· Translation: KJV

Leviticus 16:10But the goat, on which the lot fell for the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before Yahweh, to make atonement for him, to send him away for the scapegoat into the wilderness.

The setting

Sinai Peninsula, ~1445 BC. The holiest day of the year. Two identical goats stand before the tabernacle as Aaron casts lots to determine which dies and which carries Israel's sins into the wilderness...

The emotion here: recording ancient mysteries with trembling hands

The original word

azazel (עֲזָאזֵל) — complete removal, the goat that carries away guilt forever

Why it matters

The scapegoat was led 12 miles into the Judean wilderness and pushed off a cliff to ensure it never returned

Read with care

What most readers miss in Leviticus 16:10

Two goats, one destiny each — Israel's sins required both death AND complete removal

Common misconceptionPeople think 'scapegoat' means unfair blame, but biblically it means voluntary sin-bearing that removes guilt permanently.

Bible Genome reading

Leviticus 16:10 — Bible Genome reading

SpeakerGod
Eraexodus
Primary emotionresting
Literary typeteaching
MarkCommand

Emotional genome

Comfort power80%
Quotability30%
Memorability60%
Crisis relevance80%
Standalone20%
Themes:substitutionatonement

In context

No verse stands alone.

Read the conversation around it.

Open Leviticus 16

Leviticus 16:10 comes from the book of Leviticus, written during the exodus period. These words are attributed to God. The dominant emotion in this verse is resting, with a comfort power of 80% and a tone that is commanding. It belongs to the teaching genre of biblical literature. Key themes include substitution, atonement. Notable phrases: scapegoat; make atonement. This verse contains a command.

Your reflection

What does Leviticus 16:10 mean to you, today?

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