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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Leviticus 16:2 And the LORD said to Moses: "Tell your brother Aaron not to enter freely into the Most Holy Place behind the veil in front of the mercy seat on the ark, or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud above the mercy seat.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/leviticus/16-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/03_Lev_16_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Leviticus 16:2 - The Law of Atonement" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And the LORD said to Moses: Tell your brother Aaron not to enter freely into the Most Holy Place behind the veil in front of the mercy seat on the ark, or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud above the mercy seat." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/leviticus/16-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/leviticus/16-2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/leviticus/">Leviticus</a> > <a href="/leviticus/16.htm">Chapter 16</a> > Verse 2</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/leviticus/16-1.htm" title="Leviticus 16:1">◄</a> Leviticus 16:2 <a href="/leviticus/16-3.htm" title="Leviticus 16:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/leviticus/16.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/leviticus/16.htm">New International Version</a> The LORD said to Moses: &#8220Tell your brother Aaron that he is not to come whenever he chooses into the Most Holy Place behind the curtain in front of the atonement cover on the ark, or else he will die. For I will appear in the cloud over the atonement cover. <a href="/nlt/leviticus/16.htm">New Living Translation</a> The LORD said to Moses, “Warn your brother, Aaron, not to enter the Most Holy Place behind the inner curtain whenever he chooses; if he does, he will die. For the Ark’s cover—the place of atonement—is there, and I myself am present in the cloud above the atonement cover. <a href="/esv/leviticus/16.htm">English Standard Version</a> and the LORD said to Moses, “Tell Aaron your brother not to come at any time into the Holy Place inside the veil, before the mercy seat that is on the ark, so that he may not die. For I will appear in the cloud over the mercy seat. <a href="/bsb/leviticus/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> And the LORD said to Moses: “Tell your brother Aaron not to enter freely into the Most Holy Place behind the veil in front of the mercy seat on the ark, or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud above the mercy seat. <a href="/kjv/leviticus/16.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/leviticus/16.htm">New King James Version</a> and the LORD said to Moses: “Tell Aaron your brother not to come at just any time into the Holy Place inside the veil, before the mercy seat which is on the ark, lest he die; for I will appear in the cloud above the mercy seat. <a href="/nasb_/leviticus/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> The LORD said to Moses: “Tell your brother Aaron that he shall not enter at any time into the Holy Place inside the veil, before the atoning cover which is on the ark, or he will die; for I will appear in the cloud over the atoning cover. <a href="/nasb/leviticus/16.htm">NASB 1995</a> The LORD said to Moses: &#8220Tell your brother Aaron that he shall not enter at any time into the holy place inside the veil, before the mercy seat which is on the ark, or he will die; for I will appear in the cloud over the mercy seat. <a href="/nasb77/leviticus/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And the LORD said to Moses, “Tell your brother Aaron that he shall not enter at any time into the holy place inside the veil, before the mercy seat which is on the ark, lest he die; for I will appear in the cloud over the mercy seat. <a href="/lsb/leviticus/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And Yahweh said to Moses: “Tell your brother Aaron that he shall not enter at any time into the holy place inside the veil, before the mercy seat which is on the ark, so that he will not die; for I will appear in the cloud over the mercy seat. <a href="/amp/leviticus/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a> The LORD said to Moses, “Tell Aaron your brother that he must not enter at any time into the Holy Place inside the veil (the Holy of Holies), before the mercy seat which is on the ark, or he will die, for I will appear in the cloud over the mercy seat. <a href="/csb/leviticus/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The LORD said to Moses, “Tell your brother Aaron that he may not come whenever he wants into the holy place behind the curtain in front of the mercy seat on the ark or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud above the mercy seat. <a href="/hcsb/leviticus/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The LORD said to Moses: &#8220Tell your brother Aaron that he may not come whenever he wants into the holy place behind the veil in front of the mercy seat on the ark or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud above the mercy seat.