Leviticus 16:3
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The text emphasizes that Aaron enters the Holy Place "with" a bull and a ram, meaning these sacrifices are essential prerequisites, not just items he brings along. This highlights that even the high priest, approaching God’s presence, first needs to address his own sin and dedicate himself anew through these offerings.
But in this way Aaron shall come into the Holy Place: with a bull from the herd for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following the tragic deaths of his sons, Nadab and Abihu, Aaron is given strict instructions on how to enter the Most Holy Place within the Tabernacle to perform the Day of Atonement rituals. He must first offer a bull for his own sins and those of his household, followed by a ram as a burnt offering, signifying his complete dedication to God before he can proceed with the atonement for the entire nation of Israel. This solemn and dangerous ritual underscores the immense holiness of God and the need for a mediator to bridge the gap caused by human sin.
Before Aaron could approach God for the people, he had to deal with his own sin. What does this tell us about the nature of true worship?
This verse kicks off the Day of Atonement with a critical detail: Aaron, the High Priest, must first bring sacrifices for himself and his household. This isn't just a formality; it's foundational.
The Priest's Own Need
This principle echoes throughout Scripture: you can't effectively help others cross a divide you haven't crossed yourself. For us today, this points to Jesus, our perfect High Priest, who, unlike Aaron, had no sin of his own to atone for, yet willingly offered Himself for us.
Aaron brought two distinct sacrifices. Why two? What does the combination reveal about God's expectations for His people?
Leviticus 16:3 mentions two specific sacrifices for Aaron: a bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering. These weren't interchangeable; they served different, complementary roles.
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Dealing with Sin and Dedication
Together, these sacrifices paint a picture of comprehensive redemption. God's provision isn't just about removing sin; it's also about restoring a relationship and calling for wholehearted devotion. We are forgiven from sin and called to God.
Understand the original words
chattat · Hebrew Noun
A sacrificial offering prescribed to deal with the debt and impurity caused by sin, restoring the covenant relationship between the individual or community and God. It points forward to the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
olah · Hebrew Noun
A sacrifice consumed entirely by fire, symbolizing the total dedication and surrender of the worshiper to God. It signifies the complete devotion of the person or the community to the Lord.
This passage directly echoes the need for the High Priest to offer sacrifices first for his own sins, highlighting the inherent imperfection of the Levitical priesthood which necessitated Aaron's own sin offering.
Hebrews 9:7This verse describes the High Priest entering the Most Holy Place once a year with blood, directly referencing the practice initiated by Aaron's sin and burnt offerings described in Leviticus 16.
Hebrews 9:11-12The Apostle Paul uses this annual ritual of Aaron entering the Holy Place as a shadow pointing to Christ's once-for-all entry into the heavenly sanctuary with His own blood, fulfilling the purpose of these Old Testament sacrifices.
Leviticus 16:6This verse immediately follows, detailing that Aaron's bullock was specifically for making atonement for himself and his house, reinforcing the personal purification required before he could minister for the people.
Exodus 29:10-14The initial consecration of Aaron and his sons included a sin offering (bullock) and burnt offering (ram), establishing the pattern of purification through sacrifice that is reiterated here for the Day of Atonement.
bensonLeviticus 16:3: "Thus shall Aaron come into the holy place: with a young bullock for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering."
Leviticus 16:3 . Thus shall Aaron come — Preparatory to his entering on this solemn service the high-priest was to offer two sacrifices in behalf of himself and his family. These were, 1st, A bullock for a sin-offering, (no other sacrifice being allowed for the sin of a high-priest,) in confession of his own infirmities and transgressions, and those of his family…
calvinLeviticus 16:1-34: "And the LORD spake unto Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they offered before the LORD, and died;"
And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat.
Dixitque Jellova ad Mosen, Loquere ad Aharon fratrem tuum, ut ne ingrediatnr omni tempore sanctuarium intra velum…
The text emphasizes that Aaron enters the Holy Place "with" a bull and a ram, meaning these sacrifices are essential prerequisites, not just items he brings along. This highlights that even the high priest, approaching God’s presence, first needs to address his own sin and dedicate himself anew through these offerings.
Following the tragic deaths of his sons, Nadab and Abihu, Aaron is given strict instructions on how to enter the Most Holy Place within the Tabernacle to perform the Day of Atonement rituals. He must first offer a bull for his own sins and those of his household, followed by a ram as a burnt offering, signifying his complete dedication to God before he can proceed with the atonement for the entire nation of Israel. This solemn and dangerous ritual underscores the immense holiness of God and the need for a mediator to bridge the gap caused by human sin.
Following the tragic deaths of his sons, Nadab and Abihu, Aaron is given strict instructions on how to enter the Most Holy Place within the Tabernacle to perform the Day of Atonement rituals. He must first offer a bull for his own sins and those of his household, followed by a ram as a burnt offering, signifying his complete dedication to God before he can proceed with the atonement for the entire nation of Israel. This solemn and dangerous ritual underscores the immense holiness of God and the need for a mediator to bridge the gap caused by human sin.
"But in this way Aaron shall come into the Holy Place: with a bull from the herd for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering." — The text emphasizes that Aaron enters the Holy Place "with" a bull and a ram, meaning these sacrifices are essential prerequisites, not just items he brings along. This highlights that even the high…
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Last reviewed October 2026
