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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Leviticus 16  › Leviticus 16:3

Leviticus 16:3

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Leviticus 16:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

This is how Aaron is to enter the Holy Place: with a young bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering.

King James Version KJV

Thus shall Aaron come into the holy place: with a young bullock for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering.

American Standard Version ASV

Herewith shall Aaron come into the holy place: with a young bullock for a sin-offering, and a ram for a burnt-offering.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Let Aaron come into the holy place in this way: with an ox for a sin-offering and a male sheep for a burned offering.

Free Bible Version FBV

These are the instructions as to how Aaron is to enter the sanctuary. He is to come with a young bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

After this sort shall Aaron come into the Holy place: euen with a yong bullocke for a sinne offring, and a ramme for a burnt offring.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'With this doth Aaron come in unto the sanctuary; with a bullock, a son of the herd, for a sin-offering, and a ram for a burnt-offering;

World English Bible WEB

“Aaron shall come into the sanctuary with a young bull for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Thus shall Aaron come into the holy place : with a young bullock for a sin-offering, and a ram for a burnt-offering.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Unless he first do these things: He shall offer a calf for sin, and a ram for a holocaust.

Translation for Translators T4T

“When Aaron enters the Sacred Tent area, he must bring a bull that will be killed to become an offering/sacrifice for sins, and a ram to be killed to be an offering that will be completely burned on the altar.

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.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 16:3

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 16:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB בְּ/זֹ֛את יָבֹ֥א אַהֲרֹ֖ן אֶל הַ/קֹּ֑דֶשׁ בְּ/פַ֧ר בֶּן בָּקָ֛ר לְ/חַטָּ֖את וְ/אַ֥יִל לְ/עֹלָֽה
בְּ/זֹ֛את zôʼth H2063 this Prep | Pron
יָבֹ֥א bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אַהֲרֹ֖ן ʼAhărôwn H175 Aaron N-proper
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
הַ/קֹּ֑דֶשׁ qôdesh H6944 Holy Place Art | N-ms
בְּ/פַ֧ר par H6499 bullock Prep | N-ms
בֶּן bên H1121 son N-ms
בָּקָ֛ר bâqâr H1241 cattle N-cs
לְ/חַטָּ֖את chaṭṭâʼâh H2403 sin Prep | N-fs
וְ/אַ֥יִל ʼayil H352 ram Conj | N-ms
לְ/עֹלָֽה ʻôlâh H5930 burnt offering Prep | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study

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

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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 16:3

בְּ/זֹ֛את zôʼth H2063 "this" Prep | Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
יָבֹ֥א 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.
אַהֲרֹ֖ן 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.
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.
בְּ/פַ֧ר par H6499 "bullock" Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means a young bull or ox, often used as a sacrifice in the Bible. In Exodus, a bullock is used as an offering to God. The word describes a strong and powerful animal.
Definition: young bull, steer, bullock
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] young) bull(-ock), calf, ox. See also: Genesis 32:16; Numbers 28:20; Psalms 22:13.
בֶּן bên H1121 "son" N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
בָּקָ֛ר bâqâr H1241 "cattle" N-cs
Domesticated cattle or oxen, used for work or sacrifice, like the animals used in the temple sacrifices in 1 Kings 8:63.
Definition: 1) cattle, herd, oxen, ox 1a) cattle (generic pl. but sing. in form-coll) 1b) herd (particular one) 1c) head of cattle (individually)
Usage: Occurs in 172 OT verses. KJV: beeve, bull ([phrase] -ock), [phrase] calf, [phrase] cow, great (cattle), [phrase] heifer, herd, kine, ox. See also: Genesis 12:16; Deuteronomy 8:13; Psalms 66:15.
לְ/חַטָּ֖את chaṭṭâʼâh H2403 "sin" Prep | N-fs
This word describes sin, guilt, or punishment for sin, and also the sacrifice or purification made to atone for it. It is used in the Bible to describe the consequences and solutions for sin. The KJV translates it as 'punishment' or 'sin'.
Definition: sin, sinful thing
Usage: Occurs in 270 OT verses. KJV: punishment (of sin), purifying(-fication for sin), sin(-ner, offering). See also: Genesis 4:7; Numbers 12:11; Psalms 25:7.
וְ/אַ֥יִל ʼayil H352 "ram" Conj | N-ms
A strong tree, like an oak or a ram, symbolizes strength and power, as seen in 1 Kings 7:2 where Solomon builds a house with strong pillars. It can also refer to a chief or leader, like in 1 Chronicles 12:14 where the leaders of the tribes are listed.
Definition: 1) ram 1a) ram (as food) 1b) ram (as sacrifice) 1c) ram (skin dyed red, for tabernacle)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: mighty (man), lintel, oak, post, ram, tree. See also: Genesis 15:9; Numbers 28:20; Psalms 66:15.
לְ/עֹלָֽה ʻôlâh H5930 "burnt offering" Prep | N-fs
This word refers to a step or stairs, often used to describe the ascent to the altar for a burnt offering. In the Bible, it can also mean a holocaust or sacrifice, like in Leviticus.
Definition: whole burnt offering Aramaic equivalent: a.lah (עֲלָת "burnt offering" H5928)
Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: ascent, burnt offering (sacrifice), go up to. See also H5766 (עֶוֶל). See also: Genesis 8:20; Numbers 15:5; 2 Chronicles 29:7.

