Leviticus 16:4
He is to wear the sacred linen tunic, with linen undergarments. He must tie a linen sash around him and put on the linen turban. These are holy garments, and he must bathe himself with water before he wears them.
He is to wear the sacred linen tunic,

On the Day of Atonement, the high priest set aside his usual colorful and ornate garments and wore plain linen clothing. The change emphasized humility before the holy God and the solemn work of making atonement for sin. Linen garments represented cleanness and purity, fitting one who entered the Most Holy Place as the people’s representative. Christ, the sinless High Priest, entered the heavenly sanctuary on behalf of His people through His own sacrifice (Hebrews 4:14–15; 9:11–12).

Exo 28:39 You are to weave the tunic with fine linen,…
Lev 8:7 He put the tunic on Aaron, tied the sash around him…
Ezk 44:17 When they enter the gates of the inner court,…

with linen undergarments.

The undergarments covered the priest’s body as he ministered before the Lord, preserving modesty and reverence. Since the fall, nakedness has been associated with shame, and God Himself provided coverings for Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:21). The priest’s complete covering testified that no one approaches God casually or according to personal preference.

Exo 28:42-43 Make linen undergarments to cover their bare flesh,…
Exo 39:28 as well as the turban of fine linen, the ornate headbands…
Ezk 44:18 They are to wear linen turbans on their heads…

He must tie a linen sash around him

The sash secured the garments for service. A girded body pictured readiness to carry out assigned duties, as seen in calls to prepared and faithful service (Luke 12:35). The high priest came before God not as a private individual but as a consecrated servant bearing responsibility for the covenant people.

Exo 39:29 and the sash of finely spun linen, embroidered with blue…
Lev 8:13 Then Moses presented Aaron’s sons, put tunics on them…
Exo 28:4 These are the garments that they shall make:…

and put on the linen turban.

The covering of the head completed the priestly attire required for entrance into God’s presence. Although the ornate high-priestly turban normally bore a gold plate inscribed, “Holy to the LORD” (Exodus 28:36–38), the linen turban used on this day maintained the same demand for consecration. Every part of the priest was set apart for the work of atonement.

Exo 39:30-31 They also made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold,…
Lev 8:9 Moses also put the turban on Aaron’s head…
Zec 3:5 Then I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.”…

These are holy garments,

The garments belonged exclusively to the service of the Lord and could not be treated as common clothing. Their holiness reflected the holiness required of the priest and the seriousness of drawing near to God. Israel’s worship repeatedly taught that sin separates people from God and that access to Him requires cleansing, consecration, and an acceptable mediator.

Exo 28:2 Make holy garments for your brother Aaron,…
Exo 39:41 and the woven garments for ministering in the sanctuary,…
Ezk 44:19 When they go out to the outer court, to the people,…

and he must bathe himself with water before he wears them.

The high priest washed before putting on the garments and again at appointed stages of the Day of Atonement rites (Leviticus 16:24). External washing did not remove guilt from the conscience, but it visibly declared the need for purification before God. The ritual anticipated the fuller cleansing accomplished through Christ, whose blood grants believers confidence to draw near with cleansed hearts (Hebrews 10:19–22).

Exo 29:4 Then present Aaron and his sons at the entrance…
Exo 40:12 Then bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance…
Lev 8:6 Then Moses presented Aaron and his sons.…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Aaron
The high priest at the time, who is given specific instructions for the Day of Atonement.

2. The Tabernacle
The sacred place where the high priest performs rituals, including the Day of Atonement.

3. Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)
An annual event where the high priest enters the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the sins of Israel.

4. Sacred Garments
Special linen clothing worn by the high priest, symbolizing purity and holiness.

5. Ritual Cleansing
The act of bathing before donning the sacred garments, signifying purification.
Teaching Points
Holiness and Purity
The sacred garments and ritual cleansing underscore the importance of approaching God with reverence and purity. As believers, we are called to live holy lives, set apart for God's purposes.

Symbolism of Clothing
The linen garments symbolize righteousness and purity. In Christ, we are clothed with His righteousness, and our lives should reflect His holiness.

Preparation for Worship
Just as Aaron prepared himself to enter the Holy of Holies, we must prepare our hearts and minds for worship, ensuring we approach God with the right attitude.

Role of the High Priest
Aaron's role as high priest foreshadows Christ's ultimate sacrifice and His role as our eternal High Priest, who intercedes on our behalf.

Spiritual Cleansing
The act of bathing before donning the sacred garments reminds us of the need for spiritual cleansing through repentance and the washing of the Word.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the requirement for Aaron to wear sacred garments relate to our call to live holy lives today?

2. In what ways does the preparation of the high priest for the Day of Atonement foreshadow the work of Christ as our High Priest?

