Leviticus 16:8 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 16:8 mean?

Leviticus 16:8 describes how Aaron, the high priest, was to cast lots to decide which of two goats would be offered to the LORD and which would become the "scapegoat." This process was part of the Day of Atonement rituals, where one goat was sacrificed and the other symbolically carried away the people's sins.

In this verse, God is instructing Moses for Aaron to use a random method—casting lots—to make the choice between the two goats. The setting is the ancient Israelite tabernacle, during the most solemn day of their year. The act of casting lots shows that the decision was left up to God, not human preference, emphasizing the seriousness and fairness of the ritual.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 16:8

• "Lots" (גּוֹרָל, goral): This word means a marked object used to make a decision by chance, like drawing straws or rolling dice. Its use here highlights that the outcome was not manipulated by Aaron but left to divine choice.
• "Scapegoat" (עֲזָאזֵל, azazel): This word is unique and often understood as "the goat for removal" or "the goat that goes away." It points to the goat's role in symbolically carrying away the sins of the people, not just being set free.
• "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible. The goat chosen for the LORD was to be a sacrifice, showing dedication and atonement to God.

Why Leviticus 16:8 matters

• This verse clarifies that the selection of the goats was not arbitrary or based on human judgment, but was meant to be impartial and guided by God.
• The distinction between the goat for the LORD and the scapegoat sets up the two main parts of the Day of Atonement ritual: sacrifice for sin and the removal of guilt.
• Understanding the role of the "scapegoat" helps explain later references to bearing away sin and the idea of substitution in biblical thought.