Study Notes — Leviticus 16:3

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Leviticus 4:3 If the anointed priest sins, bringing guilt on the people, he must bring to the LORD a young bull without blemish as a sin offering for the sin he has committed.
2 Hebrews 9:24–25 For Christ did not enter a man-made copy of the true sanctuary, but He entered heaven itself, now to appear on our behalf in the presence of God. Nor did He enter heaven to offer Himself again and again, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own.
3 Hebrews 9:7 But only the high priest entered the second room, and then only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance.
4 Leviticus 8:18 Then Moses presented the ram for the burnt offering, and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on its head.
5 Leviticus 1:10 If, however, one’s offering is a burnt offering from the flock—from the sheep or goats—he is to present an unblemished male.
6 Leviticus 1:3 If one’s offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he is to present an unblemished male. He must bring it to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting for its acceptance before the LORD.
7 Hebrews 9:12 He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption.
8 Leviticus 9:3 Then speak to the Israelites and say, ‘Take a male goat for a sin offering, a calf and a lamb—both a year old and without blemish—for a burnt offering,
9 Numbers 29:7–11 On the tenth day of this seventh month, you are to hold a sacred assembly, and you shall humble yourselves; you must not do any work. Present as a pleasing aroma to the LORD a burnt offering of one young bull, one ram, and seven male lambs a year old, all unblemished, together with their grain offerings of fine flour mixed with oil—three-tenths of an ephah with the bull, two-tenths of an ephah with the ram, and a tenth of an ephah with each of the seven lambs. Include one male goat for a sin offering, in addition to the sin offering of atonement and the regular burnt offering with its grain offering and drink offerings.
10 Leviticus 8:14 Moses then brought the bull near for the sin offering, and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on its head.

Leviticus 16:3 Summary

[This verse tells us that Aaron, the high priest, needed to bring a young bull and a ram as offerings to God before he could enter the Holy Place. This was to show that he recognized his own sin and needed to be cleansed before approaching God's presence, as we see in Leviticus 16:3. Just like Aaron, we need to recognize our own sin and come to God with humility and repentance, as seen in 1 John 1:9. By doing so, we can be cleansed and prepared to meet with God, just like Aaron was, and this is a principle that still applies to us today, as we see in Hebrews 10:19-25.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Aaron need to bring a young bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering to enter the Holy Place?

Aaron needed to bring these offerings to atone for his own sins and to be cleansed before entering the Holy Place, as the presence of God is holy and requires purity, as seen in Leviticus 16:3 and supported by Hebrews 9:22, which states that without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins.

What is the significance of the sin offering and the burnt offering in this context?

The sin offering was to atone for Aaron's sins, while the burnt offering was to demonstrate his dedication and worship to God, as described in Leviticus 1:3-4 and Leviticus 4:1-5:13, showing that both are necessary for a right relationship with God.

Is this ritual still relevant to believers today?

While the specific ritual of bringing a young bull and a ram is not applicable to believers today, the principle of recognizing our sin and needing to be cleansed before approaching God is still relevant, as seen in 1 John 1:9, which reminds us that if we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

How does this verse relate to the death of Aaron's two sons?

