Menu

Leviticus 16:23

Leviticus 16:23 in Multiple Translations

Then Aaron is to enter the Tent of Meeting, take off the linen garments he put on before entering the Most Holy Place, and leave them there.

And Aaron shall come into the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall put off the linen garments, which he put on when he went into the holy place, and shall leave them there:

And Aaron shall come into the tent of meeting, and shall put off the linen garments, which he put on when he went into the holy place, and shall leave them there:

Then let Aaron come into the Tent of meeting and take off the linen clothing which he put on when he went into the holy place, and put them down there;

Aaron is to return to the Tent of Meeting, take off the linen clothes he put on before he went into the Most Holy Place, and leave them there.

After, Aaron shall come into the Tabernacle of the Congregation, and put off the linnen clothes, which he put on when he went into the Holy place, and leaue them there.

and Aaron hath come in unto the tent of meeting, and hath stripped off the linen garments which he had put on in his going in unto the sanctuary, and hath placed them there;

“Aaron shall come into the Tent of Meeting, and shall take off the linen garments which he put on when he went into the Holy Place, and shall leave them there.

And Aaron shall come into the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall put off the linen garments which he put on when he went into the holy place , and shall leave them there:

Aaron shall return into the tabernacle of the testimony, and putting off the vestments, which he had on him before when he entered into the sanctuary, and leaving them there,

“When Aaron approaches the Sacred Tent, he must take off the linen clothes that he wore when he previously entered the Very Holy Place, and he must leave those clothes there.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 16:23

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 16:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וּ/בָ֤א אַהֲרֹן֙ אֶל אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֔ד וּ/פָשַׁט֙ אֶת בִּגְדֵ֣י הַ/בָּ֔ד אֲשֶׁ֥ר לָבַ֖שׁ בְּ/בֹא֣/וֹ אֶל הַ/קֹּ֑דֶשׁ וְ/הִנִּיחָ֖/ם שָֽׁם
וּ/בָ֤א bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Qal-3ms
אַהֲרֹן֙ ʼAhărôwn H175 Aaron N-proper
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
אֹ֣הֶל ʼôhel H168 tent N-ms
מוֹעֵ֔ד môwʻêd H4150 meeting N-ms
וּ/פָשַׁט֙ pâshaṭ H6584 to strip Conj | V-Qal-3ms
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
בִּגְדֵ֣י beged H899 treachery N-mp
הַ/בָּ֔ד bad H906 linen Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
לָבַ֖שׁ lâbash H3847 to clothe V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בְּ/בֹא֣/וֹ bôwʼ H935 Lebo Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
הַ/קֹּ֑דֶשׁ qôdesh H6944 Holy Place Art | N-ms
וְ/הִנִּיחָ֖/ם yânach H3240 to rest Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms | Suff
שָֽׁם shâm H8033 there Adv
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 16:23