&#8221 <a href="/asv/leviticus/16.htm">American Standard Version</a> and Jehovah said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the veil, before the mercy-seat which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy-seat. <a href="/erv/leviticus/16.htm">English Revised Version</a> and the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the veil, before the mercy-seat which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy-seat. <a href="/gwt/leviticus/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The LORD said, "Tell your brother Aaron that he cannot go into the holy place whenever he wants to. If he goes up to the canopy and stands in front of the throne of mercy on the ark, he will die, because I appear in the smoke above the throne of mercy. <a href="/gnt/leviticus/16.htm">Good News Translation</a> He said, "Tell your brother Aaron that only at the proper time is he to go behind the curtain into the Most Holy Place, because that is where I appear in a cloud above the lid on the Covenant Box. If he disobeys, he will be killed. <a href="/isv/leviticus/16.htm">International Standard Version</a> The LORD told Moses, "Remind your brother Aaron that at no time is he to enter the sacred place from the room that contains the curtain into the presence of the Mercy Seat on top of the ark. Otherwise, he'll die, because I will appear in a cloud at the Mercy Seat. <a href="/msb/leviticus/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> And the LORD said to Moses: ?Tell your brother Aaron not to enter freely into the Most Holy Place behind the veil in front of the mercy seat on the ark, or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud above the mercy seat. <a href="/net/leviticus/16.htm">NET Bible</a> and the LORD said to Moses: "Tell Aaron your brother that he must not enter at any time into the holy place inside the veil-canopy in front of the atonement plate that is on the ark so that he may not die, for I will appear in the cloud over the atonement plate. <a href="/nheb/leviticus/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> and the LORD said to Moses, "Tell Aaron your brother, not to come at all times into the Most Holy Place within the veil, before the mercy seat which is on the ark; lest he die: for I will appear in the cloud on the mercy seat. <a href="/wbt/leviticus/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And the LORD said to Moses, Speak to 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 may not die: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy-seat. <a href="/web/leviticus/16.htm">World English Bible</a> and Yahweh said to Moses, “Tell Aaron your brother not to come at just any time into the Most Holy Place within the veil, before the mercy seat which is on the ark; lest he die; for I will appear in the cloud on the mercy seat. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/leviticus/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> indeed, YHWH says to Moses, “Speak to your brother Aaron, and he does not come in at all times to the holy place within the veil, to the front of the propitiatory covering, which [is] on the Ark, and he does not die, for I am seen in a cloud on the propitiatory covering. <a href="/ylt/leviticus/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> yea, Jehovah saith unto Moses, 'Speak unto Aaron thy brother, and he cometh not in at all times unto the sanctuary within the vail, unto the front of the mercy-seat, which is upon the ark, and he dieth not, for in a cloud I am seen upon the mercy-seat. <a href="/slt/leviticus/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Jehovah will say to Moses, Speak to Aaron thy brother, and he shall not come in every time into the holy place within the vail at the face of the cover which is upon the ark; and he shall not die for I will be seen in the cloud upon the cover.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/leviticus/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And he commanded him, saying, Speak to Aaron thy brother, that he enter not at all into the sanctuary, which is within the veil before the propitiatory, with which the ark is covered, lest he die, (for I will appear in a cloud over the oracle,) <a href="/cpdv/leviticus/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And he instructed him, saying: Speak to your brother Aaron, so that he may not, at any time, enter into the Sanctuary, which is within the veil, before the propitiatory by which the ark is covered, so that he may not die, (for I will appear in a cloud above the oracle) <a href="/nabre/leviticus/16.htm">New American Bible</a> and said to him: Tell your brother Aaron that he is not to come whenever he pleases into the inner sanctuary, inside the veil, in front of the cover on the ark, lest he die, for I reveal myself in a cloud above the ark’s cover. <a href="/nrsvce/leviticus/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The LORD said to Moses: Tell your brother Aaron not to come just at any time into the sanctuary inside the curtain before the mercy seat that is upon the ark, or he will die; for I appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/leviticus/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And the LORD said to Moses, Speak to Aaron your brother that he come not at all times into the holy place within the veil before the mercy seat which is upon the ark, that he die not; for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat. <a href="/hpbt/leviticus/16.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And LORD JEHOVAH said to Moshe: “Speak with Ahron your brother that he shall not be always entering holiness within the face of the door before the mercy seat of the Ark, that he would not die because I appear in the cloud on the mercy seat.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/leviticus/16.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> and the LORD said unto Moses: 'Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the veil, before the ark-cover which is upon the ark; that he die not; for I appear in the cloud upon the ark-cover. <a href="/sep/leviticus/16.