Leviticus 16:20

KJV

¶ And when he hath made an end of reconciling the holy [place], and the tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar, he shall bring the live goat:

KJV (with Strong's)

And when he hath made an end {H3615} of reconciling {H3722} the holy {H6944} place, and the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}, and the altar {H4196}, he shall bring {H7126} the live {H2416} goat {H8163}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"When he has finished atoning for the Holy Place, the tent of meeting and the altar, he is to present the live goat.

Berean Standard Bible

When Aaron has finished purifying the Most Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting, and the altar, he is to bring forward the live goat.

American Standard Version

And when he hath made an end of atoning for the holy place, and the tent of meeting, and the altar, he shall present the live goat:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 16:20 marks a pivotal moment in the annual Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) ritual, occurring immediately after the High Priest has meticulously completed the purification of the Tabernacle's most sacred spaces. This verse orchestrates a crucial transition, shifting the focus from the atoning sacrifice and blood application for the sanctuary's cleansing to the unique, symbolic act involving the second, live goat. This live goat is designated to bear away the accumulated sins of the entire community, signifying their complete removal and God's profound provision for reconciliation with a people otherwise defiled by their transgressions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 16 provides the meticulous and comprehensive divine instructions for observing Yom Kippur, the most solemn and significant day in the ancient Israelite calendar. The preceding verses ([Leviticus 16:1-19](/leviticus/16-1-19 "Leviticus 16:1-19 - Preparations for the Day of Atonement")) detail the High Priest's rigorous preparations, beginning with his personal purification and the sacrifice of a bull for his own sins and those of his household. Subsequently, two goats are presented before the Lord ([Leviticus 16:5](/leviticus/16-5 "Leviticus 16:5 - The Two Goats for Atonement")). One goat is chosen by lot to be sacrificed as a sin offering for the people ([Leviticus 16:9](/leviticus/16-9 "Leviticus 16:9 - The Lord's Goat")), its blood then meticulously applied by the High Priest to purify the Most Holy Place, the Holy Place, and the altar ([Leviticus 16:14-19](/leviticus/16-14-19 "Leviticus 16:14-19 - Atonement for the Sanctuary")). Leviticus 16:20 thus signals the completion of this vital *atonement* for the sanctuary itself, setting the stage for the distinct and equally crucial ritual of the second goat, which will symbolically *carry away* the sins of the people. The subsequent verses ([Leviticus 16:21-22](/leviticus/16-21-22 "Leviticus 16:21-22 - The Scapegoat Ritual")) further elaborate on the High Priest's confession of Israel's transgressions over the live goat's head and its dispatch into the desolate wilderness, vividly illustrating the complete removal of sin from the community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Day of Atonement was the singular, momentous occasion when the High Priest was permitted to enter the Most Holy Place, the innermost sanctuary of the Tabernacle where God's glorious presence was uniquely manifested above the Ark of the Covenant. This annual ritual was absolutely indispensable for maintaining the covenant relationship between a holy God and His chosen, yet imperfect, people. Throughout the year, the accumulated sins, impurities, and defilements of the Israelites symbolically contaminated the Tabernacle, thereby threatening God's continued dwelling presence among them. The elaborate and precise purification rites, culminating in the actions described in [Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement"), were divinely ordained to purge this accumulated defilement and restore the nation's ritual purity, thereby ensuring that God could continue to dwell in their midst (as commanded in [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Command to Build a Sanctuary")). The two goats, therefore, represented distinct yet complementary aspects of the comprehensive atonement provided by God: the shedding of blood for propitiation and the symbolic removal of guilt and its consequences.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 16:20 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **God's Holiness and Purity**, which undergirds the entire sacrificial system, emphasizing that a holy God cannot tolerate sin in His presence without proper atonement. The meticulous cleansing of the sanctuary underscores the pervasive nature of sin's defilement and the absolute necessity of divine provision for its removal. This verse also highlights the theme of **Atonement and Reconciliation**, demonstrating God's gracious initiative to provide a means for sinful humanity to be reconciled to Him. The dual action of the goats, culminating in the live goat's role, illustrates the comprehensive nature of this atonement—both satisfying divine justice and completely removing the guilt of sin. Finally, the Day of Atonement ritual, as a whole, powerfully teaches the theme of **Substitutionary Sacrifice**, where an innocent life (symbolically or literally) bears the consequence of another's sin, a concept foundational to understanding God's redemptive plan (see [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life in the Blood")). The entire chapter, including this verse, points to the profound truth that access to God is only possible through His prescribed means of purification and forgiveness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Reconciling (Hebrew, _kâphar'_):** The KJV translates this as "reconciling," but the Hebrew verb כָּפַר (_kâphar_, H3722) fundamentally means "to cover," "to expiate or condone," "to placate or cancel." In the context of the Day of Atonement, it signifies the act of cleansing or purifying the sacred spaces from the defilement caused by Israel's sins. This process restores the possibility of God's holy presence dwelling among them without consuming them. It implies a covering that allows God's holiness to tolerate human sinfulness, making atonement for the sanctuary itself.
