Menu

Leviticus 16:26

Leviticus 16:26 in Multiple Translations

The man who released the goat as the scapegoat must wash his clothes and bathe himself with water; afterward he may reenter the camp.

And he that let go the goat for the scapegoat shall wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in water, and afterward come into the camp.

And he that letteth go the goat for Azazel shall wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in water, and afterward he shall come into the camp.

And the man who takes away the goat for Azazel is to have his clothing washed and his body bathed in water and then he may come back to the tent-circle.

The man who went and sent away the scapegoat must wash his clothes and wash himself with water; then he may come back into the camp.

And he that caried forth the goat, called the Scape goat, shall wash his clothes, and wash his flesh in water, and after that shall come into the hoste.

'And he who is sending away the goat for a goat of departure doth wash his garments, and hath bathed his flesh with water, and afterwards he cometh in unto the camp.

“He who lets the goat go as the scapegoat shall wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in water, and afterward he shall come into the camp.

And he that let go the goat for the scape-goat shall wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in water, and afterward come into the camp.

But he that hath let go the emissary goat, shall wash his clothes, and his body with water, and so shall enter into the camp.

“The man who was chosen to send the other goat into the desert and free it there must afterwards wash his clothes and bathe. Then he may return to the camp.

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 16:26

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 16:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/הַֽ/מְשַׁלֵּ֤חַ אֶת הַ/שָּׂעִיר֙ לַֽ/עֲזָאזֵ֔ל יְכַבֵּ֣ס בְּגָדָ֔י/ו וְ/רָחַ֥ץ אֶת בְּשָׂר֖/וֹ בַּ/מָּ֑יִם וְ/אַחֲרֵי כֵ֖ן יָב֥וֹא אֶל הַֽ/מַּחֲנֶֽה
וְ/הַֽ/מְשַׁלֵּ֤חַ shâlach H7971 to send Conj | Art | V-Piel
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הַ/שָּׂעִיר֙ sâʻîyr H8163 hairy Art | N-ms
לַֽ/עֲזָאזֵ֔ל ʻăzâʼzêl H5799 Azazel Prep | N-proper
יְכַבֵּ֣ס kâbaç H3526 to wash V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
בְּגָדָ֔י/ו beged H899 treachery N-mp | Suff
וְ/רָחַ֥ץ râchats H7364 to wash Conj | V-Qal-3ms
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
בְּשָׂר֖/וֹ bâsâr H1320 flesh N-ms | Suff
בַּ/מָּ֑יִם mayim H4325 Water (Gate) Prep | N-mp
וְ/אַחֲרֵי ʼachar H310 after Conj | Prep
כֵ֖ן kên H3651 right Adv
יָב֥וֹא bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
הַֽ/מַּחֲנֶֽה machăneh H4264 camp Art | N-cs
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 16:26

וְ/הַֽ/מְשַׁלֵּ֤חַ shâlach H7971 "to send" Conj | Art | V-Piel
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
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.
הַ/שָּׂעִיר֙ 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.
לַֽ/עֲזָאזֵ֔ל ʻăzâʼzêl H5799 "Azazel" Prep | N-proper
Azazel refers to the scapegoat in the Old Testament, a goat sent into the wilderness to symbolize the removal of sin. This concept appears in Leviticus 16, where the high priest transfers the sins of the people to the scapegoat. The idea of Azazel represents forgiveness and cleansing.
Definition: 1) entire removal, scapegoat 1a) refers to the goat used for sacrifice for the sins of the people 1b) meaning uncertain Azazel
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: scapegoat. See also: Leviticus 16:8; Leviticus 16:10; Leviticus 16:26.
יְכַבֵּ֣ס kâbaç H3526 "to wash" V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
To wash means to clean something, often by trampling or stamping on it with the feet, as seen in the process of washing clothes.
Definition: 1) to wash (by treading), be washed, perform the work of a fuller 1a) (Qal) washer, fuller, treader (participle) 1b) (Piel) to wash (garments, person) 1c) (Pual) to be washed 1d) (Hothpael) to be washed out
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: fuller, wash(-ing). See also: Genesis 49:11; Leviticus 15:21; Psalms 51:4.
בְּגָדָ֔י/ו beged H899 "treachery" N-mp | Suff
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.
וְ/רָחַ֥ץ râchats H7364 "to wash" Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for washing or bathing, used in Exodus 30:19 where priests had to wash their hands and feet before entering the temple. It means to clean or purify oneself, as seen in 2 Kings 5:10 where Elisha tells Naaman to wash in the Jordan River.
Definition: : wash 1) to wash, wash off, wash away, bathe 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to wash, wash off, wash away 1a2) to wash, bathe (oneself) 1b) (Pual) to be washed 1c) (Hithpael) to wash oneself 2a) (Hithpael Passive) to be regarded clean, trustworthy
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: bathe (self), wash (self). See also: Genesis 18:4; Leviticus 16:4; Psalms 26:6.
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.
בְּשָׂר֖/וֹ bâsâr H1320 "flesh" N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) flesh 1a) of the body 1a1) of humans 1a2) of animals 1b) the body itself 1c) male organ of generation (euphemism) 1d) kindred, blood-relations 1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God) 1f) all living things 1g) animals 1h) mankind Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.
בַּ/מָּ֑יִם mayim H4325 "Water (Gate)" Prep | N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
וְ/אַחֲרֵי ʼachar H310 "after" Conj | Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
כֵ֖ן kên H3651 "right" Adv
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
יָב֥וֹא bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Imperf-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.
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.
הַֽ/מַּחֲנֶֽה machăneh H4264 "camp" Art | N-cs
This word refers to a camp or army, like the Israelites' encampments in the wilderness. It can also mean a group of people or animals. The KJV translates it as 'army, band, or camp'.
Definition: 1) encampment, camp 1a) camp, place of encampment 1b) camp of armed host, army camp 1c) those who encamp, company, body of people
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: army, band, battle, camp, company, drove, host, tents. See also: Genesis 32:3; Joshua 6:18; Psalms 27:3.