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the Lord said to Moses, Speak to Aaron thy brother, and let him not come in at all times into the holy place within the veil before the propitiatory, which is upon the ark of the testimony, and he shall not die; for I will appear in a cloud on the propitiatory. <a href="/parallel/leviticus/16-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NWs_V1RyMFo?start=4223" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/leviticus/16.htm">The Law of Atonement</a> 1Now the LORD spoke to Moses after the death of two of Aaron’s sons when they approached the presence of the LORD. 2<a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">And the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/4872.htm" title="4872: mō·šeh (N-proper-ms) -- A great Isr. leader, prophet and lawgiver. From mashah; drawing out, i.e. Rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver.">Moses:</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: dab·bêr (V-Piel-Imp-ms) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">“Tell</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: ’ā·ḥî·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">your brother</a> <a href="/hebrew/175.htm" title="175: ’a·hă·rōn (N-proper-ms) -- An elder brother of Moses. Of uncertain derivation; Aharon, the brother of Moses.">Aaron</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: wə·’al- (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">not</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: yā·ḇō (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">to enter</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: ḇə·ḵāl- (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">freely</a> <a href="/hebrew/6256.htm" title="6256: ‘êṯ (N-cs) -- Time. From ad; time, especially now, when, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">into</a> <a href="/hebrew/6944.htm" title="6944: haq·qō·ḏeš (Art:: N-ms) -- Apartness, sacredness. From qadash; a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity.">the Most Holy Place</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: mib·bêṯ (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">behind</a> <a href="/hebrew/6532.htm" title="6532: lap·pā·rō·ḵeṯ (Prep-l, Art:: N-fs) -- A curtain. Feminine active participle of the same as perek; a separatrix, i.e. screen.">the veil</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">in</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: pə·nê (N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">front</a> <a href="/hebrew/3727.htm" title="3727: hak·kap·pō·reṯ (Art:: N-fs) -- Propitiatory. From kaphar; a lid.">of the mercy seat</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">on</a> <a href="/hebrew/727.htm" title="727: hā·’ā·rōn (Art:: N-cs) -- A chest, ark. Or laron; from 'arah; a box.">the ark,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">or else</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: yā·mūṯ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">he will die,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: ’ê·rā·’eh (V-Nifal-Imperf-1cs) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">I appear</a> <a href="/hebrew/6051.htm" title="6051: be·‘ā·nān (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- A cloud mass, cloud. From anan; a cloud, i.e. The nimbus or thunder-cloud.">in the cloud</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">above</a> <a href="/hebrew/3727.htm" title="3727: hak·kap·pō·reṯ (Art:: N-fs) -- Propitiatory. From kaphar; a lid.">the mercy seat.</a> 3This is how Aaron is to enter the Holy Place: with a young bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/hebrews/9-7.htm">Hebrews 9:7</a> But only the high priest entered the second room, and then only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. <a href="/exodus/30-10.htm">Exodus 30:10</a> Once a year Aaron shall make atonement on the horns of the altar. Throughout your generations he shall make atonement on it annually with the blood of the sin offering of atonement. The altar is most holy to the LORD.” <a href="/hebrews/9-25.htm">Hebrews 9:25</a> Nor did He enter heaven to offer Himself again and again, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. <a href="/hebrews/10-19.htm">Hebrews 10:19-20</a> Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, / by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body, <a href="/exodus/25-22.htm">Exodus 25:22</a> And I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony; I will speak with you about all that I command you regarding the Israelites. <a href="/numbers/7-89.htm">Numbers 7:89</a> When Moses entered the Tent of Meeting to speak with the LORD, he heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim above the mercy seat on the ark of the Testimony. Thus the LORD spoke to him. <a href="/hebrews/4-14.htm">Hebrews 4:14-16</a> Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess. / For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin. / Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. <a href="/exodus/40-34.htm">Exodus 40:34-35</a> Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. / Moses was unable to enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. <a href="/1_kings/8-10.htm">1 Kings 8:10-11</a> And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, the cloud filled the house of the LORD / so that the priests could not stand there to minister because of the cloud. For the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD. <a