Day of Atonement — Meaning in the Bible
Israel's most solemn yearly day, when the high priest entered the most holy place to make atonement for the whole nation, and a goat carried their sins away into the wilderness.
Scripture in WEBWorld English Bible — Protestant Edition
What it means
On the tenth day of the seventh month the high priest offered sacrifices for himself and the people, sprinkled blood on the mercy seat, and sent a goat away into the wilderness bearing the people's sins. It was a day of rest and humbling. Leviticus 16:1–34Leviticus 23:26–32
Hebrews uses this day to explain Christ's work: he entered once for all into heaven itself. Hebrews 9:6–12Hebrews 9:24–26
Key passages
- Leviticus 16:1–34 — The day described.
- Leviticus 23:26–32 — A day to humble yourselves.
- Hebrews 9:6–12 — Once a year, and once for all.