3. How can we apply the concept of spiritual cleansing in our daily walk with God?

4. What does the symbolism of clothing in the Bible teach us about our identity in Christ?

5. How can we ensure that we are spiritually prepared to enter into worship and communion with God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 28
Describes the detailed instructions for the priestly garments, emphasizing their sacredness and the need for holiness.

Hebrews 9
Discusses the role of the high priest and the significance of Christ as our ultimate High Priest, drawing parallels to the Day of Atonement.

Isaiah 61:10
Speaks of being clothed with garments of salvation, symbolizing righteousness and purity.

Revelation 19:8
Refers to the fine linen worn by the saints, representing the righteous acts of believers.
The High Priest on the Day of AtonementJ.A. Macdonald Leviticus 16:1-4
The Climax of Sacrificial Worship: the Day of AtonementR.M. Edgar Leviticus 16:1-34
The Great Day of AtonementR.A. Redford Leviticus 16:1-34
Type and Antitype - the PriestW. Clarkson Leviticus 16:2-17
A Proffered SubstituteW. Thompson.Leviticus 16:3-34
Christ Typified by the Two GoatsJ. Burns, D. D.Leviticus 16:3-34
Christian's Confession of SinSpurgeon, Charles HaddonLeviticus 16:3-34
Christ's Anesthesia for the Remembrance of SinLeviticus 16:3-34
Hindrances to Repentance RemovedJ. Spencer.Leviticus 16:3-34
Intercession of ChristS. Thodey.Leviticus 16:3-34
LessonsA. Willet, D. D.Leviticus 16:3-34
Moral ObservationsA. Willet, D. D.Leviticus 16:3-34
Moses and Christ; the Day of AtonementW. Clarkson, B. A.Leviticus 16:3-34
Need for the Great AtonementJ. Hamilton, D. D.Leviticus 16:3-34
Sinners Always Ready to Conceal Their SinT. Adams.Leviticus 16:3-34
Spiritual Significance of the Ceremonies on the Day of AtonementT. M. Morris.Leviticus 16:3-34
The Annual AtonementSpurgeon, Charles HaddonLeviticus 16:3-34
The Ceremonies of the Day of AtonementF. E. Clark.Leviticus 16:3-34
The Climax of Sacrificial WorshipR. M.,Edgar, M. A.Leviticus 16:3-34
The Day of AtonementSpurgeon, Charles HaddonLeviticus 16:3-34
The Day of AtonementD. O. Mears.Leviticus 16:3-34
The Day of AtonementD. C. Hughes, M. A.Leviticus 16:3-34
The Day of AtonementH. Melvill, B. D.Leviticus 16:3-34
The Day of AtonementJ. A. Seiss, D. D.Leviticus 16:3-34
The Garments of the PriestF. E. Clark.Leviticus 16:3-34
The Two GoatsF. E. Clark.Leviticus 16:3-34
The Two Goats -- Various InterpretationsJ. Cumming, D. D.Leviticus 16:3-34
There Shalt be no Man in the TabernacleH. C. Trumbull.Leviticus 16:3-34
True RepentanceH. W. Beecher.Leviticus 16:3-34
Trusting in the SubstituteLeviticus 16:3-34
Value of RepentanceJ. Spencer.Leviticus 16:3-34
People
Aaron, Israelites, Moses
Places
Teman
Topics
Attired, Band, Bathe, Bathed, Body, Breeches, Clothing, Coat, Dressed, Flesh, Garments, Girded, Girdeth, Girdle, Head-dress, Holy, Linen, Miter, Mitre, Puts, Putteth, Round, Sacred, Sash, Tie, Trousers, Tunic, Turban, Undergarments, Vest, Wash, Washed, Wear, Wrappeth
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Leviticus 16:4

     5136   body
     5158   head-covering
     5392   linen
     7308   Atonement, Day of

