Leviticus 16:3

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus {H2063} shall Aaron {H175} come {H935} into the holy {H6944} place: with a young {H1121}{H1241} bullock {H6499} for a sin offering {H2403}, and a ram {H352} for a burnt offering {H5930}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Here is how Aharon is to enter the Holy Place: with a young bull as a sin offering and a ram as a burnt offering.

Berean Standard Bible

This is how Aaron is to enter the Holy Place: with a young bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 16:3 meticulously outlines the indispensable preparations Aaron, the High Priest, was required to undertake before entering the Most Holy Place (the Holy of Holies) on Yom Kippur, the annual Day of Atonement. This verse specifies the two primary offerings: a young bullock for a sin offering, designated for Aaron himself and his household, and a ram for a burnt offering. These provisions underscore the absolute necessity of purification and atonement for the mediator before he could approach God's immediate presence on behalf of the entire Israelite community, setting the stage for the solemn rituals of national reconciliation and highlighting the profound holiness of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is foundational to the intricate instructions for the Day of Atonement, detailed throughout [Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement Rituals"). It immediately follows God's stern warning to Aaron in [Leviticus 16:1-2](/leviticus/16-1-2 "Leviticus 16:1-2 - Warning Against Unauthorized Entry") not to enter the Most Holy Place indiscriminately, lest he die, a warning explicitly linked to the tragic unauthorized offering by Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu, recounted in [Leviticus 10](/leviticus/10 "Leviticus 10 - The Death of Nadab and Abihu"). Thus, [Leviticus 16:3](/leviticus/16-3 "Leviticus 16:3 - Aaron's Entry Requirements") serves as the divine mandate for the *only* permissible way for the High Priest to enter God's holiest dwelling, emphasizing the extreme sanctity of the divine presence and the rigorous protocols required for any approach. The subsequent verses in [Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - Day of Atonement Rituals") elaborate on the specific procedures for these offerings and the subsequent rituals for the people, all stemming from the initial requirements laid out here.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for these instructions is the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God's presence resided among His people Israel during their wilderness wanderings. The Most Holy Place (or Holy of Holies) was the innermost chamber, veiled from common view, containing the Ark of the Covenant and serving as the earthly throne room of God. Access to this sacred space was severely restricted, reserved exclusively for the High Priest, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). This day was the most solemn and significant in the Israelite calendar, dedicated to national purification from all sins and defilements, both intentional and unintentional. The requirement for Aaron to offer a sin offering for himself first highlights the universal human condition of sinfulness, even for the divinely appointed mediator, and the absolute purity demanded to stand before a perfectly holy God. The entire ritual underscored the vast chasm between sinful humanity and a perfectly holy God, a gap that could only be bridged through divinely ordained means of atonement.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 16:3 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the **Holiness of God**, emphasizing His absolute purity and the consequent danger of approaching Him improperly. This verse establishes the strict conditions necessary for sinful humanity to enter His presence. Relatedly, it powerfully illustrates the **Sinfulness of Humanity**, even the High Priest, underscoring that all individuals, regardless of their spiritual office, require atonement for their own defilement before they can mediate for others. The verse also introduces the theme of **Atonement and Purification**, detailing the specific offerings required to cleanse from sin and ritual impurity, a central concept in Israelite worship. Finally, it highlights the essential role of **Mediation**, as Aaron, through these prescribed rituals, acts as the divinely appointed bridge between God and His people, foreshadowing a greater mediator to come. These themes are central to understanding the covenant relationship between God and Israel, as seen in passages such as [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy") and [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life in the Blood for Atonement").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bullock (Hebrew, _par'_):** This term (H6499) refers to a young bull, specifically a male bovine, often chosen for its strength and value. In the context of sin offerings, a bullock was typically required for the High Priest or the entire congregation, signifying the gravity of the sin or defilement being atoned for. Its substantial size and cost conveyed the seriousness of the purification required for the nation's spiritual leader and the collective body.
* **Sin offering (Hebrew, _chaṭṭâʼâh'_):** While commonly translated "sin offering," _chaṭṭâʼâh_ (H2403) is more accurately understood as a "purification offering." Its primary purpose was not merely to atone for specific transgressions but to cleanse from ritual impurity and defilement that made one unfit to approach God or participate in the community. For Aaron, this offering purified him from his own inherent sinfulness and any ritual defilement, making him ritually clean to minister in the Most Holy Place. It served to remove barriers caused by impurity, thus restoring or maintaining the covenant relationship.
* **Burnt offering (Hebrew, _ʻôlâh'_):** Derived from the verb "to ascend," the _ʻôlâh_ (H5930) was an offering entirely consumed by fire on the altar, with the smoke "ascending" to God. Unlike the sin offering, which focused on purification, the burnt offering symbolized complete dedication, devotion, and propitiation. It was a voluntary act of worship, expressing the worshiper's total surrender and commitment to God, and was considered a "pleasing aroma" to the Lord. For Aaron, it likely signified his complete consecration and acceptable approach to God in his priestly role, demonstrating his readiness to serve in God's presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus shall Aaron come into the holy [place]:"** This phrase establishes the divine mandate and the specific, divinely prescribed manner for Aaron's entry into the Most Holy Place. The term "holy [place]" here refers specifically to the Holy of Holies, the innermost sanctuary of the Tabernacle, where God's presence resided. The solemnity of "Thus shall Aaron come" emphasizes that this was not an optional or casual entry but a rigidly controlled, life-or-death encounter with the divine, underscoring the absolute holiness of God and the danger of an unholy approach.
* **"with a young bullock for a sin offering,"** This specifies the first and primary animal Aaron must bring. The "young bullock" is designated for a "sin offering" (_chaṭṭâʼâh_), which was specifically for Aaron himself and his household (as indicated in [Leviticus 16:6](/leviticus/16-6 "Leviticus 16:6 - Aaron's Sin Offering")). This highlights a crucial theological point: even the High Priest, God's chosen mediator, was a sinful human being who required personal atonement and purification before he could perform the rituals for the nation. His own defilement had to be addressed before he could mediate for others, demonstrating the universal need for purification.
* **"and a ram for a burnt offering."** The second animal required is a "ram" for a "burnt offering" (_ʻôlâh_). While the bullock dealt with sin and defilement, the ram for the burnt offering symbolized complete dedication and worship. This offering would have been entirely consumed on the altar, representing Aaron's total surrender and devotion to God as he prepared to perform the most sacred duties of his office. It was an act of propitiation and consecration, ensuring his acceptable approach to the divine and demonstrating his complete commitment to God's will.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 16:3, as part of the larger Day of Atonement narrative, employs several key literary devices that amplify its theological significance. **Prescriptive Language** dominates the verse, characterized by direct commands and detailed instructions ("Thus shall Aaron come," "with a young bullock," "and a ram"). This precision underscores the divine origin and absolute authority of these rituals, leaving no room for human improvisation or deviation. The verse also utilizes profound **Symbolism**, where the animals themselves serve as powerful representations: the bullock represents the need for purification from sin and defilement, while the ram symbolizes complete dedication and acceptable worship. The very act of bringing these specific offerings before entering the Most Holy Place is a **Ritualistic Act** imbued with profound theological meaning, acting as a dramatic representation of the chasm between human sinfulness and divine holiness, and the divinely provided means of bridging that gap. Furthermore, the entire chapter, initiated by this verse, functions as a **Type** or **Foreshadowing**, pointing forward to a greater reality of ultimate atonement and access to God through a perfect High Priest.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 16:3 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of God, humanity, and atonement. It reveals God's absolute holiness, demonstrating that His glorious presence cannot be approached by sinful, defiled humanity without specific, divinely ordained provision. The necessity for Aaron, the High Priest, to first atone for himself underscores the universal reality of human sinfulness and the inherent limitations of any human mediator. The dual offerings—purification from sin and complete dedication—illustrate the comprehensive nature of reconciliation with God. This ritual, repeated annually, highlighted the temporary and incomplete nature of the Old Covenant sacrifices, perpetually pointing to a future, perfect sacrifice that would truly and permanently cleanse and provide unhindered access to the divine presence.