href="/hebrews/9-3.htm">Hebrews 9:3-5</a> Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, / containing the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. Inside the ark were the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. / Above the ark were the cherubim of glory, overshadowing the mercy seat. But we cannot discuss these things in detail now. <a href="/exodus/26-33.htm">Exodus 26:33-34</a> And hang the veil from the clasps and place the ark of the Testimony behind the veil. So the veil will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. / Put the mercy seat on the ark of the Testimony in the Most Holy Place. <a href="/matthew/27-51.htm">Matthew 27:51</a> At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked, and the rocks were split. <a href="/2_chronicles/5-13.htm">2 Chronicles 5:13-14</a> The trumpeters and singers joined together to praise and thank the LORD with one voice. They lifted up their voices, accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and musical instruments, in praise to the LORD: “For He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.” And the temple, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud / so that the priests could not stand there to minister because of the cloud. For the glory of the LORD filled the house of God. <a href="/hebrews/6-19.htm">Hebrews 6:19-20</a> We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, / where Jesus our forerunner has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek. <a href="/1_samuel/6-19.htm">1 Samuel 6:19-20</a> But God struck down some of the people of Beth-shemesh because they looked inside the ark of the LORD. He struck down seventy men, and the people mourned because the LORD had struck them with a great slaughter. / The men of Beth-shemesh asked, “Who can stand in the presence of the LORD, this holy God? To whom should the ark go up from here?”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And the LORD said to Moses, Speak to Aaron your brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the veil before the mercy seat, which is on the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud on the mercy seat.he come not<a href="/leviticus/23-27.htm">Leviticus 23:27</a> Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.<a href="/exodus/26-33.htm">Exodus 26:33,34</a> And thou shalt hang up the vail under the taches, that thou mayest bring in thither within the vail the ark of the testimony: and the vail shall divide unto you between the holy place and the most holy… <a href="/exodus/30-10.htm">Exodus 30:10</a> And Aaron shall make an atonement upon the horns of it once in a year with the blood of the sin offering of atonements: once in the year shall he make atonement upon it throughout your generations: it is most holy unto the LORD.that he die not<a href="/leviticus/16-13.htm">Leviticus 16:13</a> And he shall put the incense upon the fire before the LORD, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat that is upon the testimony, that he die not:<a href="/leviticus/8-35.htm">Leviticus 8:35</a> Therefore shall ye abide at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation day and night seven days, and keep the charge of the LORD, that ye die not: for so I am commanded.<a href="/numbers/4-19.htm">Numbers 4:19</a> But thus do unto them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach unto the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in, and appoint them every one to his service and to his burden:in the cloud<a href="/exodus/40-34.htm">Exodus 40:34,35</a> Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle… <a href="/1_kings/8-10.htm">1 Kings 8:10-12</a> And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the LORD, … <a href="/2_chronicles/5-14.htm">2 Chronicles 5:14</a> So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God.the mercy seat<a href="/exodus/25-17.htm">Exodus 25:17-22</a> And thou shalt make a mercy seat of pure gold: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/leviticus/16-1.htm">Aaron</a> <a href="/leviticus/14-37.htm">Appear</a> <a href="/exodus/40-21.htm">Ark</a> <a href="/exodus/40-38.htm">Cloud</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-1.htm">Die</a> <a href="/leviticus/14-36.htm">Enter</a> <a href="/leviticus/15-31.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/exodus/40-20.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/exodus/40-20.htm">Mercy-Seat</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-1.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/leviticus/15-9.htm">Seat</a> <a href="/leviticus/11-2.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/leviticus/15-26.htm">Time</a> <a href="/leviticus/15-26.htm">Times</a> <a href="/leviticus/4-17.htm">Vail</a> <a href="/leviticus/4-17.htm">Veil</a> <a href="/leviticus/15-25.htm">Within</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/leviticus/16-3.htm">Aaron</a> <a href="/numbers/16-16.htm">Appear</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-13.htm">Ark</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-13.htm">Cloud</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-13.htm">Die</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-3.htm">Enter</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-3.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-13.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-13.htm">Mercy-Seat</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-34.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-13.htm">Seat</a> <a href="/leviticus/17-2.