Study Notes — Leviticus 16:26

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Leviticus 16:10 But the goat chosen by lot as the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the LORD to make atonement by sending it into the wilderness as the scapegoat.
2 Hebrews 7:19 (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.
3 Numbers 19:21 This is a permanent statute for the people: The one who sprinkles the water of purification must wash his clothes, and whoever touches the water of purification will be unclean until evening.
4 Leviticus 14:8 The one being cleansed must wash his clothes, shave off all his hair, and bathe with water; then he will be ceremonially clean. Afterward, he may enter the camp, but he must remain outside his tent for seven days.
5 Leviticus 15:27 Anyone who touches these things will be unclean; he must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening.
6 Leviticus 16:28 The one who burns them must wash his clothes and bathe himself with water, and afterward he may reenter the camp.
7 Leviticus 15:5–11 Anyone who touches his bed must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening. Whoever sits on furniture on which the man with the discharge was sitting must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening. Whoever touches the body of the man with a discharge must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening. If the man with the discharge spits on one who is clean, that person must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening. Any saddle on which the man with the discharge rides will be unclean. Whoever touches anything that was under him will be unclean until evening, and whoever carries such things must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening. If the man with the discharge touches anyone without first rinsing his hands with water, the one who was touched must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening.
8 Numbers 19:7–8 Then the priest must wash his clothes and bathe his body in water; after that he may enter the camp, but he will be ceremonially unclean until evening. The one who burned the heifer must also wash his clothes and bathe his body in water, and he too will be ceremonially unclean until evening.
9 Leviticus 16:21–22 Then he is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the iniquities and rebellious acts of the Israelites in regard to all their sins. He is to put them on the goat’s head and send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a man appointed for the task. The goat will carry on itself all their iniquities into a solitary place, and the man will release it into the wilderness.
10 Leviticus 11:25 and whoever picks up one of their carcasses must wash his clothes, and he will be unclean until evening.

Leviticus 16:26 Summary

The man who released the scapegoat had to wash his clothes and bathe himself to be clean again, because he had touched the goat that carried the sins of the people, as seen in Leviticus 16:20-22. This is like how we need to be cleansed from our sins through faith in Jesus Christ, who took our sins upon Himself, as stated in John 1:29. After the man was clean, he could go back to his normal life, just like how we can live a new life after putting our faith in Jesus Christ, as seen in 2 Corinthians 5:17. We can trust God to cleanse us and make us whole, as promised in 1 John 1:9, and then we can live a life that reflects our faith in Jesus Christ, as seen in Colossians 3:1-4.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the man who released the scapegoat need to wash his clothes and bathe himself?

The man needed to wash his clothes and bathe himself to purify himself after coming into contact with the scapegoat, which symbolized sin, as seen in Leviticus 16:20-22, to prevent the spread of uncleanness and to be able to reenter the camp, as stated in Leviticus 16:26.

What is the significance of the scapegoat in Leviticus 16:26?

The scapegoat represents the removal of sin from the community, as the high priest confessed the sins of the people over the goat, and then it was sent away, symbolizing the removal of sin, as seen in Leviticus 16:20-22, similar to how Jesus Christ removes our sin, as stated in John 1:29.

Why did the man have to reenter the camp after washing and bathing?

The man had to reenter the camp after washing and bathing to resume his normal life and duties, now that he was purified, much like how we are called to live a new life after putting our faith in Jesus Christ, as seen in 2 Corinthians 5:17.

How does this verse relate to our lives today?

