Leviticus 16:11

KJV

And Aaron shall bring the bullock of the sin offering, which [is] for himself, and shall make an atonement for himself, and for his house, and shall kill the bullock of the sin offering which [is] for himself:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Aaron {H175} shall bring {H7126} the bullock {H6499} of the sin offering {H2403}, which is for himself, and shall make an atonement {H3722} for himself, and for his house {H1004}, and shall kill {H7819} the bullock {H6499} of the sin offering {H2403} which is for himself:

Complete Jewish Bible

"Aharon is to present the bull of the sin offering for himself; he will make atonement for himself and his household; he is to slaughter the bull of the sin offering which is for himself.

Berean Standard Bible

When Aaron presents the bull for his sin offering and makes atonement for himself and his household, he is to slaughter the bull for his own sin offering.

American Standard Version

And Aaron shall present the bullock of the sin-offering, which is for himself, and shall make atonement for himself, and for his house, and shall kill the bullock of the sin-offering which is for himself.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 16:11 introduces the pivotal initial step of the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) ritual, where Aaron, the High Priest, is commanded to present a bullock as a sin offering for himself and his household. This foundational act profoundly underscores the universal reality of human sinfulness, even for those divinely appointed to mediate, and the absolute holiness of God, necessitating personal purification before the High Priest could undertake the comprehensive atonement for the nation of Israel. It sets the solemn tone for the subsequent rites, emphasizing that access to God's presence is predicated on a divinely provided means of cleansing from defilement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 16 meticulously outlines the procedures for Yom Kippur, the most sacred day in the Israelite calendar, designed to purge the Tabernacle and the people from all defilement and sin. The chapter opens with a somber reminder of the tragic deaths of Nadab and Abihu (cf. [Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1-2 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - Nadab and Abihu's Unholy Fire")), emphasizing the extreme sanctity of God's presence and the strict requirements for approaching Him (Leviticus 16:1-2). Verse 11 initiates the High Priest's personal purification, which is an indispensable prerequisite for all subsequent rituals for the nation. This self-atonement precedes the selection of the two goats (Leviticus 16:7-10) and their roles in the national atonement, establishing a hierarchical cleansing process that begins with the mediator himself. The entire chapter builds a coherent narrative of comprehensive, divinely ordained cleansing, culminating in the annual reconciliation of God with His people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Day of Atonement was the singular day of the year when the High Priest was permitted to enter the Most Holy Place, the innermost sanctuary of the Tabernacle (and later the Temple), where the Ark of the Covenant resided, symbolizing God's unique presence among His people. This annual ritual was utterly vital for maintaining the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel, as accumulated sin, both intentional and unintentional, defiled the sacred space and threatened God's continued presence. The High Priest, as the spiritual head and representative of the nation, bore immense responsibility for the spiritual well-being of the community. His personal purity was not merely a private matter but was paramount for the efficacy and legitimacy of the entire national atonement. The "bullock of the sin offering" was a substantial and costly sacrifice, symbolizing the profound gravity of sin and the necessity of a life given in substitution to cover it. This elaborate system, established at Mount Sinai, provided a temporary and symbolic means of reconciliation, pointing to a deeper, ultimate reality. The instructions in [Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement") were foundational to Israel's understanding of sin, holiness, and divine mercy.