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-17.htm">Time</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-14.htm">Times</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-12.htm">Vail</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-12.htm">Veil</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-12.htm">Within</a><div class="vheading2">Leviticus 16</div>1. <a href="/leviticus/16-1.htm">how the high priest must enter into the holy place</a> 11. <a href="/leviticus/16-11.htm">The sin offering for himself</a> 15. <a href="/leviticus/16-15.htm">The sin offering for the people</a> 20. <a href="/leviticus/16-20.htm">The scapegoat</a> 29. <a href="/leviticus/16-29.htm">The yearly feast of the expiations</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/leviticus/16.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/leviticus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/leviticus/16.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>And the LORD said to Moses: This phrase establishes divine authority, indicating that the instructions are directly from God. Moses, as the mediator between God and the Israelites, receives these commands to convey to Aaron. This highlights the importance of obedience to God's word, a recurring theme throughout the Pentateuch.Tell your brother Aaron: Aaron, the first high priest, is given specific instructions, emphasizing the unique role of the high priest in Israelite worship. This underscores the concept of priesthood and intercession, which is later fulfilled in the New Testament by Jesus Christ as the ultimate High Priest (<a href="/hebrews/4-14.htm">Hebrews 4:14-16</a>).not to enter freely into the Most Holy Place: The Most Holy Place, or Holy of Holies, was the innermost and most sacred area of the Tabernacle, where God's presence dwelt. Access was restricted to the high priest once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), symbolizing the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity. This foreshadows the tearing of the temple veil at Christ's crucifixion, granting believers direct access to God (<a href="/matthew/27-51.htm">Matthew 27:51</a>).behind the veil in front of the mercy seat on the ark: The veil separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, signifying the barrier between God and man due to sin. The mercy seat, atop the Ark of the Covenant, was where atonement was made. This prefigures Christ's role as the propitiation for sin (<a href="/romans/3-25.htm">Romans 3:25</a>), where His sacrifice allows for reconciliation with God.or else he will die: The severe consequence for unauthorized entry underscores the holiness of God and the seriousness of approaching Him improperly. This serves as a warning of the consequences of sin and the need for reverence in worship. It also points to the necessity of Christ's atoning work, which allows believers to approach God with confidence (<a href="/hebrews/10-19.htm">Hebrews 10:19-22</a>).because I appear in the cloud above the mercy seat: The cloud represents God's presence and glory, often associated with divine revelation and guidance (<a href="/exodus/13-21.htm">Exodus 13:21-22</a>). This manifestation of God's presence in the Tabernacle foreshadows the incarnation of Christ, who is the visible image of the invisible God (<a href="/colossians/1-15.htm">Colossians 1:15</a>), dwelling among humanity.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a> The covenant God of Israel, who is holy and sets the terms for how He is to be approached. 2. <a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a> The prophet and leader of Israel, through whom God communicates His laws and instructions. 3. <a href="/topical/a/aaron.htm">Aaron</a> The brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel, responsible for performing the sacred duties in the tabernacle. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_most_holy_place.htm">The Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies)</a> The innermost part of the tabernacle, where the presence of God dwells above the mercy seat. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_mercy_seat.htm">The Mercy Seat</a> The cover of the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's throne and His presence among His people.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/r/reverence_for_god's_holiness.htm">Reverence for God's Holiness</a> God's instructions to Aaron underscore the importance of approaching Him with reverence and respect. We must recognize the holiness of God and approach Him with humility and awe. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_mediator.htm">The Role of the Mediator</a> Aaron's role as high priest foreshadows the ultimate mediation of Christ. Just as Aaron could not enter the Most Holy Place at will, we need a mediator—Jesus Christ—who grants us access to God. <a href="/topical/t/the_seriousness_of_sin.htm">The Seriousness of Sin</a> The warning of death for unauthorized entry into the Most Holy Place highlights the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement. It reminds us of the gravity of sin and the necessity of Christ's sacrifice. <a href="/topical/g/god's_prescribed_way.htm">God's Prescribed Way</a> God provides specific instructions for worship and access to His presence. This teaches us the importance of following God's prescribed ways rather than our own preferences. <a href="/topical/t/the_presence_of_god.htm">The Presence of God</a> The cloud above the mercy seat signifies God's presence. As believers, we are called to seek and cherish God's presence in our lives, understanding that it is both a privilege and a responsibility.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_leviticus_16.