Leviticus 16:16

And he shall make an atonement for the holy [place], because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions in all their sins: and so shall he do for the tabernacle of the congregation, that remaineth among them in the midst of their uncleanness.

And he shall make an atonement {H3722} for the holy {H6944} place, because of the uncleanness {H2932} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, and because of their transgressions {H6588} in all their sins {H2403}: and so shall he do {H6213} for the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}, that remaineth {H7931} among them in the midst {H8432} of their uncleanness {H2932}.

He will make atonement for the Holy Place because of the uncleannesses of the people of Isra'el and because of their transgressions - all their sins; and he is to do the same for the tent of meeting which is there with them right in the middle of their uncleannesses.

So he shall make atonement for the Most Holy Place because of the impurities and rebellious acts of the Israelites in regard to all their sins. He is to do the same for the Tent of Meeting which abides among them, because it is surrounded by their impurities.

and he shall make atonement for the holy place, because of the uncleannesses of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions, even all their sins: and so shall he do for the tent of meeting, that dwelleth with them in the midst of their uncleannesses.

Commentary

Leviticus 16:16 is a pivotal verse within the detailed instructions for the Day of Atonement, known in Hebrew as Yom Kippur. This annual ritual was the most sacred and solemn day in ancient Israel, designed to address the accumulated sins and uncleanness of the entire nation and the sacred Tabernacle itself.

Context of Leviticus 16:16

This verse describes a crucial part of the high priest's duties on the Day of Atonement. After making atonement for himself and his household (Leviticus 16:6), the high priest would then enter the Most Holy Place (the Holy of Holies) to sprinkle the blood of the sin offering. The unique aspect of this verse is its focus on the need to purify the sacred space itself โ€“ the holy place and the tabernacle of the congregation. God's divine presence dwelt within the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:34), and the constant presence of a sinful people, even unintentionally, defiled the sacred space. Therefore, atonement was necessary to maintain the integrity of God's dwelling among His people.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Pervasiveness of Sin: This verse highlights that sin and uncleanness are not merely personal issues but can defile even sacred objects and spaces. The "uncleanness of the children of Israel" and "their transgressions in all their sins" underscore the comprehensive nature of human sinfulness.
  • God's Holiness: The need for such a rigorous cleansing ritual emphasizes the absolute holiness of God, who cannot tolerate sin or defilement in His immediate presence. The Tabernacle, as His dwelling place, had to be meticulously purified to allow His presence to remain.
  • Atonement for Sacred Space: Beyond atoning for the people, the ritual specifically cleansed the Tabernacle. This ensured that God's presence could continue to reside "among them in the midst of their uncleanness," demonstrating God's grace in providing a way for fellowship despite human imperfection.
  • Mediated Reconciliation: The high priest acted as a crucial mediator, performing these rites on behalf of the entire community, bridging the gap between a holy God and a sinful people.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "atonement" is kaphar (ื›ึธึผืคึทืจ), which fundamentally means "to cover," "to purge," or "to make reconciliation." It signifies a covering of sin that allows for the restoration of a right relationship with God. The terms "uncleanness" (tum'ah - ื˜ึปืžึฐืึธื”) and "transgressions" (pesha - ืคึถึผืฉึทืืข) together describe both ritual impurity and intentional rebellion against God's law, indicating that the atonement covered a wide spectrum of defilement.

Theological Significance and Application

Leviticus 16:16, and the entire Day of Atonement, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect atonement accomplished by Jesus Christ. Unlike the annual rituals performed by an earthly high priest, Christ's sacrifice was a once-for-all event, securing eternal redemption. Through His blood, He entered the heavenly Holy of Holies, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood, making a perfect and sufficient atonement for all sins (Hebrews 9:24). This verse reminds us of the profound defiling nature of sin and the incredible grace of God in providing a way for His presence to dwell among us, first through the Tabernacle, and ultimately through the person and work of Jesus Christ, our great High Priest.

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Cross-References

  • Hebrews 9:22 (5 votes)

    And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

  • Hebrews 9:23 (5 votes)

    ยถ [It was] therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.

  • Ezekiel 45:18 (3 votes)

    Thus saith the Lord GOD; In the first [month], in the first [day] of the month, thou shalt take a young bullock without blemish, and cleanse the sanctuary:

  • Ezekiel 45:19 (3 votes)

    And the priest shall take of the blood of the sin offering, and put [it] upon the posts of the house, and upon the four corners of the settle of the altar, and upon the posts of the gate of the inner court.

  • Exodus 29:36 (3 votes)

    And thou shalt offer every day a bullock [for] a sin offering for atonement: and thou shalt cleanse the altar, when thou hast made an atonement for it, and thou shalt anoint it, to sanctify it.

  • Exodus 29:37 (3 votes)

    Seven days thou shalt make an atonement for the altar, and sanctify it; and it shall be an altar most holy: whatsoever toucheth the altar shall be holy.

  • Leviticus 16:18 (3 votes)

    And he shall go out unto the altar that [is] before the LORD, and make an atonement for it; and shall take of the blood of the bullock, and of the blood of the goat, and put [it] upon the horns of the altar round about.