וּ/בָ֤א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Qal-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אַהֲרֹן֙ ʼAhărôwn H175 "Aaron" N-proper
Aaron was the brother of Moses and the first high priest of the Israelites. He was a leader in the Exodus from Egypt and played a key role in the early history of the Israelites. His story is told in Exodus and Leviticus.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.4.14; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Moses (H4872) and Miriam (H4813); married to Elisheba (H0472); father of: Nadab (H5070), Abihu (H0030), Eleazar (H0499) and Ithamar (H0385) Also named: Aarōn (Ἀαρών "Aaron" G0002) § Aaron = "light bringer" brother of Moses, a Levite and the first high priest
Usage: Occurs in 328 OT verses. KJV: Aaron. See also: Exodus 4:14; Exodus 34:31; Numbers 3:39.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֹ֣הֶל 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.
מוֹעֵ֔ד 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.
וּ/פָשַׁט֙ pâshaṭ H6584 "to strip" Conj | V-Qal-3ms
This Hebrew word means to strip or remove something, like taking off clothes or plundering a place. It is used in Exodus 22:26 to describe taking a pledge from someone. The word implies a sense of removal or deprivation.
Definition: 1) to strip, invade, strip off, make a dash, raid, spread out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to strip off, put off 1a2) to put off (one's shelter), make a dash 1b) (Piel) to strip 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to strip of 1c2) to strip off 1c3) to flay 1d) (Hithpael) to strip oneself of
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: fall upon, flay, invade, make an invasion, pull off, put off, make a road, run upon, rush, set, spoil, spread selves (abroad), strip (off, self). See also: Genesis 37:23; 1 Chronicles 14:9; Isaiah 32:11.
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.
בִּגְדֵ֣י beged H899 "treachery" N-mp
In the Bible, this word refers to clothing or a covering, like a garment or robe. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus, describing what people wore. The word is often translated as 'apparel' or 'raiment'.
Definition: treachery, deceit
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, [idiom] very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe. See also: Genesis 24:53; Judges 17:10; Psalms 22:19.
הַ/בָּ֔ד bad H906 "linen" Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'bad' can also refer to linen, a type of fabric made from flax, or a garment made from it, as seen in the Bible's descriptions of priestly clothing.
Definition: linen, white linen
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: linen. See also: Exodus 28:42; 1 Chronicles 15:27; Daniel 12:7.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
לָבַ֖שׁ lâbash H3847 "to clothe" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To clothe means to wrap something around or put on a garment. In the Bible, it can be used literally or figuratively, as in putting on clothes or being clothed with a certain attitude.
Definition: 1) to dress, wear, clothe, put on clothing, be clothed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put on clothes, be clothed, wear 1a2) to put on, be clothed with (fig.) 1b) (Pual) to be fully clothed 1c) (Hiphil) to clothe, array with, dress Aramaic equivalent: le.vash (לְבֵשׁ "to clothe" H3848)
Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: (in) apparel, arm, array (self), clothe (self), come upon, put (on, upon), wear. See also: Genesis 3:21; Job 27:17; Psalms 35:26.
בְּ/בֹא֣/וֹ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/קֹּ֑דֶשׁ 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/הִנִּיחָ֖/ם yânach H3240 "to rest" Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms | Suff
To rest or settle down, implying a sense of calmness or stillness, as described in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to rest 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rest, settle down and remain 1a2) to repose, have rest, be quiet 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to rest, give rest to, make quiet 1b2) to cause to rest, cause to alight, set down 1b3) to lay or set down, deposit, let lie, place 1b4) to let remain, leave 1b5) to leave, depart from 1b6) to abandon 1b7) to permit 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to obtain rest, be granted rest 1c2) to be left, be placed 1c3) open space (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: bestow, cast down, lay (down, up), leave (off), let alone (remain), pacify, place, put, set (down), suffer, withdraw, withhold. (The Hiphil forms with the dagesh are here referred to, in accordance with the older grammarians; but if any distinction of the kind is to be made, these should rather be referred to H5117 (נוּחַ), and the others here.) See also: Genesis 2:15; 1 Kings 13:30; Psalms 17:14.
שָֽׁם shâm H8033 "there" Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.

Study Notes — Leviticus 16:23

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Ezekiel 44:19 When they go out to the outer court, to the people, they are to take off the garments in which they have ministered, leave them in the holy chambers, and dress in other clothes so that they do not transmit holiness to the people with their garments.
2 Ezekiel 42:14 Once the priests have entered the holy area, they must not go out into the outer court until they have left behind the garments in which they minister, for these are holy. They are to put on other clothes before they approach the places that are for the people.”
3 Leviticus 16:4 He is to wear the sacred linen tunic, with linen undergarments. He must tie a linen sash around him and put on the linen turban. These are holy garments, and he must bathe himself with water before he wears them.
4 Romans 8:3 For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin. He thus condemned sin in the flesh,
5 Philippians 2:6–11 Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross. Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
6 Hebrews 9:28 so also Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await Him.

Leviticus 16:23 Summary

This verse tells us that after Aaron finished his special job in the Most Holy Place, he had to take off the special clothes he wore and leave them in the Tent of Meeting. This was to keep those clothes special and only for use in the Tent of Meeting, where God was present, similar to what we see in Exodus 28:2. It reminds us that some things are set apart for God's service and should be treated with care and respect, like the clothes Aaron wore (Leviticus 16:4). By following God's instructions carefully, like Aaron did, we can show our love and respect for Him.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Aaron have to take off the linen garments he wore into the Most Holy Place?

Aaron had to take off the linen garments because they had been used in the sacred ritual of atonement and were not to be worn outside the Tent of Meeting, as seen in Leviticus 16:23, to maintain the holiness of the garments and the priest himself, similar to the instruction in Exodus 28:43.

