Old Testament
Leviticus 16:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
No one else may be inside the Tabernacle from the moment Aaron enters the Most Holy Place to make atonement until he comes out, having made atonement for himself, his household, and the entire assembly of Israel.
Compare translations
And there shall be no man in the tabernacle of the congregation when he goeth in to make an atonement in the holy place, until he come out, and have made an atonement for himself, and for his household, and for all the congregation of Israel.
What Leviticus 16:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 16:17, the focus is on the Day of Atonement, a significant event in the Israelite religious calendar. During this time, Aaron, the high priest, enters the Most Holy Place to perform rituals that atone for his sins, his family's sins, and the sins of the entire community of Israel. The instruction that no one else may be present emphasizes the sacredness of this act and the seriousness of approaching God. This moment is crucial for the spiritual health of the nation, as it symbolizes the cleansing of sin and the restoration of the relationship between God and His people. The isolation of Aaron during this process highlights the importance of personal accountability and the need for a mediator between God and humanity. It also reflects the holiness of God, as only the high priest could enter this sacred space, and only after specific preparations had been made. This passage underscores the gravity of sin and the necessity of atonement in maintaining a right relationship with God.
How to apply Leviticus 16:17 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of taking time for personal reflection and repentance. Just as Aaron had to prepare himself before entering the Most Holy Place, we too should seek to cleanse our hearts and minds before approaching God in prayer or worship, recognizing the seriousness of our sins.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joseph, Jacob's son
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Leviticus 16:17
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Leviticus 16:17
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Leviticus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Leviticus 16:17 mean?
Leviticus 16:17 describes the Day of Atonement when Aaron, the high priest, enters the Most Holy Place to make atonement for himself, his family, and the entire community of Israel. The verse emphasizes the sacredness of this act by stating that no one else may be present during this time.
What is the significance of the Most Holy Place in Leviticus 16:17?
The Most Holy Place is the innermost sanctuary of the Tabernacle, representing the presence of God. In Leviticus 16:17, it is significant because it is where the high priest performs essential rituals for atonement, highlighting the seriousness of approaching God.
Why was Aaron alone in the Tabernacle according to Leviticus 16:17?
Aaron was alone in the Tabernacle during the atonement process to underscore the holiness of the act and the need for personal accountability. This isolation reflects the seriousness of sin and the importance of the high priest's role as a mediator between God and the people.
What does atonement mean in Leviticus 16:17?
Atonement in Leviticus 16:17 refers to the process of making amends for sins through specific rituals performed by Aaron. It symbolizes the cleansing of sin and the restoration of the relationship between God and the people of Israel.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.