Leviticus 16:10 Meaning and Explanation
“But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the LORD, to make an atonement with him, and to let him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The second goat, selected as the scapegoat, is kept alive and sent into the wilderness to carry away the people's sins.
The Context of Leviticus 16:10
The selection and preparation of the scapegoat for the wilderness.
What Does Leviticus 16:10 Mean?
Unlike the first goat, which is killed, the scapegoat remains alive and is presented before the LORD. This living presentation signifies its role in a different form of atonement—one that removes sin by bearing it away rather than by death.
The scapegoat is then sent into the uninhabited wilderness, symbolizing the complete removal of Israel's iniquities from the camp and from God's presence. The two goats together—one dying, one departing—complete the double aspect of atonement: both death and removal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 16:10
What does Leviticus 16:10 mean?
The second goat, selected as the scapegoat, is kept alive and sent into the wilderness to carry away the people's sins.
What is the context of Leviticus 16:10?
The selection and preparation of the scapegoat for the wilderness.