* **Holy (Hebrew, _qôdesh'_):** The term קֹדֶשׁ (_qôdesh_, H6944), here translated "holy [place]," refers specifically to the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies) within the Tabernacle. This was the innermost sanctuary where the Ark of the Covenant resided, representing the very throne room of God. As the most sacred area, directly associated with God's dwelling, its sanctity was most vulnerable to human sin and thus the primary focus of the purification rites.
* **Live (Hebrew, _chay'_):** The word חַי (_chay_, H2416) means "alive" or "living." In the phrase "live goat," it distinguishes this goat from the first goat, which was sacrificed. The fact that this goat remains alive is crucial to its symbolic function: it is to carry away the sins of the people while still living, signifying that the sins are not merely covered by death but actively removed and banished from the community, never to return.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he hath made an end of reconciling the holy [place],"**: This clause signifies the completion of the High Priest's most critical and dangerous task: the purification of the Most Holy Place. The blood of the first goat (the sin offering) had been sprinkled within, effectively cleansing it from the accumulated defilement of Israel's sins, thus making it safe for God's holy presence to remain. This act was the climax of the atonement for the sanctuary itself.
* **"and the tabernacle of the congregation,"**: This refers to the purification of the Holy Place, the outer chamber of the Tabernacle, and potentially the courtyard, including the altar of burnt offering. These areas, too, became ritually defiled by the sins and impurities of the people throughout the year and required specific atonement to maintain their sanctity and fitness for divine presence and worship.
* **"and the altar,"**: The altar of burnt offering, prominently located in the courtyard, was central to the daily sacrificial system. It also accumulated defilement from the sins of the people and therefore required specific purification rites on the Day of Atonement. Its cleansing ensured that the ongoing sacrifices offered by the people would continue to be acceptable to God.
* **"he shall bring the live goat:"**: With the entire sanctuary now fully purified and atoned for, the High Priest turns his attention to the second goat. This goat, having been chosen by lot to be the "scapegoat" and kept alive, is now brought forward for the next, equally vital, stage of the atonement process—the symbolic and complete removal of the people's sins from the community.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 16:20, as an integral part of the larger Yom Kippur narrative, is rich in **Symbolism** and **Ritual Action**. The entire process, particularly the use of two goats, is a profound symbolic representation of atonement. The first goat, sacrificed, symbolizes the absolute necessity of a blood offering to cover sin and cleanse defilement, pointing to the cost of sin. The second, live goat, often called the **scapegoat**, symbolizes the complete and utter removal of sin from the community, demonstrating God's mercy in banishing guilt. This powerful **Contrast** between the death of one goat and the sending away of the other vividly illustrates the two complementary aspects of God's provision for sin: propitiation (satisfying divine justice through sacrifice) and expiation (removing guilt and its consequences). The meticulous **Ritual Action** prescribed by God is not merely ceremonial; each step is imbued with deep spiritual meaning, teaching the Israelites about the pervasive nature of sin, the unyielding holiness of God, and His gracious provision for reconciliation. Furthermore, the entire Day of Atonement ritual serves as profound **Typology**, foreshadowing the ultimate, once-for-all atonement accomplished by Jesus Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 16:20 underscores several profound theological truths central to the biblical understanding of sin, holiness, and redemption. It highlights the absolute necessity of atonement for sin, demonstrating that human transgression defiles not only individuals but also the very spaces where God dwells. The meticulous purification of the Tabernacle's elements emphasizes God's unyielding holiness and the impossibility of His dwelling among an unholy people without divine provision. The two goats, acting in concert, reveal God's comprehensive solution: the shedding of blood for propitiation and the complete removal of guilt. This dual action portrays God's justice being satisfied and His mercy extended, providing a divinely appointed way for humanity to be reconciled to Him and for sin to be utterly banished from His presence.

