Leviticus 16:17
And there shall be no man in the tabernacle of the congregation when he goeth in to make an atonement in the holy place, until he come out, and have made an atonement for himself, and for his household, and for all the congregation of Israel.
Leviticus 16:17 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, the importance of the atonement process in the tabernacle of the congregation is highlighted. The atonement was a crucial ritual in the Israelite religion, symbolizing the reconciliation between God and his people through the shedding of blood and the forgiveness of sins. The verse emphasizes the seriousness of the atonement ritual by stating that no man should be present in the tabernacle when the High Priest enters to make atonement in the holy place. This underscores the sacred and solemn nature of the atonement ceremony, which required complete focus and devotion from the High Priest as he interceded on behalf of the people. The atonement was not only for the sins of the individual or his household, but for the entire congregation of Israel, highlighting the communal aspect of seeking forgiveness and atonement. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of humility, repentance, and seeking forgiveness for both individual and collective wrongdoing.
Theological Overview
Leviticus 16:17 provides an important theological insight into the nature of atonement in the Old Testament. The verse describes the ritual that the high priest must perform on the Day of Atonement to make amends for the sins of the people of Israel. The emphasis on the high priest going into the holy place alone signifies the unique role that the priest plays as an intermediary between the people and God. This verse highlights the priest's responsibility to first make atonement for himself and his household before making atonement for the entire congregation. This sequence underscores the importance of personal holiness and purity before approaching God on behalf of others. The word "atonement" itself carries the connotation of reconciliation and restoration of the relationship between God and humanity. Through the sacrificial system outlined in Leviticus, the people of Israel were able to experience the forgiveness of sins and the renewal of their covenant with God.
Leviticus 16:17 in other translations
American Standard Version
And there shall be no man in the tent of meeting when he goeth in to make atonement in the holy place, until he come out, and have made atonement for himself, and for his household, and for all the assembly of Israel.
World English Bible
No one shall be in the Tent of Meeting when he enters to make atonement in the Holy Place, until he comes out, and has made atonement for himself and for his household, and for all the assembly of Israel.
Douay-Rheims
Let no man be in the tabernacle when the high priest goeth into the sanctuary, to pray for himself and his house, and for the whole congregation of Israel, until he come out.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And there shalbe no man in the Tabernacle of the Congregation, when he goeth in to make an atonement in the Holy place, vntill hee come out, and haue made an atonement for himselfe, and for his housholde, and for all the Congregation of Israel.