Leviticus 16:20 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 16:20 mean?

Leviticus 16:20 describes the high priest finishing the process of making atonement for the most holy place, the tent of meeting, and the altar, and then bringing forward the live goat. This verse marks a turning point in the Day of Atonement ceremony, moving from cleansing sacred spaces to the ritual involving the live goat.

In this chapter, God is instructing Moses about the Day of Atonement, a yearly event for Israel. The high priest, after completing rituals to purify the sanctuary and altar, is told to bring the live goat—often called the "scapegoat"—for the next part of the ceremony. This sets up the symbolic act where the sins of the people are placed on the goat.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 16:20

• "Reconciling" (כִּפֶּר, kipper) means to make atonement or cover over sin. Here, it refers to the priest's work of cleansing or purifying the holy spaces, not just forgiving people but also dealing with the effects of sin on the sanctuary itself.
• "Holy" (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh) points to the most sacred part of the tabernacle, showing that even the holiest places needed to be purified because of the people's sins.
• "Tabernacle" (אֹהֶל, ohel) and "congregation" (מוֹעֵד, mo'ed) together refer to the tent of meeting, the central place where God met with His people, highlighting the communal aspect of atonement.
• "Live" (חַי, chai) and "goat" (שָּׂעִיר, sa'ir) emphasize that this goat is alive and set apart for a special purpose, different from the goat that was sacrificed earlier.

Why Leviticus 16:20 matters

• Leviticus 16:20 clarifies that atonement in ancient Israel was not just about people but also about cleansing the sacred spaces where God’s presence dwelled, showing the seriousness of sin’s effects.
• The verse highlights a transition in the Day of Atonement ritual, preparing for the unique role of the live goat, which symbolically carried away the sins of the people.
• Understanding this verse helps readers see the careful order and meaning behind each step of the ceremony, which is important for grasping the whole chapter’s message about forgiveness and holiness.