Leviticus 16:22 Meaning and Explanation
“And the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited: and he shall let go the goat in the wilderness.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The scapegoat carries all Israel's iniquities away to an uninhabited land where it is released.
The Context of Leviticus 16:22
The complete removal of Israel's sins through the scapegoat.
What Does Leviticus 16:22 Mean?
The goat carries the full weight of Israel's iniquities—all their sins—away from the camp into empty wilderness. This is not a punishment for the goat but a symbolic removal of the people's burden. The uninhabited land emphasizes that the sins are removed where no one dwells, completely separated from the community.
The finality of this removal—the goat let go in the wilderness—represents the completeness of Israel's forgiveness. Once released, the goat cannot return; neither can the sins it bears. This act provides psychological and spiritual closure for the people's transgressions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 16:22
What does Leviticus 16:22 mean?
The scapegoat carries all Israel's iniquities away to an uninhabited land where it is released.
What is the context of Leviticus 16:22?
The complete removal of Israel's sins through the scapegoat.