This verse reminds us that, just as the man who released the scapegoat needed to be purified, we also need to be cleansed from our sin through faith in Jesus Christ, who is our ultimate scapegoat, as seen in Hebrews 9:11-14, and then we can live a new life, free from the burden of sin, as stated in Romans 6:4.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I can 'release the scapegoat' in my own life, letting go of sin and guilt, and how can I apply the concept of purification seen in Leviticus 16:26 to my daily walk with God?
  2. How does the idea of purification and cleansing in Leviticus 16:26 relate to my own need for spiritual cleansing, and what steps can I take to seek purification and forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ?
  3. In what ways can I, like the man in Leviticus 16:26, 'reenter the camp' and resume my normal life and duties after experiencing spiritual cleansing, and how can I live a life that reflects my faith in Jesus Christ, as seen in Colossians 3:1-4?
  4. What are some areas in my life where I need to apply the principle of purification and cleansing, and how can I trust God to cleanse me and make me whole, as promised in 1 John 1:9?

Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 16:26

And he that let go the goat for the scapegoat,.... Or unto Azazel; who or what Azazel is, [See comments on Leviticus 16:10] and [See comments on Leviticus 16:21]; for the goat and Azazel are

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 16:26

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 16:26

He shall wash his clothes, because he had contracted some degree of ceremonial uncleanness by the touch of the goat.

Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 16:26

Leviticus 16:26 And he that let go the goat for the scapegoat shall wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in water, and afterward come into the camp.Ver. 26. Shall wash his clothes.] To show, (1.) That it was for our sins that Christ suffered; (2.) That all that partake of his benefits must wash their hearts from wickedness.

Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 16:26

(26) And he that let go the goat for the scapegoat.—Better, And he that leadeth away the goat to Âzazel (see Leviticus 16:10). As the messenger who conducted the sin-laden animal to the author of sin contracted defilement by the impurity which the victim carried away, he had both to wash his clothes and immerse his whole body in water before he was admitted into the camp. During the second Temple he remained in the last booth, which was a mile from Jerusalem, till sundown, when he was re-admitted into the camp.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 16:26

Verse 26. He that let go the goat - shall wash, &c.] Not only the person who led him away, but the priest who consecrated him, was reputed unclean, because the goat himself was unclean, being considered as bearing the sins of the whole congregation. On this account both the priest and the person who led him to the wilderness were obliged to wash their clothes and bathe themselves, before they could come into the camp.

Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 16:26

26–28. The bullock and the goat for the Sin-Offerings were not eaten, as their blood had been brought into the holy place (Leviticus 6:30). They were carried forth and burnt in the fire. The ordinary Heb. word for ‘burn’ is here used—the burning was not sacrificial. The Sin-Offering was most holy (Leviticus 6:25). Whatsoever touched the flesh thereof was holy (Leviticus 6:27), and those who carried them out must remove the contagion of holiness by washing their clothes and bathing. The same ceremony was required of the man that let go the goat for Azazel (Leviticus 16:26). Whether this goat was regarded as sin-laden and unclean, or whether it shared the holiness of the Sin-Offering (the two goats constitute the Sin-Offering; see Leviticus 16:5), is not stated. It may be noted that in Leviticus 4:1-21 those who carried the Sin-Offerings outside are not required to undergo this rite of washing and bathing.

Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 16:26

Both he who led away the goat, and he who burned the parts of the sin-offerings had to purify themselves. They who went out of the camp during a religious solemnity incurred uncleanness; hence, the need of purification.

Sermons on Leviticus 16:26

SermonDescription
C.H. Spurgeon They Took Jesus, and Led Him Away by C.H. Spurgeon C.H. Spurgeon reflects on the agony and suffering of Jesus as He is led away to be crucified, emphasizing the weight of our sins that He bears on the cross. He draws a parallel bet
John Nelson Darby Lecture on Hebrews 9:19-28 by John Nelson Darby John Nelson Darby expounds on Hebrews 9:19-28, emphasizing the dual aspects of Christ's sacrifice: its significance towards God and its redemptive power for sinners. He illustrates
G.W. North Atonement Typified by G.W. North G.W. North emphasizes the limitations of the Old Covenant regarding atonement, explaining that it merely covered sin rather than removing it. He contrasts this with the New Covenan
T. Austin-Sparks The Heavenly Calling - Part 12 by T. Austin-Sparks The sermon transcript discusses the theme of "better" in the book of Hebrews. The speaker highlights various verses in the book that emphasize the concept of "better," such as bett
Bob Clark Prayer 07 Our Instructions 03 by Bob Clark In this sermon, the preacher discusses the exalted position of Jesus as a risen man in the heavenly places. He highlights the ministry of the Spirit of God and how it brings victor
Ed Miller Spiritual Perfection Through the Mediator of the New Covenant by Ed Miller In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of coming to God with an empty vessel in order to receive His blessings. He compares this concept to how God created the unive
Ed Miller Spiritual Perfection Through the New Covenant by Ed Miller In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of coming to God's Word with a childlike heart and a hunger for His revelation. He highlights that only God can reveal Himself

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

Donate