The death of Aaron's two sons, as mentioned in Leviticus 16:1, serves as a reminder of the seriousness of approaching God's presence without proper preparation and reverence, highlighting the importance of following God's instructions carefully, as seen in Leviticus 10:1-2, where their disobedience led to their death.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are the things in my life that I need to 'offer' to God in order to be cleansed and prepared to enter His presence?
  2. How can I, like Aaron, prepare myself to meet with God, and what are the 'holy garments' that I need to 'wear' in my daily life?
  3. What are the 'sins' in my life that I need to confess and repent of, and how can I, like Aaron, make amends and be restored to a right relationship with God?
  4. In what ways can I demonstrate my dedication and worship to God, like the burnt offering, in my daily life and actions?

Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 16:3

Thus shall Aaron come into the holy [place],.... The most holy place; and this was after he had offered the daily sacrifice of the morning, and had performed the rest of the service then done, as

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 16:3

Thus shall Aaron come into the holy place: with a young bullock for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering. Thus shall Aaron come.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 16:3

Thus; in this manner, or upon these terms. With a young bullock, i.e. with the blood of it, as it is explained . So it is a synecdoche, the whole put for the part. For as for the body of it, that was to be killed and offered without upon the altar of burnt-offerings. For a sin-offering, for his own and family’ s sins, for a goat was offered for the sins of the people.

Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 16:3

Leviticus 16:3 Thus shall Aaron come into the holy [place]: with a young bullock for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering.Ver. 3. For a sin offering,] viz., For himself and his family.

Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 16:3

(3) Thus shall Aaron come.—Better, With this shall, &c, that is, with the following sacrifices, ritual, vestments, &c, shall he approach the most holy place, after having offered previously the daily morning sacrifice, and performed the ordinary daily service. During the performance of the morning service the high priest, at the time of Christ, wore the golden vestments. These he changed for the white garments before he commenced the special ritual prescribed for this day. With a young bullock for a sin offering.—Which had to be of the second year (see Exodus 29:1), and which the high priest had to buy with his own money. It was to be his own property because the victim was to expiate his own sins, since he, like the meanest sinner, required Divine mercy and forgiveness, though, owing to his high office, he had to bring a more costly sacrifice.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 16:3

Verse 3. With a young bullock for a sin-offering] The bullock was presented as a sin-offering for himself, his family, the whole priesthood, and probably the Levites. The ram was for a burnt-offering, to signify that he and his associates were wholly consecrated, and to be wholly employed in this work of the ministry. The ceremonies with which these two sacrifices were accompanied are detailed in the following verses.

Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 16:3

3. Herewith] with the offerings and ceremonies set forth in what follows.

Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 16:3

Holy place - This name here denotes the sanctuary, the whole sacred enclosure, the court of the tabernacle. The offerings were for Aaron and his sons, supplied by himself.

Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 16:3

AN OUTLINE OF THE WHOLE , Leviticus 16:3-10. 3. Holy place — This is here used, not for the court of the priests, but for the holy of holies. Bullock — The high office of Aaron requires the greatest of the sin offerings.

Sermons on Leviticus 16:3

SermonDescription
John W. Bramhall The Feasts of Jehovah 08 the Day of Atonement by John W. Bramhall In this sermon, the preacher discusses the future of Israel and the coming day of the Lord. He references Zechariah chapter 12, which describes a great national crisis that Israel
J.H. Newman Bishop Wilson's Meditations on His Sacred Office, No. 4.-- Wednesday by J.H. Newman J.H. Newman preaches about the importance of self-denial, mortification, and living a holy life in accordance with God's will. He emphasizes the need to deny ungodliness, worldly l
Warren Wiersbe Seven Words From the Cross - Victory by Warren Wiersbe In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a British mother who prayed for her unconverted teenage son while on holiday. Meanwhile, the son finds a pamphlet and starts readi
Leonard Ravenhill Eyes on Eternity by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of fully surrendering oneself to God. He urges the audience to not just talk about their faith, but to bring their entire bei
T. Austin-Sparks The Persistent Purpose of God - Part 5 by T. Austin-Sparks In this sermon, the speaker discusses the symbolism found in the Bible, particularly focusing on the number four. The four living creatures mentioned in the Bible are analyzed, wit
Peet Botha Christian Maturity by Peet Botha In this sermon, the speaker addresses the concern among some Christians that Jesus Christ has not yet returned. He emphasizes the importance of remaining steadfast in their faith a
Dai Patterson Conscience - Part 5 by Dai Patterson In this sermon, the speaker focuses on chapters 9 and 10 of the epistle, specifically starting from verse 18 of chapter 10. The first part of the sermon explores the doctrinal side
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