* [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life in the Blood for Atonement")
* [Hebrews 9:7](/hebrews/9-7 "Hebrews 9:7 - High Priest's Annual Entry")
* [Romans 3:23-25](/romans/3-23-25 "Romans 3:23-25 - Justification Through Christ's Blood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous instructions in Leviticus 16:3, detailing the High Priest's solemn preparations, offer profound insights for contemporary believers. They starkly remind us of the immense holiness of God and the gravity of sin. If even Aaron, chosen by God, required extensive purification before entering God's presence, how much more serious is our own sin and defilement? This passage cultivates a deep reverence for God, fostering an understanding that access to Him is not a right but a privilege secured by divine provision. It prompts us to consider the cost of holiness and the absolute necessity of atonement for reconciliation. Furthermore, it should evoke profound gratitude for the perfect and complete work of Jesus Christ, who has opened a new and living way to God's presence, making direct access possible for all who believe, without the need for repeated sacrifices or human mediation. This understanding should inspire both humility for our sin and audacious confidence in Christ's finished work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the strictness of Aaron's entry into the Most Holy Place inform our understanding of God's holiness today?**
* **What does the requirement for the High Priest to offer a sin offering for himself teach us about human leadership and the universal need for atonement?**
* **In what ways does understanding the Day of Atonement rituals, beginning with Leviticus 16:3, deepen our appreciation for Jesus' finished work on the cross?**