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 16:11 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **God's absolute holiness** and the corresponding requirement for purity in approaching Him. No one, not even the High Priest, can stand before a holy God without a divinely provided means of cleansing. Secondly, it highlights the **pervasiveness of human sinfulness**, demonstrating that sin is not merely an external act but an inherent condition that affects even the most consecrated individuals. Thirdly, the verse introduces the theme of **atonement through substitutionary sacrifice**, where the life of an innocent animal is offered to "cover" or "purge" sin, allowing for reconciliation. Lastly, it implicitly points to the **imperfection and temporary nature of the Old Covenant system**, as the High Priest's own need for repeated atonement foreshadows the need for a perfect, once-for-all sacrifice that would truly remove sin, a theme developed extensively in the New Testament, particularly in the book of [Hebrews](/hebrews "The Book of Hebrews").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bullock (Hebrew, _par'_):** This term (H6499) refers to a young bull, typically one used for sacrifice. Its selection for the High Priest's personal sin offering underscores the gravity of the High Priest's sins and the high value placed on the atonement. A bullock was a substantial and costly animal, signifying the seriousness with which God viewed sin and the significant price required for its covering. It also points to the strength and vitality offered in substitution.
* **Sin Offering (Hebrew, _chaṭṭâʼâh'_):** The Hebrew word (H2403) for "sin offering" denotes not only the sacrifice itself but also the concept of "offence," "sinfulness," "penalty," "expiation," and "purification." It highlights that sin creates a state of defilement or impurity that renders one unfit for God's presence. The sacrifice of the bullock was thus a ritual act designed to cleanse the offerer and the sacred space from the contaminating effects of sin, thereby restoring a right relationship with a holy God. It was a means of purification from the consequences and defilement of sin.
* **Atonement (Hebrew, _kâphar'_):** The verb "to make atonement" (H3722) comes from a root meaning "to cover," "to purge," "to make propitiation," or "to reconcile." In the context of the Old Testament sacrificial system, it signifies the act by which the barrier of sin is ritually removed, and reconciliation is achieved between God and humanity. This "covering" was temporary and needed to be repeated annually, signifying a provisional reconciliation that allowed God's holy presence to dwell among an unholy people without consuming them, while simultaneously pointing forward to a future, perfect and permanent covering.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Aaron shall bring the bullock of the sin offering, which [is] for himself":** This initial clause establishes Aaron's personal responsibility and the specific nature of the sacrifice. As the High Priest, he was not exempt from the universal human condition of sinfulness. Before he could mediate for the nation, he first had to address his own spiritual defilement. The "bullock" signifies a substantial, costly sacrifice, underscoring the gravity of his own sin and the seriousness of the purification required for one in his sacred office.
* **"and shall make an atonement for himself, and for his house":** This specifies the scope of Aaron's initial atonement. It extended beyond him personally to include his immediate family ("his house"), acknowledging that sin has a corporate dimension and that the spiritual leader's household also needed to be ritually cleansed to be fit for service and to dwell in proximity to God's holy presence. This act was crucial for the integrity of his priestly office and the sanctity of his domestic sphere, which was intertwined with his public role.
* **"and shall kill the bullock of the sin offering which [is] for himself":** This final phrase reiterates the personal nature of the sacrifice and the violent, life-ending act required. The killing of the bullock signifies that sin incurs a death penalty and that atonement requires the shedding of blood. As [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood") states, "without shedding of blood is no remission." Aaron himself, not a subordinate, performed this act, demonstrating his direct involvement and accountability in the purification process, emphasizing the solemnity and personal cost of dealing with sin.

#### Literary Devices
The most prominent literary device employed in Leviticus 16:11 is **Repetition**. The phrase "which [is] for himself" is strategically repeated twice within this single verse. This emphatic reiteration serves to powerfully underscore the personal nature and paramount importance of Aaron's self-atonement. It highlights that the High Priest, despite his exalted office and divine appointment, was not above the universal human need for purification from sin. Indeed, his own cleansing was the foundational and indispensable prerequisite for the entire Day of Atonement ritual. This literary choice accentuates the absolute holiness of God, before whom no human, regardless of status or spiritual role, could stand without first addressing their own inherent sinfulness. It also subtly foreshadows the unique sinlessness of the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who would not need to offer a sacrifice for Himself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 16:11 profoundly illustrates the pervasive nature of sin and the absolute holiness of God. It reveals that even the most consecrated human mediator is inherently flawed and requires divine provision for sin. This necessity for the High Priest to atone for himself before atoning for the people highlights the temporary and imperfect nature of the Old Covenant sacrificial system. While effective for ceremonial cleansing and maintaining the covenant relationship, these sacrifices could not truly take away sin or perfect the conscience. They served as a constant reminder of humanity's fallen state and God's unwavering demand for purity, setting the stage for a perfect, once-for-all sacrifice that would fully satisfy divine justice and provide eternal redemption.

