Leviticus 16:26 Meaning and Explanation
“And he that let go the goat for the scapegoat shall wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in water, and afterward come into the camp.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The man who released the scapegoat into the wilderness must wash and bathe before reentering the camp.
The Context of Leviticus 16:26
The purification of the man who sent away the scapegoat.
What Does Leviticus 16:26 Mean?
The man who led the scapegoat into the wilderness absorbs some of the holiness of the ritual. Upon returning, he must wash thoroughly before rejoining the community, removing the special sanctity that attached to him through his contact with the scapegoat.
This cleansing emphasizes that even secondary participants in the atonement ritual are marked by its holiness and must be restored to ordinary status before normal life resumes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 16:26
What does Leviticus 16:26 mean?
The man who released the scapegoat into the wilderness must wash and bathe before reentering the camp.
What is the context of Leviticus 16:26?
The purification of the man who sent away the scapegoat.