Leviticus 16:2 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Only Aaron may enter the innermost holy place, and only at God's prescribed time, because the LORD's presence is there.
The Context of Leviticus 16:2
Establishing the rule of access to the Most Holy Place.
What Does Leviticus 16:2 Mean?
The holiest space in the tabernacle—the Most Holy Place behind the veil—is restricted to the high priest alone. The mercy seat (the cover of the ark) is where God's presence appears visibly in a cloud. Entering carelessly brings death.
This boundary protects both the sanctity of God's presence and the life of the priest. Free access would treat holy things as ordinary, and would destroy anyone approaching irreverently.
Leviticus 16:2 in the Original Language
kapporet (כַּפֹּרֶת), 'mercy seat' — literally 'covering,' the golden lid of the ark where atonement is made and God's glory rests.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 16:2
What does Leviticus 16:2 mean?
Only Aaron may enter the innermost holy place, and only at God's prescribed time, because the LORD's presence is there.
What is the context of Leviticus 16:2?
Establishing the rule of access to the Most Holy Place.