Leviticus 16:3-4
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The verse highlights that Aaron needed two distinct offerings just for himself before he could even approach God on behalf of the people: a sin offering for his own failings and a burnt offering representing his dedication. This emphasizes that even the high priest, chosen by God, had to deal with his own sin and consecrate himself before ministering for others.
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. He shall put on the holy linen coat and shall have the linen undergarment on his body, and he shall tie the linen sash around his waist, and wear the linen turban; these are the holy garments. He shall bathe his body in water and then put them on.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage describes the specific requirements for Aaron to enter the most holy place for the Day of Atonement. It follows the account of his sons' deaths for improper worship, emphasizing the solemnity and strict rules surrounding this sacred act. Aaron must first offer a bull for his own sins and a ram for a burnt offering before proceeding with the atonement rituals for Israel.
Before Aaron could make atonement for Israel, he first had to deal with his own sin and imperfections. This reveals a profound truth about how God works.
Leviticus 16:3 tells us Aaron entered the Holy Place with specific sacrifices for himself: a bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering.
For Himself First
This order is crucial: the priest couldn't effectively intercede for others until he first acknowledged his own need for cleansing and dedicated himself anew to God.
Why did Aaron need two different kinds of sacrifices – one for sin and one for dedication? It paints a picture of our relationship with God.
The two sacrifices mentioned in Leviticus 16:3—the bull for a sin offering and the ram for a burnt offering—represent two vital aspects of our approach to God:
Acknowledging Our Brokenness
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Together, these sacrifices remind us that true worship involves both acknowledging our sinfulness (our need for a Savior) and responding with a life of devotion and obedience (our dedication to Him).
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.
beged qodesh · Hebrew Noun phrase
Clothing designated for the priests, characterized by ceremonial purity and separation, intended to reflect the holiness of the service they perform before God. These garments signify the distinct role of the mediator.
This passage highlights Jesus' unique high priesthood, contrasting it with earthly priests who had to offer sacrifices for their own sins first, just as Aaron did with the bullock, underscoring the perfection and sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice.
Hebrews 9:7This verse directly references the high priest entering the Most Holy Place with blood, echoing Aaron's solemn approach described in Leviticus 16:3, and setting the stage for understanding Jesus' once-for-all sacrifice.
Exodus 29:10-14This passage details the consecration of Aaron and his sons, including the offering of a bullock for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering, which parallels the sacrifices Aaron himself had to bring for atonement.
Leviticus 1:3-4This explains the purpose of the burnt offering (the ram in Leviticus 16:3), signifying complete consecration and acceptance by God, which complements the sin offering meant for atonement.
1 Corinthians 1:30This verse describes Christ as our righteousness, holiness, and redemption, connecting to the symbolic purification and atonement represented by Aaron's offerings and highlighting Christ's ultimate role.
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 verse highlights that Aaron needed two distinct offerings just for himself before he could even approach God on behalf of the people: a sin offering for his own failings and a burnt offering representing his dedication. This emphasizes that even the high priest, chosen by God, had to deal with his own sin and consecrate himself before ministering for others.
This passage describes the specific requirements for Aaron to enter the most holy place for the Day of Atonement. It follows the account of his sons' deaths for improper worship, emphasizing the solemnity and strict rules surrounding this sacred act. Aaron must first offer a bull for his own sins and a ram for a burnt offering before proceeding with the atonement rituals for Israel.
This passage describes the specific requirements for Aaron to enter the most holy place for the Day of Atonement. It follows the account of his sons' deaths for improper worship, emphasizing the solemnity and strict rules surrounding this sacred act. Aaron must first offer a bull for his own sins and a ram for a burnt offering before proceeding with the atonement rituals for Israel.
"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. He shall put on the holy linen coat and shall have the linen undergarment on his body, and he shall tie the…" — The verse highlights that Aaron needed two distinct offerings just for himself before he could even approach God on behalf of the people: a sin offering for his own failings and a burnt offering re…
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Last reviewed October 2026