Leviticus 16:1-4

     7377   high priest, OT

Leviticus 16:1-22

     7316   blood, OT sacrifices

Leviticus 16:1-33

     6616   atonement, in OT

Leviticus 16:1-34

     1680   types
     7422   ritual

Leviticus 16:2-34

     5378   law, OT

Leviticus 16:3-4

     5190   thigh
     6750   sin-bearer
     8625   worship, acceptable attitudes

Leviticus 16:3-5

     4681   ram

Leviticus 16:3-34

     6648   expiation
     8629   worship, times

Library
August 9. "He Shall Lay Both his Hands Upon the Head of the Live Goat, and Confess Over Him all the Iniquities of the Children of Israel; Transgressions and Sins" (Lev. xvi. 21).
"He shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel; transgressions and sins" (Lev. xvi. 21). As any evil comes up, and the consciousness of any unholy thing touches our inner senses, it is our privilege at once to hand it over to the Holy Ghost and to lay it upon Jesus, as something already crucified with Him, and as of old, in the case of the sin offering, it will be carried without the camp and burned to ashes. There may
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Day of Atonement
'And the Lord spake unto Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron when they offered before the Lord, and died; 2. And the Lord said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail before the mercy-seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy-seat. 3. Thus shall Aaron come into the holy place; with a young bullock for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering. 4. He shall put on the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Day of Atonement
Now, I shall invite your attention to the ceremonies of this solemn day, taking the different parts in detail. First, we shall consider the person who made the atonement; secondly, the sacrifice whereby the atonement was typically made; thirdly, the effects of the atonement; and fourthly, our behaviour on the recollection of the atonement, as well set forth by the conduct prescribed to the Israelites on that day. I. First, THE PERSON WHO WAS TO MAKE THE ATONEMENT. And at the outset, we remark that
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856

The Fact of the Redeemer's Return was Foreshadowed in the Ritual on the Annual Day of Israel's Atonement.
The order of events on the Day of Atonement are described in Leviticus 16, a chapter which is exceedingly rich in its typical signification. The Day of Atonement had to do with the putting away of Israel's sins, therefore, its dispensational application refers mainly to Israel though, as we shall see, the Church was also typically represented. We shall not now attempt anything more than a bare outline of the happenings of that most memorable day on Israel's sacred calendar. The order of its ritual
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

The Great High-Priest.
"Having then a great High-priest, Who hath passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high-priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but One that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help us in time of need. For every high-priest, being taken from among men, is appointed for
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

Fifth Sunday in Lent
Text: Hebrews 9, 11-15. 11 But Christ having come a high priest of the good things to come, through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation, 12 nor yet through the blood of goats and calves, but through his own blood, entered in once for all into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling them that have been defiled, sanctify unto the cleanness of the flesh:
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

Parable of the Pharisee and Publican.
^C Luke XVIII. 9-14. ^c 9 And he spake also this parable unto certain who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and set all others at nought [It is commonly said that this parable teaches humility in prayer, but the preface and conclusion (see verse 14) show that it is indeed to set forth generally the difference between self-righteousness and humility, and that an occasion of prayer is chosen because it best illustrates the point which the Lord desired to teach. The parable shows that
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Intercession of Christ
Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us! T he Redemption of the soul is precious. Fools make mock of sin (Proverbs 14:9) . But they will not think lightly of it, who duly consider the majesty, authority, and goodness of Him, against whom it is committed; and who are taught, by what God actually has done, what sin rendered necessary to be done, before a sinner could have a well-grounded
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

The Call of Matthew - the Saviour's Welcome to Sinners - Rabbinic Theology as Regards the Doctrine of Forgiveness in Contrast to the Gospel of Christ
In two things chiefly does the fundamental difference appear between Christianity and all other religious systems, notably Rabbinism. And in these two things, therefore, lies the main characteristic of Christ's work; or, taking a wider view, the fundamental idea of all religions. Subjectively, they concern sin and the sinner; or, to put it objectively, the forgiveness of sin and the welcome to the sinner. But Rabbinism, and every other system down to modern humanitarianism - if it rises so high in
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Sundry Exhortations.
HEBREWS xiii. Let love of the brethren continue. Forget not to shew love unto strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; them that are evil entreated, as being yourselves also in the body. Let marriage be had in honour among all, and let the bed be undefiled: for fornicators and adulterers God will judge. Be ye free from the love of money; content with such things as ye have: for Himself hath said, I will in no wise fail thee,
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the Teaching of the Lord Concerning Purity - the Traditions Concerning Hand-Washing' and Vows. '
As we follow the narrative, confirmatory evidence of what had preceded springs up at almost every step. It is quite in accordance with the abrupt departure of Jesus from Capernaum, and its motives, that when, so far from finding rest and privacy at Bethsaida (east of the Jordan), a greater multitude than ever had there gathered around Him, which would fain have proclaimed Him King, He resolved on immediate return to the western shore, with the view of seeking a quieter retreat, even though it were
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Christ a Complete Saviour:
OR, THE INTERCESSION OF CHRIST, AND WHO ARE PRIVILEGED IN IT. BY JOHN BUNYAN Advertisement by the Editor. However strange it may appear, it is a solemn fact, that the heart of man, unless prepared by a sense of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, rejects Christ as a complete Saviour. The pride of human nature will not suffer it to fall, as helpless and utterly undone, into the arms of Divine mercy. Man prefers a partial Saviour; one who had done so much, that, with the sinner's aid, the work might be
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Leviticus 16:4 NIV
Leviticus 16:4 NLT
Leviticus 16:4 ESV
Leviticus 16:4 NASB
Leviticus 16:4 KJV

Leviticus 16:4 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Leviticus 16:3
Top of Page
Top of Page