And the priest, whom he shall anoint, and whom he shall consecrate to minister in the priest's office in his father's stead, shall make the atonement, and shall put on the linen clothes, even the holy garments:

LEVITICUS 16:32KJV
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Leviticus 16:32 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 16:32 mean?

Leviticus 16:32 explains that the priest who is chosen, anointed, and set apart to serve in place of his father must carry out the atonement ritual and wear the special linen garments. This verse sets out the requirements for the priestly role on the Day of Atonement, making clear that the duties and dress are passed down and must be respected.

Leviticus 16:32 is part of God’s instructions to Moses about the Day of Atonement, a yearly event for Israel. The verse clarifies that not just any priest, but specifically the one anointed and consecrated for the role, should perform the ceremony if the previous high priest is unable. The focus is on continuity, proper preparation, and the sacredness of both the person and the garments involved in this important ritual.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 16:32

  • "Priest" (כֹּהֵן, kohen): This word refers to the one serving in a special role, not just any religious leader, but the designated high priest for this ceremony.
  • "Anoint" (מָשַׁח, mashach): This means to be set apart with oil for a holy purpose, marking the priest as chosen for this sacred task.
  • "Consecrate" (מִלֵּא, millei + יָד, yad): This phrase means to "fill the hand," an idiom for officially installing someone into office, emphasizing a formal transfer of responsibility.
  • "Atonement" (כָּפַר, kaphar): This word means to cover or make reconciliation, highlighting the priest’s role in seeking forgiveness for the people.
  • "Linen" (בַּד, bad) and "holy" (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh): These words stress that the garments are not ordinary clothes but are specifically set apart for this sacred duty.

Why Leviticus 16:32 matters

  • Leviticus 16:32 clarifies that the Day of Atonement rituals are not tied to a single person but to the office of the high priest, ensuring the ceremony continues even when there is a change in leadership.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of proper preparation and consecration, showing that sacred duties require both the right person and the right attitude.
  • By specifying the linen garments, Leviticus 16:32 highlights the humility and purity expected of the priest, connecting the outward actions with the inner purpose of the ritual.

Where else these words appear

“linen” Hebrew H906 · used in 19 verses

  • Exodus 28:42 And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach:
  • 1 Samuel 22:18 And the king said to Doeg, Turn thou, and fall upon the priests. And Doeg the Edomite turned, and he fell upon the priests, and slew on that day fourscore and five persons that did wear a linen ephod.
  • Ezekiel 10:2 And he spake unto the man clothed with linen, and said, Go in between the wheels, even under the cherub, and fill thine hand with coals of fire from between the cherubims, and scatter them over the city. And he went in in my sight.

“office” Hebrew H3547 · used in 23 verses

  • Exodus 28:1 And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons.
  • Exodus 31:10 And the cloths of service, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office,
  • Numbers 3:4 And Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD, when they offered strange fire before the LORD, in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children: and Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest's office in the sight of Aaron their father.

“anoint” Hebrew H4886 · used in 66 verses

  • Genesis 31:13 I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred.
  • Numbers 7:1 And it came to pass on the day that Moses had fully set up the tabernacle, and had anointed it, and sanctified it, and all the instruments thereof, both the altar and all the vessels thereof, and had anointed them, and sanctified them;
  • 1 Kings 1:39 And Zadok the priest took an horn of oil out of the tabernacle, and anointed Solomon. And they blew the trumpet; and all the people said, God save king Solomon.

“atonement” Hebrew H3722 · used in 94 verses

  • Genesis 6:14 Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.
  • Leviticus 14:21 And if he be poor, and cannot get so much; then he shall take one lamb for a trespass offering to be waved, to make an atonement for him, and one tenth deal of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering, and a log of oil;
  • Numbers 28:22 And one goat for a sin offering, to make an atonement for you.