Leviticus 16:6 - “Aaron shall offer the bull of the sin offering, which is for himself, and make atonement for himself and for his house.
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What does "Leviticus 16:6" mean?
Leviticus 16:6, part of the instructions for the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), outlines a key aspect of the ritual:
“Aaron shall offer the bull of the sin offering, which is for himself..." This bull isn't a general sacrifice; it's specifically a "sin offering." This type of offering was made to atone for unintentional sins or ritual impurities. The verse makes it clear that this particular bull is for Aaron himself. He needs atonement.
"...and make atonement for himself and for his house." The purpose of sacrificing the bull is "to make atonement." "Atonement" means to make amends, to cover over sin, and to restore a right relationship with God. Crucially, the verse specifies that the atonement is both for Aaron and for his "house." "House" here likely refers to Aaron's family, specifically his immediate household.
In essence, the verse means that before Aaron can perform the sacred duties of the Day of Atonement for the entire nation of Israel, he must first cleanse himself and his family of their own sins and impurities. This emphasizes the holiness required of the high priest and the importance of him being in right standing with God before mediating on behalf of others. It also acknowledges that even the high priest and his family are subject to human fallibility and in need of atonement.
Leviticus 16:6 - “Aaron shall offer the bull of the sin offering, which is for himself, and make atonement for himself and for his house.
What does "Leviticus 16:6" mean?
Leviticus 16:6, part of the instructions for the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), outlines a key aspect of the ritual:
“Aaron shall offer the bull of the sin offering, which is for himself..." This bull isn't a general sacrifice; it's specifically a "sin offering." This type of offering was made to atone for unintentional sins or ritual impurities. The verse makes it clear that this particular bull is for Aaron himself. He needs atonement.
"...and make atonement for himself and for his house." The purpose of sacrificing the bull is "to make atonement." "Atonement" means to make amends, to cover over sin, and to restore a right relationship with God. Crucially, the verse specifies that the atonement is both for Aaron and for his "house." "House" here likely refers to Aaron's family, specifically his immediate household.
In essence, the verse means that before Aaron can perform the sacred duties of the Day of Atonement for the entire nation of Israel, he must first cleanse himself and his family of their own sins and impurities. This emphasizes the holiness required of the high priest and the importance of him being in right standing with God before mediating on behalf of others. It also acknowledges that even the high priest and his family are subject to human fallibility and in need of atonement.