Leviticus 16:32

KJV

And the priest, whom he shall anoint, and whom he shall consecrate to minister in the priest's office in his father's stead, shall make the atonement, and shall put on the linen clothes, [even] the holy garments:

KJV (with Strong's)

And the priest {H3548}, whom he shall anoint {H4886}, and whom he shall consecrate {H4390}{H3027} to minister in the priest's office {H3547} in his father's {H1} stead, shall make the atonement {H3722}, and shall put on {H3847} the linen {H906} clothes {H899}, even the holy {H6944} garments {H899}:

Complete Jewish Bible

The cohen anointed and consecrated to be cohen in his father's place will make the atonement; he will put on the linen garments, the holy garments;

Berean Standard Bible

The priest who is anointed and ordained to succeed his father as high priest shall make atonement. He will put on the sacred linen garments

American Standard Version

And the priest, who shall be anointed and who shall be consecrated to be priest in his father’s stead, shall make the atonement, and shall put on the linen garments, even the holy garments:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 16:32 is a pivotal verse within the meticulous instructions for Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, the most solemn day in the ancient Israelite calendar. It precisely defines the qualifications and responsibilities of the High Priest, emphasizing that only the divinely anointed and consecrated individual, serving in the lineage of Aaron, was authorized to perform the annual, national atonement rituals. This verse underscores the High Priest's unique mediatorial role and the sacred requirement to don specific "linen clothes" or "holy garments" for this most holy of tasks, symbolizing the purity and humility necessary for approaching God's presence on behalf of the entire nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 16 provides the most detailed and comprehensive instructions for the annual Day of Atonement, a central event in Israelite worship. The chapter begins by setting the scene after the tragic deaths of Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10), highlighting the extreme holiness required when approaching God's presence. Verses 1-28 meticulously outline the elaborate rituals the High Priest must perform, including specific purifications for himself and his household, the selection of two goats for a sin offering (one for the Lord, one for Azazel), and the various sacrifices. Verse 32 specifically addresses the *qualification* of the High Priest who performs these acts, ensuring the continuity of the sacred office ("in his father's stead"). The verses immediately following (Leviticus 16:33-34) reiterate the comprehensive scope of the atonement—covering the sanctuary, the tent of meeting, the altar, the priests, and all the people of the congregation—and establish the perpetual nature of this ordinance, to be observed "once in the year." This context emphasizes the gravity and divine mandate of the atonement process, ensuring its proper execution by the duly appointed individual.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) was unique among Israel's festivals, marked by solemn fasting and self-affliction rather than feasting, symbolizing national repentance and humility before God. It was the only day of the year when the High Priest was permitted to enter the Most Holy Place, the inner sanctum of the Tabernacle (and later the Temple), where the Ark of the Covenant resided and God's presence was manifested. This annual ritual was absolutely essential for maintaining the covenant relationship between a holy God and His often-sinful people. Without this atonement, God's holiness would necessitate His withdrawal from an impure people, jeopardizing their very existence as His chosen nation. The High Priest, through his anointing and consecration, served as the sole mediator, bearing the sins of the people and presenting the blood that "made atonement" for them (Leviticus 16:16). The "linen clothes" were simple white garments, distinct from the High Priest's ornate golden vestments, signifying humility and ritual purity, essential for approaching the divine presence in the [Most Holy Place](/exodus/26-33 "Exodus 26:33 - The Most Holy Place"). This annual cleansing purged the accumulated defilements of the entire year, allowing the community to remain in fellowship with their holy God.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 16:32 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Leviticus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the **Holiness of God** and the corresponding requirement for **Human Purity**. The meticulous instructions for the High Priest underscore God's absolute transcendence and the impossibility of approaching Him without divinely prescribed means of cleansing. The verse also highlights the theme of **Atonement and Reconciliation**, demonstrating God's provision for dealing with human sin and restoring fellowship. The High Priest's role as a **Mediator** is central, emphasizing the need for a divinely appointed representative to bridge the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity. Furthermore, the mention of the High Priest serving "in his father's stead" points to the theme of **Covenant Continuity and Succession** within the Aaronic priesthood, ensuring the perpetual performance of these vital rituals. The requirement for specific garments also reinforces the theme of **Ritual Purity and Proper Worship**, emphasizing that God must be approached on His terms, not human ones, as tragically illustrated by the deaths of Nadab and Abihu in [Leviticus 10](/leviticus/10 "Leviticus 10 - Nadab and Abihu's Unholy Fire").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Anoint (Hebrew, _mashach'_ - H4886):** This Hebrew verb means "to rub with oil" or "to anoint." In a religious context, it signifies a ceremonial act of setting apart a person or object for sacred service. For the High Priest, anointing with holy oil (as detailed in [Exodus 30:22-33](/exodus/30-22-33 "Exodus 30:22-33 - The Anointing Oil")) was the definitive act of divine appointment and empowerment, endowing him with the spiritual authority and holiness required for his unique mediatorial role. It marked him as God's chosen representative, consecrated for a specific, holy purpose.
* **Consecrate (Hebrew, _male' yad'_ - H4390, H3027):** Literally meaning "to fill the hand," this idiomatic Hebrew phrase refers to the formal ordination or installation of priests. The ritual involved placing portions of sacrifices into the hands of the priests, symbolizing their endowment with the authority and responsibility to perform priestly duties and receive offerings on behalf of God. This act, combined with anointing, fully qualified the High Priest for his sacred office, ensuring he was divinely authorized to "minister in the priest's office." It signifies a complete dedication and empowerment for service.
* **Atonement (Hebrew, _kaphar'_ - H3722):** This fundamental Hebrew verb denotes "to cover," "to purge," "to make reconciliation," or "to expiate." In the context of the Day of Atonement, it refers to the process by which sins were covered or purged, making it possible for a holy God to dwell among an unholy people. It was not merely forgiveness but a ritual cleansing that removed the defilement of sin from the sanctuary and the people, restoring the purity necessary for divine presence. The High Priest "made the atonement" by applying the blood of the sacrifices, which served as the divinely appointed means of expiation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the priest, whom he shall anoint, and whom he shall consecrate to minister in the priest's office in his father's stead":** This opening clause meticulously defines the specific individual authorized to perform the Day of Atonement rituals. It's not just any priest, but the designated High Priest, who has undergone the sacred rites of anointing (conferring divine appointment and spiritual enablement) and consecration (formally installing him into the sacred office with full authority). The phrase "in his father's stead" highlights the hereditary nature of the Aaronic high priesthood, emphasizing the continuity of this divinely established office across generations. This continuity ensured that the vital mediatorial role would always be filled according to God's precise instructions, maintaining the integrity of the covenant.
* **"shall make the atonement":** This is the core responsibility of the High Priest on Yom Kippur, the central purpose of the entire chapter. It signifies his unique and indispensable role in performing the elaborate rituals designed to "cover" or "purge" the sins of the entire Israelite community and cleanse the Tabernacle itself from defilement. This act of atonement was vicarious, performed on behalf of the nation, and was absolutely essential for restoring and maintaining the covenant relationship between God and Israel. Without this annual atonement, the accumulated sin would render the people and their sanctuary unfit for God's holy presence, potentially leading to divine judgment or withdrawal.
* **"and shall put on the linen clothes, [even] the holy garments":** This final clause specifies the required attire for the High Priest during the most sacred parts of the Day of Atonement ritual, particularly when entering the Most Holy Place. The "linen clothes" were plain, white garments, distinct from his more elaborate, golden vestments worn for other duties. Their significance lies in their symbolism of purity, humility, and the absence of human glory. By donning these simple "holy garments," the High Priest demonstrated that he approached God's absolute holiness not with external pomp or personal merit, but with a spirit of reverence and purity, relying solely on God's prescribed means for access and atonement. This attire underscored the solemnity and sacredness of the occasion.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 16:32, within the broader context of the Day of Atonement instructions, employs several significant literary devices. **Emphasis** is clearly achieved through the meticulous detail and repetition of the High Priest's qualifications and actions. The verse stresses the singular nature of his role ("the priest, whom *he* shall anoint... *he* shall make the atonement"), highlighting his unique and indispensable authority. **Symbolism** is profoundly present in the "linen clothes, [even] the holy garments." These simple white vestments symbolize the purity, humility, and unadorned holiness required for approaching God's presence, contrasting sharply with the High Priest's usual ornate attire and underscoring that access to God is not by human splendor but by divine prescription and ritual purity. The entire ritual of Yom Kippur, encapsulated by the High Priest's actions, functions as a powerful **Type** or **Foreshadowing**, pointing forward to a greater reality. The temporary, annual atonement performed by a human priest serves as a prefigurement of the ultimate, once-for-all atonement to be accomplished by a perfect High Priest.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 16:32, by detailing the High Priest's qualifications and duties on the Day of Atonement, profoundly illustrates several core theological truths: the absolute holiness of God, the pervasive nature and seriousness of human sin, and the divine necessity of atonement for reconciliation. It underscores that humanity, in its fallen state, cannot approach a holy God without a divinely appointed mediator and a prescribed means of cleansing. The High Priest's role was not based on personal merit but on divine election and ritual consecration, making him a crucial intermediary between God and His people, ensuring the continuity of the covenant. This verse, therefore, highlights the critical need for a covering for sin and a way to bridge the chasm between divine purity and human impurity, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of God's redemptive plan that would ultimately be fulfilled in Christ.

