Leviticus 16:9 - Aaron shall present the goat on which the lot fell for Yahweh, and offer him for a sin offering.

Generated Verse: Leviticus 16:9

What does "Leviticus 16:9" mean?


Leviticus 16:9 is a crucial part of the ritual described in Leviticus 16, often referred to as the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). Here's a breakdown of what the verse means in context:

Context of Leviticus 16: Leviticus 16 details the most important ritual of the year for the Israelites, a day dedicated to cleansing the Tabernacle (and later, the Temple) and the people from their accumulated sins. The high priest, Aaron, would perform a series of sacrifices and rituals to achieve atonement.

Two Goats: A key element is the selection of two goats.
Lots are Cast: Lots (like dice or stones) were cast to determine the fate of each goat. One lot would be "For Yahweh" (meaning dedicated to God), and the other would be "For Azazel" (meaning for dismissal).

"Aaron shall present the goat on which the lot fell for Yahweh...": This means Aaron, the high priest, would take the goat chosen by lot to be "For Yahweh" and bring it forward to be sacrificed.

"...and offer him for a sin offering.": This explains the purpose of the sacrifice. The goat was to be offered as a sin offering (Hebrew: chatat). A sin offering was a sacrifice specifically designed to atone for unintentional sins or ritual impurities.

In summary, Leviticus 16:9 means:

God commanded that on the Day of Atonement, after choosing two goats, the High Priest, Aaron, should sacrifice the goat that had been selected by lot to be "for Yahweh." This sacrifice was a sin offering to atone for the sins of the people.

Important Considerations and Interpretations:

Atonement: The blood of the sacrificed goat was sprinkled in the Holy of Holies (the innermost sanctuary) and on the altar, signifying the cleansing of these sacred spaces from the sins and impurities that had accumulated throughout the year.
Symbolic Cleansing: This ritual was highly symbolic. The sacrifice of the goat served as a visual and tangible representation of the removal of sin.
Connection to Jesus: Christians often interpret this ritual as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ's sacrifice. They believe that Jesus, as the ultimate High Priest, offered himself as the perfect and final sacrifice for the sins of humanity, fulfilling the symbolism of the Day of Atonement.
Different Perspectives: Jewish interpretations emphasize the Day of Atonement as a day of repentance, fasting, and prayer, rather than focusing solely on the sacrificial aspects. The focus is on internal cleansing and reconciliation with God.

The passage is a window into the ancient Israelite understanding of sin, atonement, and the relationship between God and humanity. It's a complex ritual with layers of symbolic meaning, and its interpretation has evolved over time and across different religious traditions.