* [Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")
* [Hebrews 9:7](/hebrews/9-7 "Hebrews 9:7 - High Priest's Annual Entry")
* [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 16:11 serves as a humbling and profound reminder of the universal impact of sin, reaching even to the highest echelons of spiritual leadership. It compels us to acknowledge that no human effort, no spiritual office, and no amount of good works can truly cleanse us from our inherent sinfulness or make us righteous before a holy God. This verse, therefore, should drive us to a deeper and more profound appreciation for the perfect and complete atonement provided by Jesus Christ. Unlike Aaron, who had to repeatedly offer sacrifices for his own sins and those of the people, Christ offered Himself once and for all, a spotless and perfect Lamb, whose sacrifice eternally cleanses us. Our reflection should lead us to profound humility, recognizing our own desperate need for God's grace, and to overflowing gratitude for the perfect High Priest who has fully satisfied God's righteous demands on our behalf, securing our eternal redemption. It also challenges those in spiritual leadership today to maintain personal integrity, humility, and a constant reliance on Christ's atoning work, recognizing that their effectiveness flows not from their own perfection, but from the One they serve.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Aaron's need for personal atonement challenge my own assumptions about spiritual leadership or personal righteousness?**
* **What does the necessity of a "sin offering" for the High Priest reveal about the depth and pervasiveness of sin in humanity?**
* **In what ways does this verse deepen my appreciation for the perfect and complete work of Jesus Christ on the cross?**

### FAQ
**Why did Aaron, as the High Priest, need to make atonement for himself?**

Answer: Aaron, despite his divine appointment and sacred office, was a human being, part of a fallen humanity. As [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned") declares, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." God's absolute holiness meant that even the one chosen to mediate between Him and His people could not stand in His presence without first addressing his own sin and defilement. This personal atonement was a prerequisite, ensuring the High Priest's ritual purity and thus the efficacy of the subsequent national atonement. It underscored the profound truth that no human is inherently righteous enough to approach a holy God without a divinely provided means of cleansing, highlighting the need for a perfect mediator.

**What was the significance of using a "bullock" for the sin offering for Aaron and his house?**

Answer: The use of a "bullock" (a young bull) for the sin offering for Aaron and his household was highly significant for several reasons. First, it represented a substantial and costly sacrifice. In ancient Israelite society, a bullock was a valuable animal, indicating the gravity of the sin being atoned for and the seriousness with which God viewed sin. Second, as a large, strong animal, it symbolized the weight of the High Priest's own sins and those of his household, which required a significant offering. Third, the shedding of its blood was essential, as blood was understood to contain life and was the divinely prescribed means of atonement in the Old Covenant system (cf. [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life in the Blood")). The bullock served as a substitute, bearing the penalty for Aaron's and his family's sins, allowing for ritual cleansing and reconciliation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 16:11, with its depiction of Aaron, the High Priest, first offering a sin offering for himself, serves as a powerful and poignant foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, our ultimate and perfect High Priest. Aaron's necessity to atone for his own sins highlights the inherent flaw and temporary nature of the Levitical priesthood; these priests were themselves sinners, requiring repeated sacrifices for their own imperfections before they could intercede for others. This stands in stark contrast to Jesus, our great High Priest, who is "holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens" ([Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Christ Our Perfect High Priest")). Unlike Aaron, Christ had no need to offer a sacrifice for Himself, because He "committed no sin, nor was deceit found in his mouth" ([1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Sinlessness")). His single, perfect, and voluntary sacrifice on the cross was not for His own sins, but "for sins once for all" ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")), fulfilling the repetitive sacrifices of the Old Covenant. Through His own shed blood, Jesus entered "the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption" ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")). The bullock offered by Aaron merely covered sin temporarily; Christ's sacrifice completely removes it, making true and lasting atonement possible for all who believe, transforming the shadow of the Old Covenant into glorious New Covenant reality.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 16:6

And Aaron shall offer his bullock of the sin offering, which [is] for himself, and make an atonement for himself, and for his house.

Hebrews 7:27

Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.

Hebrews 9:7

But into the second [went] the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and [for] the errors of the people:

Leviticus 16:3

Thus shall Aaron come into the holy [place]: with a young bullock for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering.