Leviticus 16:6

And Aaron shall offer his bullock of the sin offering, which [is] for himself, and make an atonement for himself, and for his house.

And Aaron {H175} shall offer {H7126} his bullock {H6499} of the sin offering {H2403}, which is for himself {H1157}, and make an atonement {H3722} for himself, and for his house {H1004}.

Aharon is to present the bull for the sin offering which is for himself and make atonement for himself and his household.

Aaron is to present the bull for his sin offering and make atonement for himself and his household.

And Aaron shall present the bullock of the sin-offering, which is for himself, and make atonement for himself, and for his house.

Commentary

Leviticus 16:6 introduces a crucial step in the annual Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) ritual. This verse outlines Aaron, the High Priest's, personal responsibility to atone for himself and his household before he can officiate for the sins of the entire Israelite nation.

Context

This verse is part of the detailed instructions for the Day of Atonement, the most solemn day in the ancient Israelite calendar. On this day, once a year, the High Priest would enter the Most Holy Place of the Tabernacle (and later the Temple) to make atonement for the sins of the people. Before he could perform this sacred duty, however, he first had to purify himself. The entire chapter of Leviticus 16 meticulously describes this elaborate and symbolic ritual, emphasizing the extreme holiness required to approach God's presence.

Key Themes

  • Priestly Purity: The verse highlights the absolute necessity for the High Priest himself to be cleansed of sin before he could mediate for others. This underscored the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin.
  • Personal Atonement: Aaron's offering of the bullock was specifically "for himself, and for his house," indicating that even those in positions of spiritual leadership were not exempt from the need for atonement. Their personal sins could hinder their ability to serve effectively.
  • Preparation for Ministry: This act of self-atonement served as a vital preparatory step, ensuring that the High Priest was ceremonially and spiritually pure to perform the subsequent, more extensive atonement for the whole congregation of Israel.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "atonement" is kaphar (ื›ึธึผืคึทืจ), which primarily means "to cover," "to purge," "to cleanse," or "to make propitiation." In the context of the Day of Atonement, it signifies a covering of sins that allows for reconciliation between a holy God and sinful humanity. This covering was temporary and needed to be repeated annually, pointing to a more permanent solution.

Theological Significance & Application

Leviticus 16:6, along with the entire Day of Atonement ritual, powerfully foreshadows the work of Jesus Christ. Unlike Aaron, who had to offer sacrifices for his own sins, Christ, our true High Priest, was without sin (Hebrews 4:15). He did not need to offer a sacrifice for Himself but offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for the sins of humanity. His shed blood provided the ultimate and eternal atonement, fulfilling what the Old Testament rituals could only symbolize.

For believers today, this verse reminds us that while we no longer offer animal sacrifices, the principle of personal purity and accountability remains. Leaders in the church, like Aaron, must first ensure their own walk with God is right before effectively leading others. More profoundly, it directs our attention to the finished work of Christ, who perfectly accomplished what the Levitical priesthood could only point to.

Reflection

The meticulous requirements placed upon Aaron underscore the immense gap between a holy God and sinful humanity, a gap that only a perfect sacrifice could bridge. Leviticus 16:6 serves as a foundational reminder that true access to God's presence is predicated on a covering for sin, a covering ultimately and perfectly provided by Jesus Christ, our great High Priest.

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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 9:7 (4 votes)

    And Moses said unto Aaron, Go unto the altar, and offer thy sin offering, and thy burnt offering, and make an atonement for thyself, and for the people: and offer the offering of the people, and make an atonement for them; as the LORD commanded.

  • Hebrews 9:7 (4 votes)

    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:

  • Hebrews 5:2 (2 votes)

    Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.

  • Hebrews 5:3 (2 votes)

    And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.

  • Leviticus 8:14 (2 votes)

    ยถ 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.

  • 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.

  • Ezekiel 43:27 (2 votes)

    And when these days are expired, it shall be, [that] upon the eighth day, and [so] forward, the priests shall make your burnt offerings upon the altar, and your peace offerings; and I will accept you, saith the Lord GOD.