What is the significance of the Tent of Meeting in this verse?

The Tent of Meeting was the place where God dwelled among the Israelites, and it was where Aaron, as the high priest, would meet with God on behalf of the people, as mentioned in Exodus 29:42-43 and Leviticus 1:1.

Why was it important for Aaron to leave the linen garments in the Tent of Meeting?

Leaving the garments in the Tent of Meeting ensured that they were not taken out into the common areas, which could have desecrated their sacred purpose, as the garments were set apart for the service of the Lord, similar to the instruction in Numbers 19:21-22.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse teach us about the importance of separating the sacred from the common in our lives?
  2. How can we, like Aaron, ensure that we are properly prepared to meet with God and fulfill our roles as His servants?
  3. What role does humility and obedience play in our ability to serve God effectively, as seen in Aaron's actions in this verse?
  4. In what ways can we apply the principle of leaving behind that which is 'set apart' for God's service in our own walk with Him?

Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 16:23

And Aaron shall come into the tabernacle of the congregation,.... Having been into the most holy place a fourth time, as the Jews say, to fetch out the censer and the incense cup; wherefore the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 16:23

And Aaron shall come into the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall put off the linen garments, which he put on when he went into the holy place, and shall leave them there: Aaron shall come into the tabernacle.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 16:23

Aaron shall come, forthwith, not expecting the return of the man who carried the goat away, but securely committing that to God’ s providence he shall go on in his work.

Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 16:23

Leviticus 16:23 And Aaron shall come into the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall put off the linen garments, which he put on when he went into the holy [place], and shall leave them there:Ver. 23. Shall leave them there.] As afterwards the priests did, in some of the holy chambers about the sanctuary.

Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 16:23

(23) Shall come into the tabernacle of the congregation.—Better, shall come into the tent of meeting. This was the fourth time that the high priest entered into the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement. The object of his going into the most Holy was to fetch the censer and the incense cup which he had left between the two staves (see Leviticus 16:12). To do this he had again to bathe, which always accompanied the change of garments, and to put on his white robes. As it was no part of the actual service, but was simply a necessary act subsequent to the service, it is not fully described in the text. This was the last act on the Day of Atonement which the high priest performed in his white robes. And shall leave them there.—The robes were now deposited in a chamber in the sanctuary especially set apart for this purpose, and the high priest was never allowed to minister in them again.

Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 16:23

23. The high priest now removed the special garments in which he had performed the service of the day, and after again washing, put on the usual high priestly garments (Exodus 28) and offered the Burnt-Offerings. In Numbers 29:7-10 a young bullock and seven he-lambs of the first year are also prescribed. According to tradition these were offered after the ram for Aaron, and the ram for the people.

Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 16:23

23. Put off the linen garments — The distinctive work of atonement having now been accomplished, the garments of humiliation are laid aside and the gorgeous and costly robes of the high priest are put on.

Sermons on Leviticus 16:23

SermonDescription
A.W. Tozer (Dangers in the Way Series): Dangers of Bondage and Liberty by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing the freedom that comes from being in Christ Jesus. He warns against using this freedom as an e
Denny Kenaston Tear Down the Strongholds by Denny Kenaston In this sermon, the speaker announces that this will be their last session in a series on practical issues of bondages. They emphasize the importance of addressing these issues and
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 21:1-11 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of believers having two natures - an old nature and a new nature. He explains that before conversion, the old nature controls a p
Zac Poonen (Basics) 36. Jesus Did God's Will by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the practicality of the Bible for Christian living. He highlights Romans 8:3-4, which states that the law could not make believers pure insid
John Piper Jesus Christ in the Book of Romans by John Piper This sermon is a heartfelt prayer of gratitude and dedication to God, transitioning from speaking mainly about God to speaking directly to Him. The speaker reflects on the person o
John Murray Definition and Nature of Original Sin by John Murray In this sermon, the preacher discusses the three-fold nature of what is pleasing to God: love to God, the will of God, and the glory of God. He emphasizes that without these three
J. Glyn Owen God's Law in the Godly Life by J. Glyn Owen In this sermon on Romans chapter 8 verses 3 and 4, the preacher discusses the role of God's law in the God-honoring life. He emphasizes that the law of God is objective and has abs

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate