Leviticus 16:27

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 16:27 concludes the detailed instructions for the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), outlining the final disposition of the sin offerings whose blood had been brought into the Most Holy Place. This verse specifies that the carcasses of the bullock and the goat, having served their atoning purpose through their shed blood, must be carried outside the camp of Israel and completely consumed by fire. This act symbolizes the thorough removal and expulsion of sin and its defilement from the community, emphasizing the absolute purity required for God's holy presence to dwell among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 16 provides the exhaustive regulations for Yom Kippur, the most sacred day in the Israelite calendar, designed to cleanse the sanctuary and the people from all their sins. The chapter begins with instructions for Aaron's entry into the Most Holy Place ([Leviticus 16:1-5](/leviticus/16-1 "Leviticus 16:1-5 - Aaron's Preparations for Atonement")), followed by the selection of the two goats for the sin offering and the scapegoat ritual ([Leviticus 16:6-10](/leviticus/16-6 "Leviticus 16:6-10 - The Two Goats for Atonement")). The high point of the ritual involves the high priest bringing the blood of the bullock (for his own sins) and one goat (for the people's sins) into the Most Holy Place to sprinkle it on and before the atonement cover ([Leviticus 16:11-19](/leviticus/16-11 "Leviticus 16:11-19 - The Blood Ritual in the Holy of Holies")). After the blood rituals, the scapegoat is sent into the wilderness, bearing the sins of the people away ([Leviticus 16:20-22](/leviticus/16-20 "Leviticus 16:20-22 - The Scapegoat Ritual")). Leviticus 16:27 then details the final, crucial step for the *other* sin offerings, emphasizing the complete removal of the physical representation of the sin that has been atoned for. The subsequent verses outline the cleansing rituals for those involved in handling the carcasses and the scapegoat, reinforcing the pervasive need for purity ([Leviticus 16:28-34](/leviticus/16-28 "Leviticus 16:28-34 - Cleansing and Annual Observance")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Day of Atonement was a unique annual event in ancient Israel, distinct from daily or weekly sacrifices. It addressed the cumulative, often unknown, sins of the entire nation, ensuring that God's holy presence could continue to dwell in their midst within the Tabernacle. The concept of "the camp" was central to Israelite life in the wilderness, representing the consecrated space where God resided. Anything ritually unclean or bearing the defilement of sin was to be removed "without the camp" to maintain the purity of the community and the sanctity of God's dwelling. This practice underscored the profound separation between holiness and defilement, a principle deeply embedded in Israelite law and worldview. The burning of the carcasses outside the camp, rather than on the altar within the camp, signified that these particular sin offerings, having fulfilled their purpose of bearing sin and achieving atonement through their blood, were now considered utterly defiled by the sin they carried and thus unfit to be consumed or offered further within the sacred space. This ritual act visually and symbolically communicated the complete expulsion and repudiation of sin from the holy community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sin Offering (Hebrew, _chaṭṭā’t'_):** This term is central to the verse. While often translated "sin offering," _chaṭṭā’t_ carries a dual meaning, referring both to "sin" itself and to a "purification offering" or "de-sinning" offering. This ambiguity highlights that the offering not only deals with the guilt of transgression but also with the defilement and impurity that sin causes. The ritual aims to cleanse or purify the sanctuary and the people from the polluting effects of sin, making them fit for God's presence.
* **Atonement (Hebrew, _kāphar'_):** Derived from the root _kāphar_, meaning "to cover," "to purge," "to make reconciliation," or "to wipe away." In the context of the Day of Atonement, it signifies the process by which God's wrath against sin is appeased, and the defilement caused by sin is removed, allowing for the restoration of fellowship between God and His people. The blood, as the life-force, was seen as the means by which this covering or purging was achieved, as stated in [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life is in the Blood for Atonement").
* **Without the Camp (Hebrew, _miḥūṣ lāmaḥăneh'_):** This phrase denotes a location outside the consecrated area where the Israelites resided, symbolizing a place of ritual impurity and expulsion. Objects or individuals deemed defiled or bearing sin were removed to this outer zone to prevent the contamination of the holy community. For the sin offering carcasses, being taken "without the camp" emphasizes the complete removal and repudiation of the sin they bore, signifying that the sin, once atoned for, was utterly cast out and had no place within God's holy dwelling.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the bullock [for] the sin offering, and the goat [for] the sin offering":** This identifies the specific animals involved: the bullock for the high priest's sin offering and one of the goats for the people's sin offering. These were the primary sacrifices whose blood was used in the most sacred part of the Yom Kippur ritual.
* **"whose blood was brought in to make atonement in the holy [place]":** This clause provides the crucial context for the disposition of the carcasses. It confirms that these animals had already fulfilled their primary purpose: their blood, representing their life, had been presented before God in the Holy of Holies to effect reconciliation and purification for the sins of the high priest and the congregation. The "holy place" here specifically refers to the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies), where the blood was sprinkled on the atonement cover.
* **"shall [one] carry forth without the camp":** This is the command for the physical removal of the carcasses. "Without the camp" signifies a place of ritual impurity, outside the consecrated dwelling of Israel. This act visually represented the expulsion of the sin that these offerings had carried, emphasizing that sin, once atoned for, was to be utterly removed from God's presence and His people.
* **"and they shall burn in the fire their skins, and their flesh, and their dung":** This specifies the complete destruction of the carcasses by fire. Unlike other offerings where parts were eaten by priests or consumed on the altar, these sin offerings were entirely burned outside the camp, including their skins, flesh, and even their dung. This total consumption by fire underscored the thoroughness of the purification and the complete repudiation of the sin they had borne; nothing of the sin-laden offering was to remain or be consumed within the holy community.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Symbolism** and **Contrast** to convey profound theological truths. The act of carrying the carcasses "without the camp" is highly **symbolic**, representing the complete expulsion and removal of sin and its defilement from the holy community. The burning of the entire carcass—skins, flesh, and dung—further emphasizes this **symbolism** of thorough purification and repudiation; nothing of the sin-bearing offering is to remain. This stands in **contrast** to other offerings (like peace offerings or portions of burnt offerings) that were consumed on the altar or by priests within the camp. The fact that these particular sin offerings, whose blood had made atonement in the holiest place, were then treated as utterly defiled and cast out, highlights the severe nature of sin and the absolute purity required in God's presence. The **ritualistic action** itself serves as a powerful visual and experiential teaching tool for the community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 16:27 highlights the profound Old Testament principles of substitutionary atonement, the defiling nature of sin, and the absolute necessity of purity for fellowship with a holy God. The ritual of expelling the sin-laden carcasses outside the camp underscores that sin, once dealt with by blood, must be utterly removed and repudiated from the community of faith. This act foreshadows a more perfect and complete removal of sin, pointing to a future sacrifice that would definitively cleanse humanity from its defilement, not just ritually but truly.

* [Leviticus 4:11-12](/leviticus/4-11 "Leviticus 4:11-12 - Sin Offering for Priests and Congregation")
* [Numbers 19:9](/numbers/19-9 "Numbers 19:9 - Ashes of the Red Heifer for Purification")
* [Hebrews 13:11-12](/hebrews/13-11 "Hebrews 13:11-12 - Christ Suffered Outside the Gate")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 16:27, though describing an ancient ritual, speaks powerfully to the thoroughness of God's work in dealing with sin. It reminds us that God does not merely overlook sin but actively purges it from His presence and from His people. For us today, this means recognizing the comprehensive nature of the atonement provided through Christ. Just as the sin offerings were completely removed and destroyed outside the camp, so too has our sin been utterly cast out and dealt with by Jesus. This should lead us to a deeper appreciation for the radical purity and forgiveness we receive in Christ, prompting us to live lives that reflect this new reality. We are called to embrace the complete removal of sin from our lives, not just in terms of guilt, but also in its defiling power, striving for holiness as God is holy. This verse also challenges us to consider what "outside the camp" means in our own spiritual journey – what attitudes, habits, or influences, though once part of our "camp," must now be decisively cast out and repudiated because they are defiling and contrary to God's holy presence within us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the complete removal and burning of the sin offering carcasses "without the camp" deepen your understanding of the seriousness of sin and God's holiness?**
* **In what ways do you need to "carry forth without the camp" certain sinful patterns or influences in your own life that defile your walk with God?**
* **How does the thoroughness of this Old Testament ritual point you to the complete and final work of Christ in dealing with your sin?**

### FAQ

**Why were these particular sin offerings burned outside the camp, unlike other sacrifices?**

Answer: The sin offerings mentioned in [Leviticus 16:27](/leviticus/16-27 "Leviticus 16:27 - Disposition of Yom Kippur Sin Offerings") were unique because their blood was brought into the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies) to make atonement for the high priest and the entire congregation. This act of bringing the blood into God's most sacred presence meant that the carcasses, having symbolically borne the sins of the people and served their atoning purpose, were now considered utterly defiled by that sin. Therefore, they could not be consumed on the altar within the camp (which was for offerings that ascended to God as a pleasing aroma, like burnt offerings or portions of peace offerings) nor eaten by the priests (as was the case for some other sin offerings, where the priests partook of the offering to "bear the iniquity" of the people, as seen in [Leviticus 10:17](/leviticus/10-17 "Leviticus 10:17 - Priests Eating the Sin Offering")). Instead, their complete destruction outside the camp symbolized the total removal and repudiation of the sin they carried, preventing any defilement from remaining within the holy community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 16:27 stands as a profound foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The author of Hebrews draws a direct and powerful 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/13-11 "Hebrews 13:11 - Christ Suffered Outside the Gate") of Jerusalem ([Hebrews 13:12](/hebrews/13-12 "Hebrews 13:12 - Jesus Suffered Outside the Gate")). This geographical and ritualistic connection is deeply significant: Christ, our perfect and ultimate sin offering, bore the full weight of our sin and its defilement not within the holy city, but outside, signifying the complete expulsion and repudiation of sin from God's presence. His sacrifice was not a mere covering but a definitive removal, purifying us completely. Through His shed blood, brought into the true heavenly sanctuary ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ's Heavenly Tabernacle and Blood")), Christ made a final and perfect atonement, making it possible for us to draw near to God with confidence, knowing that our sins have been utterly cast out and consumed, never to be remembered against us ([Hebrews 10:14](/hebrews/10-14 "Hebrews 10:14 - Perfected Forever by One Offering") and [Hebrews 10:17](/hebrews/10-17 "Hebrews 10:17 - Sins Remembered No More")). He is the Lamb of God who truly [takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), fulfilling the symbolism of the discarded sin offering.

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 4:21

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leviticus 8:17

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