* [Exodus 34:7](/exodus/34-7 "God's Mercy and Justice")
* [Psalm 103:12](/psalm/103-12 "God Removes Our Sins")
* [Isaiah 53:6](/isaiah/53-6 "The Suffering Servant Bears Our Sins")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 16:20, though describing an ancient ritual, offers profound and enduring insights for contemporary believers. It vividly portrays the immense gravity and pervasive nature of sin, which not only separates us from a holy God but also symbolically defiles everything it touches. Yet, in stark contrast, it also showcases the boundless grace and meticulous provision of God, who, in His perfect holiness, provided an elaborate system for dealing with sin, demonstrating His fervent desire for reconciliation with His people. For us today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the completeness and finality of Christ's atoning work on the cross. We are no longer required to participate in annual rituals because Jesus' sacrifice was once for all, perfectly and eternally reconciling us to God and completely removing our sins. This understanding should evoke profound gratitude and assurance. How does understanding the meticulousness and comprehensiveness of the Day of Atonement rituals deepen your appreciation for the simplicity, perfection, and finality of Christ's atoning work, which fulfills and supersedes all these Old Testament shadows?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "reconciling the holy place" challenge your understanding of the pervasive nature of sin, even impacting sacred spaces and God's dwelling?**
* **In what ways does the dual action of the two goats—one sacrificed for propitiation, the other sent away for expiation—help you grasp the multifaceted nature of Christ's complete atonement?**
* **What does the transition from the purification of the sanctuary to the bringing of the live goat teach you about the divine order and completeness of God's redemptive plan?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "reconciling" the Tabernacle's components?**

Answer: The Tabernacle, as God's dwelling place among Israel, was considered supremely holy. However, the sins and impurities of the Israelites, even those committed unintentionally, symbolically defiled this sacred space throughout the year. "Reconciling" (or atoning for/purifying) these components—the Most Holy Place, the Holy Place, and the altar—was absolutely essential to maintain the Tabernacle's sanctity and ensure that God could continue to dwell among His people without consuming them due to their sin. It was a ritual cleansing that allowed the holy God to remain in the midst of an unholy people, providing a means for His presence to endure despite human imperfection, as seen throughout [Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement").

**Why were there two goats on the Day of Atonement, and what did each represent?**

Answer: The use of two goats ([Leviticus 16:5](/leviticus/16-5 "Leviticus 16:5 - The Two Goats for Atonement")) was central to the Day of Atonement, with each representing a distinct yet complementary aspect of God's provision for sin. The first goat was chosen by lot to be sacrificed as a sin offering ([Leviticus 16:9](/leviticus/16-9 "Leviticus 16:9 - The Lord's Goat")). Its blood was then used by the High Priest to make atonement for the sanctuary, signifying that sin required a life (blood) to be given as propitiation—satisfying God's righteous demands. The second goat, the "live goat" or "scapegoat," was not sacrificed. Instead, the High Priest confessed all the sins of Israel over its head, and it was then led into the desolate wilderness ([Leviticus 16:21-22](/leviticus/16-21-22 "Leviticus 16:21-22 - The Scapegoat Ritual")). This act symbolized the complete removal and banishment of the people's sins from the community, never to return. Together, the two goats illustrated both the cost of sin (death) and the completeness of God's forgiveness (removal).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 16:20, within the broader context of the Day of Atonement, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The meticulous purification of the Tabernacle's sacred spaces by the High Priest, followed by the symbolic removal of sins by the live goat, powerfully prefigures Christ's singular, all-sufficient work. Just as the first goat's blood atoned for the sanctuary, Christ's own precious blood, shed on the cross, provided the perfect and eternal atonement for humanity's sins, not merely purifying a physical structure but cleansing the consciences of believers from dead works to serve the living God ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses Conscience")). Furthermore, the live goat, bearing away the sins of the people into the wilderness, is a vivid type of Jesus, who not only bore the penalty for our sins but also completely removes them from us. He is the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), not just covering them annually but eternally expiating them. His resurrection confirms the complete vanquishing of sin and death, ensuring that those who trust in Him are truly reconciled to God, their sins banished "as far as the east is from the west" (a truth beautifully echoed in [Psalm 103:12](/psalm/103-12 "God Removes Our Sins")). Through Christ, the once-for-all sacrifice ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Single Sacrifice")), the annual rituals of atonement are rendered obsolete, for He has secured eternal redemption for all who believe ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Eternal Redemption Through Christ")).

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

Ezekiel 45:20

And so thou shalt do the seventh [day] of the month for every one that erreth, and for [him that is] simple: so shall ye reconcile the house.

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.

Revelation 1:18

[I am] he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

Hebrews 7:25

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Romans 8:34

Who [is] he that condemneth? [It is] Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Colossians 1:20

And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven.

Romans 4:25

Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.