Leviticus 16:5He shall take from the congregation of the children of Israel two male goats for a sin offering, and one ram for a burnt offering.
The setting
Wilderness tabernacle, 1440 BC. The congregation watches as two identical goats are brought forward. One will die, one will live but carry their sins into the desert forever.
The emotion here: careful precision while recording life-and-death ceremony
The original word
azazel (עֲזָאזֵל) — the scapegoat, literally 'goat of removal'
Why it matters
The two goats had to be identical in size, age, and value - lots were cast to determine which lived and which died
Read with care
What most readers miss in Leviticus 16:5
Two goats, one sacrifice - this is the only Old Testament ceremony requiring two animals for one purpose
Common misconceptionPeople think 'scapegoat' means someone unfairly blamed, but biblically it was the goat that truly carried away guilt - pointing to Christ.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Leviticus 16:5
Bible Genome reading
Leviticus 16:5 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Leviticus 16:5 comes from the book of Leviticus, written during the exodus period. These words are attributed to God. The dominant emotion in this verse is worship, with a comfort power of 50% and a tone that is commanding. It belongs to the law genre of biblical literature. Key themes include sacrifice, community. Notable phrases: two male goats; one ram for a burnt. This verse contains a command.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same worship
“Hear, Israel: Yahweh is our God; Yahweh is one:”
— Deuteronomy 6:4
“and you shall love Yahweh your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.”
— Deuteronomy 6:5
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:”
— Ecclesiastes 3:1
“Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.”
— John 14:6
“Jesus said to them, "Most certainly, I tell you, before Abraham came into existence, I AM."”
— John 8:58
Your reflection
What does Leviticus 16:5 mean to you, today?
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