### FAQ
**Why did Aaron need a sin offering for himself before entering the Most Holy Place?**

Answer: Aaron, despite being God's chosen High Priest, was still a human being, subject to sin and ritual impurity like all other Israelites. The requirement for him to offer a bullock as a sin offering for himself and his household (as detailed in [Leviticus 16:6](/leviticus/16-6 "Leviticus 16:6 - Aaron's Sin Offering")) underscored a critical theological truth: no human, regardless of their office or piety, is inherently pure enough to stand in the immediate, unmediated presence of a perfectly holy God. This self-atonement ritual served to purify Aaron from his own defilement, making him ritually acceptable to perform the subsequent, more extensive atonement rituals for the entire nation. It highlighted the universal nature of sin and the absolute necessity of divine provision for reconciliation, even for the mediator himself, demonstrating that even the holiest of human leaders are still in need of God's grace and cleansing.

**What is the difference between the "sin offering" and the "burnt offering" mentioned in Leviticus 16:3?**

Answer: The "sin offering" (Hebrew: _chaṭṭâʼâh_) and the "burnt offering" (Hebrew: _ʻôlâh_) served distinct but complementary purposes in Israelite worship. The _chaṭṭâʼâh_, often better translated as "purification offering," primarily dealt with ritual impurity and the defilement caused by sin, whether intentional or unintentional. Its main goal was to cleanse the individual or community, restoring them to a state of ritual purity and allowing them to re-enter fellowship with God and the covenant community. Blood from this offering was often applied to the altar or even sprinkled within the Tabernacle to cleanse the sanctuary itself from the defilement of the people's sins. In contrast, the _ʻôlâh_ or "burnt offering" was a voluntary act of worship and dedication. The entire animal was consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing the worshiper's complete surrender, devotion, and commitment to God. It was considered a "pleasing aroma" to the Lord and served as a general act of propitiation, expressing the worshiper's desire for God's favor and acceptance. Thus, in [Leviticus 16:3](/leviticus/16-3 "Leviticus 16:3 - Aaron's Offerings"), the bullock for the sin offering purified Aaron, while the ram for the burnt offering demonstrated his complete consecration and acceptable worship before God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 16:3, with its solemn depiction of Aaron's required offerings before entering the Most Holy Place, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament High Priest, a sinful man, had to offer a bullock for his own sins, demonstrating the inherent limitation and temporary nature of the Mosaic covenant's atonement. This annual, repeated ritual underscored that the blood of animals could never truly take away sins or provide perfect access to God (as highlighted in [Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1-4 "Hebrews 10:1-4 - The Law's Imperfection")). In stark contrast, Jesus is our perfect and eternal High Priest, who, unlike Aaron, was "holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens" ([Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Christ's Perfect Priesthood")). He had no sin of His own for which to atone. Instead, He offered Himself, "not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of His own blood, [He] entered once for all into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption" ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")). The earthly Most Holy Place, entered by Aaron, was a mere copy of the true heavenly sanctuary into which Christ entered (as explained in [Hebrews 9:24](/hebrews/9-24 "Hebrews 9:24 - Christ's Heavenly Sanctuary")). Through Christ's singular, efficacious sacrifice on the cross, He became both the spotless Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) and the perfect High Priest who perpetually intercedes for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Intercession")). Consequently, believers now have "boldness to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way" ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access Through Christ's Blood")), a privilege unimaginable under the Old Covenant, all made possible by Christ's perfect fulfillment of the Day of Atonement.

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 4:3

If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto the LORD for a sin offering.

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 8:18

And he brought the ram for the burnt offering: and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the ram.

Hebrews 9:24

For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, [which are] the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

Hebrews 9:25

Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;

Leviticus 1:10

¶ And if his offering [be] of the flocks, [namely], of the sheep, or of the goats, for a burnt sacrifice; he shall bring it a male without blemish.

Leviticus 8:14

¶ And he brought the bullock for the sin offering: and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the bullock for the sin offering.