* [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood")
* [Hebrews 9:7](/hebrews/9-7 "Hebrews 9:7 - High Priest's Annual Entry")
* [Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1-4 "Hebrews 10:1-4 - The Law as a Shadow")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 16:32 offers profound insights that resonate deeply with our spiritual lives today. It vividly portrays the immense chasm between a perfectly holy God and sinful humanity, emphasizing that our access to Him is never automatic or based on our own efforts. The meticulous requirements for the High Priest and the solemnity of the Day of Atonement underscore the gravity of sin and the absolute necessity of a divine provision for reconciliation. This verse compels us to acknowledge our own need for cleansing and to appreciate the sacredness of God's presence. It also highlights the concept of delegated authority and the weight of spiritual leadership, reminding us that those who minister in God's name must do so with humility, purity, and strict adherence to His divine will. Ultimately, understanding this verse should lead us to a deeper gratitude for the complete and perfect atonement provided through Christ, our true High Priest, who has fulfilled all these types and shadows, granting us direct and permanent access to God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of the High Priest's qualifications and duties in Leviticus 16:32 deepen your understanding of God's holiness and the seriousness of sin?**
* **What does the requirement for the High Priest to wear "linen clothes" (holy garments) teach us about humility and purity in approaching God?**
* **In what ways does the High Priest's mediatorial role on the Day of Atonement highlight our own need for a mediator between us and God?**
* **How does the temporary and annual nature of the atonement described here make you appreciate the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ even more?**

### FAQ

**Why was the High Priest the only one permitted to make atonement on this day?**

Answer: The High Priest's unique role on the Day of Atonement was divinely ordained and meticulously prescribed to emphasize the gravity and exclusivity of the atonement process. He was the only one "anointed" and "consecrated" for this specific, highest office, making him the sole authorized mediator between God and the entire nation of Israel. His entry into the Most Holy Place, bearing the blood of the sacrifices, symbolized the people's deepest need for covering and reconciliation, which could only be achieved through a divinely appointed representative. This exclusivity underscored God's holiness and the sacredness of the atonement, ensuring that the ritual was performed precisely as God commanded, without human innovation or presumption, as seen in the judgment upon Nadab and Abihu for offering "strange fire" in [Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1-2 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - Nadab and Abihu's Unholy Fire").

**What is the significance of the "linen clothes" mentioned in the verse?**

Answer: The "linen clothes" (or "holy garments") worn by the High Priest on the Day of Atonement were simple, plain white linen garments, distinct from his usual ornate, golden vestments. Their significance is multi-faceted:
* **Purity:** White linen symbolized purity and cleanliness, essential for approaching God's absolute holiness in the Most Holy Place.
* **Humility:** Their simplicity contrasted with his usual splendor, emphasizing that the High Priest approached God not by his own glory, status, or merit, but in humility and reverence, relying solely on God's prescribed means.
* **Atonement Focus:** By stripping away his elaborate garments, the focus was shifted from the High Priest's personal grandeur to the solemn, sacred act of atonement itself and the blood being offered.
* **Ritual Distinction:** These garments were specifically for the solemn, once-a-year entry into the Most Holy Place, setting this ritual apart as uniquely holy and demanding. This practice is detailed in [Leviticus 16:4](/leviticus/16-4 "Leviticus 16:4 - High Priest's Linen Garments").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 16:32, with its focus on the anointed and consecrated High Priest making atonement in "holy garments," serves as a profound and multifaceted type of Jesus Christ, our ultimate High Priest. The temporary, annual, and imperfect atonement performed by the Levitical priest, who had to offer sacrifices for his own sins before those of the people, pointed forward to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of the sinless [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Jesus, as the true High Priest, was not anointed with oil but with the Holy Spirit without measure (Acts 10:38), and consecrated not by human hands but by God Himself, "appointed a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek" (Hebrews 5:5-6). Unlike the earthly high priest who entered an earthly sanctuary with the blood of animals, Christ entered the true, heavenly sanctuary (Hebrews 9:24) not with the blood of goats or calves, but with His own precious blood (Hebrews 9:12), securing an eternal redemption. He did not need to offer sacrifices for Himself, being without sin (Hebrews 7:27), and His single, perfect sacrifice on the cross (Hebrews 10:10) fully satisfied God's righteous demands, making a way for all who believe to have direct and confident access to God's presence (Hebrews 10:19-22). Thus, the Levitical High Priest in his linen garments, making atonement, was a shadow; Christ is the glorious reality, having accomplished what no earthly priest ever could.

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 16:4

He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: these [are] holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and [so] put them on.

Exodus 29:29

And the holy garments of Aaron shall be his sons' after him, to be anointed therein, and to be consecrated in them.

Exodus 29:30

[And] that son that is priest in his stead shall put them on seven days, when he cometh into the tabernacle of the congregation to minister in the holy [place].

Leviticus 4:16

And the priest that is anointed shall bring of the bullock's blood to the tabernacle of the congregation:

Exodus 29:9

And thou shalt gird them with girdles, Aaron and his sons, and put the bonnets on them: and the priest's office shall be theirs for a perpetual statute: and thou shalt consecrate Aaron and his sons.

Numbers 20:26

And strip Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son: and Aaron shall be gathered [unto his people], and shall die there.

Numbers 20:28

And Moses stripped Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son; and Aaron died there in the top of the mount: and Moses and Eleazar came down from the mount.