assembly or congregation. In the Bible, it is used to describe the Israelites' gatherings and celebrations.
Definition: : meeting 1) appointed place, appointed time, meeting 1a) appointed time 1a1) appointed time (general) 1a2) sacred season, set feast, appointed season 1b) appointed meeting 1c) appointed place 1d) appointed sign or signal 1e) tent of meeting
Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: appointed (sign, time), (place of, solemn) assembly, congregation, (set, solemn) feast, (appointed, due) season, solemn(-ity), synogogue, (set) time (appointed). See also: Genesis 1:14; Numbers 4:31; Psalms 74:4.
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֑חַ mizbêach H4196 "altar" Art | N-ms
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
וְ/הִקְרִ֖יב qârab H7126 "to present" Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms
To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.
Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/שָּׂעִ֥יר sâʻîyr H8163 "hairy" Art | N-ms
This word can refer to a wild goat or a satyr, a mythical creature. In the Bible, it may also describe a demon-possessed animal, like the ones in Matthew 8:30-32.
Definition: adj hairy
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: devil, goat, hairy, kid, rough, satyr. See also: Genesis 27:11; Numbers 7:52; Isaiah 13:21.
הֶ/חָֽי chay H2416 "alive" Art | Adj
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.

Study Notes — Leviticus 16:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Leviticus 16:16 So he shall make atonement for the Most Holy Place because of the impurities and rebellious acts of the Israelites in regard to all their sins. He is to do the same for the Tent of Meeting which abides among them, because it is surrounded by their impurities.
2 Ezekiel 45:20 You must do the same thing on the seventh day of the month for anyone who strays unintentionally or in ignorance. In this way you will make atonement for the temple.
3 Colossians 1:20 and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through the blood of His cross.
4 Leviticus 6:30 But no sin offering may be eaten if its blood has been brought into the Tent of Meeting to make atonement in the Holy Place; it must be burned.
5 Revelation 1:18 the Living One. I was dead, and behold, now I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of Death and of Hades.
6 Leviticus 8:15 Moses slaughtered the bull, took some of the blood, and applied it with his finger to all four horns of the altar, purifying the altar. He poured out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar and consecrated it so that atonement could be made on it.
7 Hebrews 7:25 Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.
8 Romans 8:34 Who is there to condemn us? For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God—and He is interceding for us.
9 Romans 4:25 He was delivered over to death for our trespasses and was raised to life for our justification.
10 2 Corinthians 5:19 that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s trespasses against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

Leviticus 16:20 Summary

In Leviticus 16:20, Aaron brings forward a live goat after purifying the Most Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting, and the altar. This act is a symbol of transferring the sins of the people to the goat, as seen in the next verse, Leviticus 16:21. Just like the live goat, Jesus Christ took our sins upon Himself, as described in Romans 3:25 and 2 Corinthians 5:21. By trusting in Jesus, we can be cleansed from our sins and have a clean conscience before God, just as the Israelites were cleansed through the ritual of the live goat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of Aaron bringing forward the live goat in Leviticus 16:20?

The purpose of bringing forward the live goat is to symbolically transfer the sins of the Israelites onto the goat, as described in the next verse, Leviticus 16:21, where Aaron confesses the sins of the people over the goat's head.

Why did Aaron have to finish purifying the Most Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting, and the altar before bringing forward the live goat?

Aaron had to finish purifying these areas to ensure that the ritual of transferring sins to the live goat was performed in a clean and holy environment, as required by God's instructions in Leviticus 16:18-19, and to prepare for the symbolic transfer of sins in Leviticus 16:21.

How does the live goat in Leviticus 16:20 relate to the concept of atonement in the Bible?

The live goat represents the concept of atonement, where the sins of the people are symbolically transferred to an innocent animal, as seen in Leviticus 16:21-22, and ultimately points to the true atonement made by Jesus Christ, as described in Romans 3:25 and Hebrews 9:22.

What is the significance of the live goat being sent away into the wilderness in the context of Leviticus 16:20?

The live goat being sent away into the wilderness, as described in Leviticus 16:21-22, symbolizes the removal of sin from the community, and serves as a reminder of God's desire to separate His people from sin, as seen in Psalms 103:12 and Isaiah 43:25.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are the areas of my life that need purification, and how can I apply the principles of Leviticus 16:20 to my own spiritual journey?
  2. How can I, like Aaron, prepare myself to symbolically transfer my sins to Christ, and what does this mean for my daily life?
  3. In what ways can I reflect on the concept of atonement, as represented by the live goat, and how can I apply this to my relationship with God?
  4. What are the ways in which I can participate in the removal of sin from my life, just as the live goat was sent away into the wilderness, and what role does repentance play in this process?

Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 16:20

And when he hath made an end of reconciling the holy [place],.... That is, the holy of holies, by carrying in the blood of the bullock, and of the goat there, and sprinkling them as before observed:

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 16:20

And when he hath made an end of reconciling the holy place, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar, he shall bring the live goat: He shall bring the live goat.

Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 16:20

Leviticus 16:20 And when he hath made an end of reconciling the holy [place], and the tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar, he shall bring the live goat:Ver. 20. Reconciling the holy place.] Defiled in some sort by the sins of the people, in whose behalf the priests there performed their service.

Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 16:20

(20) And when he hath made an end.—Having finished the expiation for himself, his fellow priests, and the sanctuary with its utensils, the goat destined by lot for Azazel, which was standing in the court before the Lord, was now brought to the high priest, that he might complete the sin-offering for the Israelites.

Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 16:20

20. when he hath made an end of atoning] The three things mentioned here indicate the order in which the atonement was made—for the holy place (i.e. the Holy of Holies); the tent of meeting (the outer part of it) and the altar (outside the tabernacle)—and the course of the high priest was from W. to E.

Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 16:20

20. Reconciling the holy place — Purifying by atonement. Thus the R.V. The Hebrew for reconcile is commonly rendered atone.

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