Leviticus 16:8 Meaning and Explanation
“And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Aaron casts lots to determine which goat will be sacrificed to the LORD and which will be sent away as the scapegoat.
The Context of Leviticus 16:8
The selection of the two goats' roles by casting lots.
What Does Leviticus 16:8 Mean?
The casting of lots is the method by which God directs which goat receives which role. One lot assigns a goat to the LORD for sacrifice; the other assigns a goat for the scapegoat (the goat that will be sent away). This lottery is not chance but divine appointment.
The scapegoat (Hebrew: 'Azazel') becomes the symbolic bearer of the people's iniquities, representing a different form of atonement than the sacrificial goat offered at the altar.
Leviticus 16:8 in the Original Language
Azazel (עֲזָאזֵל), 'scapegoat' — possibly meaning 'entire removal' or 'goat that departs,' the one sent away bearing the people's sins.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 16:8
What does Leviticus 16:8 mean?
Aaron casts lots to determine which goat will be sacrificed to the LORD and which will be sent away as the scapegoat.
What is the context of Leviticus 16:8?
The selection of the two goats' roles by casting lots.