Leviticus 16:27

And the bullock [for] the sin offering, and the goat [for] the sin offering, whose blood was brought in to make atonement in the holy [place], shall [one] carry forth without the camp; and they shall burn in the fire their skins, and their flesh, and their dung.

And the bullock {H6499} for the sin offering {H2403}, and the goat {H8163} for the sin offering {H2403}, whose blood {H1818} was brought in {H935} to make atonement {H3722} in the holy {H6944} place, shall one carry forth {H3318} without {H2351} the camp {H4264}; and they shall burn {H8313} in the fire {H784} their skins {H5785}, and their flesh {H1320}, and their dung {H6569}.

"The bull for the sin offering and the goat for the sin offering, whose blood was brought in to make atonement in the Holy Place, is to be carried outside the camp; there they are to burn up completely their hides, meat and dung.

The bull for the sin offering and the goat for the sin offering, whose blood was brought into the Most Holy Place to make atonement, must be taken outside the camp; and their hides, flesh, and dung must be burned up.

And the bullock of the sin-offering, and the goat of the sin-offering, whose blood was brought in to make atonement in the holy place, shall be carried forth without the camp; and they shall burn in the fire their skins, and their flesh, and their dung.

Commentary

Context

Leviticus 16:27 is a crucial verse within the detailed instructions for the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), the most solemn day in ancient Israel's calendar. This annual ritual, performed by the high priest, was designed to make atonement for the sins of the priests and the entire congregation, purifying the tabernacle and the people from their defilement. The verse describes the final disposition of the carcasses of the bullock and one of the goats, both designated as sin offerings, whose blood had already been brought into the Holy Place (and specifically the Most Holy Place, or Holy of Holies, by the high priest) to make reconciliation with God.

Key Themes

  • Complete Removal of Sin: The act of carrying the carcasses "without the camp" and burning them entirely symbolizes the complete removal and expulsion of sin and its defilement from the presence of God and His people. Unlike peace offerings or burnt offerings, which were partially consumed on the altar, these sin offerings were burned outside, indicating that the sin they bore was utterly repudiated and cast out.
  • Purity and Holiness: This ritual underscores the absolute necessity of purity for the community dwelling in God's presence. Sin is portrayed as defiling, and its removal is essential for maintaining the holy relationship between God and Israel.
  • Atonement through Blood: The verse explicitly mentions "whose blood was brought in to make atonement." This highlights the core principle in the Old Testament that life is in the blood, and it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.

Linguistic Insights

The term "sin offering" in Hebrew is chatta't, which can mean both "sin" and "purification offering." This dual meaning emphasizes that the offering deals with sin not just as an act of transgression but as a source of defilement that requires cleansing. The word "atonement" comes from the Hebrew kāphar, meaning "to cover," "to purge," or "to make reconciliation," signifying the covering or removal of sin to restore fellowship.

Theological Significance & Application

This Levitical instruction holds profound theological significance, serving as a powerful foreshadowing of the work of Jesus Christ. The author of Hebrews draws a direct parallel, explaining that just as the bodies of the animals whose blood was brought into the sanctuary were burned outside the camp, so Jesus suffered "outside the gate" (Hebrews 13:12). This signifies that Christ, our ultimate sin offering, bore our sins outside the holy city, demonstrating the complete removal of our defilement. His sacrifice not only covers sin but completely purifies us, allowing us to draw near to God without the need for repeated annual rituals. For believers today, this verse reminds us of the thoroughness of Christ's work and the complete forgiveness and cleansing available through His shed blood.

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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 4:21 (5 votes)

    And he shall carry forth the bullock without the camp, and burn him as he burned the first bullock: it [is] a sin offering for the congregation.

  • Leviticus 6:30 (5 votes)

    And no sin offering, whereof [any] of the blood is brought into the tabernacle of the congregation to reconcile [withal] in the holy [place], shall be eaten: it shall be burnt in the fire.

  • Leviticus 4:11 (3 votes)

    And the skin of the bullock, and all his flesh, with his head, and with his legs, and his inwards, and his dung,

  • Leviticus 4:12 (3 votes)

    Even the whole bullock shall he carry forth without the camp unto a clean place, where the ashes are poured out, and burn him on the wood with fire: where the ashes are poured out shall he be burnt.

  • Hebrews 13:11 (2 votes)

    For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.

  • Hebrews 13:14 (2 votes)

    For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.

  • Leviticus 8:17 (2 votes)

    But the bullock, and his hide, his flesh, and his dung, he burnt with fire without the camp; as the LORD commanded Moses.