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 16</a> <a href="/q/why_would_god_threaten_aaron's_life.htm">In Leviticus 16:2, why would God specify a deadly outcome for Aaron if he approached incorrectly, given a supposedly all-knowing and all-merciful nature? </a> <a href="/q/why_did_korah_oppose_moses_and_aaron.htm">Why did Korah rebel against Moses and Aaron?</a> <a href="/q/why_no_archaeology_for_nt_events.htm">Why is there no archaeological evidence for major New Testament events such as the tearing of the temple veil?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_meaning_of_hebrews_4_16.htm">What is the meaning of Hebrews 4:16?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/leviticus/16.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) That he come not at all times.--Moses is therefore to warn his brother Aaron, the high priest, that if he wishes to escape a similar fate, he is not to presume to enter the Holy of Holies except on one day of the year, the Day of Atonement. As Aaron here stands for all those who in future are to succeed him in the pontificate, so Moses, who teaches him his duty, stands for his successors who are hereafter to impart instruction to the high priests on these most solemn occasions. Hence during the second Temple the tuition and preparation of the high priest for his functions devolved upon the Sanhedrin, who prescribed most minute rules for his guidance. Seven days before the Day of Atonement he was separated from his wife, and lodged in a chamber in the Temple, lest he should contract defilement, which might unfit him for the performance of his pontifical duties. The elders or the representatives of the Sanhedrin read and expounded to him the ordinances contained in this chapter; which he had to practise in their [presence, so as to make sure that he could rightly perform all the ceremonies. This continued during the whole night previous to the Day of Atonement, when he was kept awake, so as to prevent any pollution arising from a dream or accident by night.He read, in the silent hours of darkness, the Books of Job, Daniel, Ezra, and Chronicles; and if he was no scholar, and could not read, the elders read them to him. As it was deemed important that he should not fall asleep, the priests who surrounded him alternately snapped their fingers, and made him walk on the cold pavement of the court. When the chief of the thirteen priests who were appointed to perform the ordinary duties in connection with the service in the sanctuary had ascertained that the morning had dawned, that the ashes had been removed from the brazen altar, and that the time of the early sacrifice had arrived, the high priest was conducted to the baptistery, where he immersed his whole body in water.Into the holy place.--This is here more minutely defined by "within the vail," thus showing that the Holy of Holies is meant. In the succeeding portions of this chapter, however, the expression "holy" is used for "Holy of Holies" without this adjunct. (See <a href="/leviticus/16-3.htm" title="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</a>; <a href="/context/leviticus/16-16.htm" title="And he shall make an atonement for the holy place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions in all their sins: and so shall he do for the tabernacle of the congregation, that remains among them in the middle of their uncleanness.">Leviticus 16:16-17</a>; <a href="/leviticus/16-20.htm" title="And when he has made an end of reconciling the holy place, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar, he shall bring the live goat:">Leviticus 16:20</a>; <a href="/leviticus/16-27.htm" title="And the bullock for the sin offering, and the goat for the sin offering, whose blood was brought in to make atonement in the holy place, shall one carry forth without the camp; and they shall burn in the fire their skins, and their flesh, and their dung.">Leviticus 16:27</a>.)Before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark.--Or, according to the accents of the received text, nor come to the mercy seat, which, &c. The present text exhibits the view of the Pharisees--that the high priest, though at some distance from the ark, is yet hid through the frankincense on the burning coals in the Holy of Holies itself (see <a href="/context/leviticus/16-12.htm" title="And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the LORD, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the veil:">Leviticus 16:12-13</a>); whilst the Sadducees maintained that he must put it on the coals already in the court, because they deemed it improper to work in the presence of the Lord, and because the pontiff would otherwise see the ark. The Authorised Version, therefore, here, as elsewhere, follows the view of the Sadducees, and departs from the received accents, which are an essential part of the traditional text. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/leviticus/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 2. - 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. Nadab and Abihu having died for their rash presumption in venturing unbidden into the tabernacle, it was natural that Aaron, who had as yet but once penetrated into the holy of holies, should be struck with fear, and that he should desire Divine instruction as to the times and manner in which he was to appear before the Lord, lest he should be struck dead like his sons. If the attempt to enter the outer chamber of the tabernacle had been so fatal to them, what might not be the result to him of entering within the vail which hung before the mercy-seat which is upon the ark? The mercy-seat - capporeth, ἱλαστήριον, propitiatorium - formed the top of the ark, and was the place where God specially exhibited his Presence, on the occasions of his manifestation, by the bright cloud which then rested upon it between the cherubim. It was this Presence which made it perilous for Aaron to appear within the vail unbidden or without the becoming ritual; for man might not meet God unless he were sanctified for the purpose (<a href="/exodus/19-14.htm">Exodus 19:14, 21-24</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/6-19.htm">1 Samuel 6:19</a>). The words, for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat, refer to the Divine Presence thus visibly manifested (see <a href="/1_kings/8-10.htm">1 Kings 8:10-12</a>), and not, as they have strangely been misinterpreted, to the cloud of smoke raised by the incense burnt by the high priest on his entrance. They do not, however, prove that the manifestation was constantly there, still less that it was continued, according to Jewish tradition, in later times. "The reason for the prohibition of Aaron's entrance at his own pleasure, or without the expiatory blood of sacrifice, is to be found in the fact that the holiness communicated to the priest did not cancel the sin of his nature, but only covered it over for the performance of his official duties; and so long as the Law, which produced only the knowledge of sin, and not its forgiveness and removal, was not abolished by the complete atonement, the holy God was and remained to mortal and sinful man a consuming fire, before which no one could stand" (Keil). <a href="/commentaries/leviticus/16-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>And the LORD יְהוָ֜ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel said וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to Moses: מֹשֶׁ֗ה (mō·šeh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4872.htm">Strong's 4872: </a> Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver “Tell דַּבֵּר֮ (dab·bêr) Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> To arrange, to speak, to subdue your brother אָחִיךָ֒ (’ā·ḥî·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> A brother, ) Aaron אַהֲרֹ֣ן (’a·hă·rōn) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_175.htm">Strong's 175: </a> Aaron -- an elder brother of Moses not וְאַל־ (wə·’al-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> Not to enter יָבֹ֤א (yā·ḇō) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go freely בְכָל־ (ḇə·ḵāl-) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every into אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the Most Holy Place הַקֹּ֔דֶשׁ (haq·qō·ḏeš) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6944.htm">Strong's 6944: </a> A sacred place, thing, sanctity behind מִבֵּ֖ית (mib·bêṯ) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> A house the veil לַפָּרֹ֑כֶת (lap·pā·rō·ḵeṯ) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6532.htm">Strong's 6532: </a> A separatrix, screen in אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to front פְּנֵ֨י (pə·nê) Noun - common plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face of the mercy seat הַכַּפֹּ֜רֶת (hak·kap·pō·reṯ) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3727.htm">Strong's 3727: </a> Propitiatory on עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the ark, הָאָרֹן֙ (hā·’ā·rōn) Article | Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_727.htm">Strong's 727: </a> A chest, ark or else וְלֹ֣א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no he will die, יָמ֔וּת (yā·mūṯ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> To die, to kill because כִּ֚י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction I appear אֵרָאֶ֖ה (’ê·rā·’eh) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> To see in the cloud בֶּֽעָנָ֔ן (be·‘ā·nān) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6051.htm">Strong's 6051: </a> A cloud, the nimbus, thunder-cloud above עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the mercy seat. הַכַּפֹּֽרֶת׃ (hak·kap·pō·reṯ) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3727.htm">Strong's 3727: </a> Propitiatory <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/leviticus/16-2.htm">Leviticus 16:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/leviticus/16-2.htm">Leviticus 16:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/leviticus/16-2.htm">Leviticus 16:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/leviticus/16-2.htm">Leviticus 16:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/leviticus/16-2.htm">Leviticus 16:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/leviticus/16-2.htm">Leviticus 16:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/leviticus/16-2.htm">Leviticus 16:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/leviticus/16-2.htm">Leviticus 16:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/leviticus/16-2.htm">Leviticus 16:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/leviticus/16-2.htm">Leviticus 16:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-2.htm">OT Law: Leviticus 16:2 And Yahweh said to Moses Tell Aaron (Le Lv Lev.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/leviticus/16-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Leviticus 16:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Leviticus 16:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/leviticus/16-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Leviticus 16:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Leviticus 16:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>