Keraia
Leviticus 16

Leviticus 16:8

The Day of Atonement · Leviticus 16:1–34
Read Leviticus 16

Translations

Modern
After Aaron casts lots for the two goats, one for the LORD and the other for the scapegoat,
Traditional
And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the Lord, and the other lot for the scapegoat.
Literal
And Aaron shall give lots upon the two goats, one lot for YHWH and one lot for Azazel.
Latin
…mittensque super utrumque sortem, unam Domino, alteram capro emissario:

Original

Hebrew
English
After Aaron casts lots for the two goats, one for the LORD and the other for the scapegoat,

Notes

Leviticus 16:8

scapegoat: The Hebrew term 'aza'zel (Azazel) appears only in Leviticus 16:8, 10, 26. The word has four general interpretations:

  1. a term meaning "the goat of going away";

  2. a demon that lived in the wilderness;

  3. a stronger form of the Hebrew word for "go, leave," meaning "complete loss"; and

  4. a rocky cliff over which someone pushed the goat.

Since this goat represented the removal of Israel's sins from the camp, the first interpretation is probably the simplest explanation (16:22).

Leviticus 16:1–34

The day of atonement, on the tenth day of the seventh month, was the most serious and holy day of the year for Israelites (see Leviticus 16:29; 23:27; Numbers 29:7). It was the only required fast and a Sabbath of rest for all the people (Leviticus 23:32). The Feast of Trumpets came before it and announced its arrival (Numbers 29:1, 7–11). On this day, God forgave the sins of the community. Only the high priest, Aaron, could lead the ceremony because he represented all the people. This included Aaron’s sons, the other priests. Today, the Jews call the day of atonement Yom Kippur.

Parallels

Leviticus 23:26–32 Numbers 29:7–11

People

Aaron: Moses' brother, first high priest of Israel Azazel: Mysterious figure connected to the Day of Atonement

Glossary

Ark of the Covenant Azazel Biblical Concept of Law Blood Calendars (Ancient and Modern) Cattle Day of Atonement Day of Atonement Deuteronomy, Book of Goat High Priest History of Israel Leviticus, Book of Lots, Casting of Mercy Seat Most Holy Place Offerings and Sacrifices Priesthood Priests and Levites Scapegoat Worship

Topics

Atonement: Day of How Observed Azazel: The Scapegoat Casting Lots Church: Holy Place Offerings: Ordinance Relating to the Scapegoat Scapegoat: General Scriptures Concerning The High Priest: Duties of Making Atonement in the Most Holy Place Once a Year The High Priest: Typified Christ in Performing by Himself all the Services on Day of Atonement The Lot: The Scapegoat Chosen By The Scape-Goat: Chosen by Lot