Old Testament
Leviticus 16:7
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Then he must take the 2 goats and present them before the LORD at the entrance of the Tabernacle.
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And he shall take the two goats, and present them before the LORD at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
What Leviticus 16:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 16:7, the instruction is given for the Day of Atonement, a significant event in the Israelite religious calendar. The high priest is to take two goats and present them before the LORD at the entrance of the Tabernacle. This act symbolizes the people's need for atonement and the role of the priest as an intermediary between God and the people. One goat will be sacrificed as a sin offering, while the other, known as the scapegoat, will be sent into the wilderness, symbolically carrying away the sins of the people. This ritual highlights the seriousness of sin and the need for purification and forgiveness. It also emphasizes God's mercy, as He provides a means for the people to be reconciled to Him. The act of presenting the goats signifies the beginning of this important ritual, which serves as a reminder of the need for atonement and the hope of redemption.
How to apply Leviticus 16:7 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of seeking forgiveness and making amends for our wrongdoings. Just as the Israelites had a system for atonement, we too can reflect on our actions and seek reconciliation with God and others, embracing the mercy offered to us.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
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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.
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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 16:7 mean?
Leviticus 16:7 describes the ritual for the Day of Atonement, where the high priest presents two goats before the LORD. This act symbolizes the need for atonement for the people's sins, with one goat being sacrificed and the other sent away to carry the sins into the wilderness.
What is the significance of the two goats in Leviticus 16:7?
The two goats in Leviticus 16:7 represent different aspects of atonement: one is sacrificed as a sin offering, while the other, known as the scapegoat, symbolizes the removal of sin from the community. This ritual highlights the seriousness of sin and the process of seeking forgiveness.
What does the term 'scapegoat' mean in Leviticus 16:7?
In Leviticus 16:7, the term 'scapegoat' refers to the goat that is sent into the wilderness after the high priest lays the sins of the people upon it. This act symbolizes the removal of sin and guilt from the community, illustrating God's mercy and the hope for redemption.
What is the context of Leviticus 16:7?
Leviticus 16:7 is part of the instructions for the Day of Atonement, a crucial event in the Israelite religious calendar. It outlines the process for the high priest to seek atonement for the people's sins through the presentation of two goats at the Tabernacle.
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