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Leviticus 16:32 - Kohen's sacred atonement duty

Leviticus 16:32 - ויקרא 16:32

Hebrew Text

וְכִפֶּר הַכֹּהֵן אֲשֶׁר־יִמְשַׁח אֹתוֹ וַאֲשֶׁר יְמַלֵּא אֶת־יָדוֹ לְכַהֵן תַּחַת אָבִיו וְלָבַשׁ אֶת־בִּגְדֵי הַבָּד בִּגְדֵי הַקֹּדֶשׁ׃

English Translation

And the priest, who shall be anointed, and who shall be consecrated to minister in the priest’s office in his father’s stead, shall make the atonement, and shall put on the linen clothes, the holy garments:

Transliteration

Vechiper hakohen asher-yimshach oto vaasher yemale et-yado lechahen tachat aviv velavash et-bigdei habad bigdei hakodesh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְכִפֶּ֨ר הַכֹּהֵ֜ן אֲשֶׁר־יִמְשַׁ֣ח אֹת֗וֹ וַאֲשֶׁ֤ר יְמַלֵּא֙ אֶת־יָד֔וֹ לְכַהֵ֖ן תַּ֣חַת אָבִ֑יו וְלָבַ֛שׁ אֶת־בִּגְדֵ֥י הַבָּ֖ד בִּגְדֵ֥י הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ׃
וְכִפֶּ֨ר הַכֹּהֵ֜ן אֲשֶׁר־יִמְשַׁ֣ח אֹת֗וֹ וַאֲשֶׁ֤ר יְמַלֵּא֙ אֶת־יָד֔וֹ לְכַהֵ֖ן תַּ֣חַת אָבִ֑יו וְלָבַ֛שׁ אֶת־בִּגְדֵ֥י הַבָּ֖ד בִּגְדֵ֥י הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context and Overview

The verse (Vayikra 16:32) describes the role of the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) on Yom Kippur, specifically regarding the atonement service and the wearing of special linen garments. This is part of the detailed instructions for the Yom Kippur avodah (service) in the Beit HaMikdash.

The Anointed Priest

Rashi explains that the phrase "הַכֹּהֵן אֲשֶׁר־יִמְשַׁח אֹתוֹ" ("the priest who shall be anointed") refers specifically to the Kohen Gadol, who was anointed with the sacred anointing oil during the consecration ceremony (Shemot 29:7). The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 1:7) elaborates that this anointing was a unique ritual performed only for the first Kohanim Gedolim; later appointments were made through miluim (investiture) by wearing the special garments.

Consecration and Succession

The phrase "וַאֲשֶׁר יְמַלֵּא אֶת־יָדוֹ לְכַהֵן תַּחַת אָבִיו" ("who shall be consecrated to minister in the priest’s office in his father’s stead") refers to the transfer of the priesthood to a successor. The Talmud (Yoma 73a) discusses that the son of a Kohen Gadol has priority in succeeding his father, provided he is worthy. The term miluim (filling of the hands) symbolizes the priestly authority and responsibility being transferred.

The Linen Garments

The verse specifies that the Kohen Gadol must wear "בִּגְדֵי הַבָּד בִּגְדֵי הַקֹּדֶשׁ" ("the linen clothes, the holy garments"). On Yom Kippur, unlike other days, the Kohen Gadol wore special white linen garments (not his usual golden vestments) when performing certain parts of the service. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 21:11) teaches that these white garments symbolize purity and humility before Hashem, appropriate for the day of atonement.

The Atonement Service

The phrase "וְכִפֶּר" ("shall make the atonement") refers to the unique Yom Kippur avodah that only the Kohen Gadol could perform. The Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Yom HaKippurim 1:1-2) details how this atonement included multiple offerings, confessions, and the special service in the Kodesh HaKodashim (Holy of Holies). The Talmud (Yoma 39b) emphasizes that the Kohen Gadol's service on this day atoned for the entire Jewish people.

  • Key Halachic Principle: Only a properly anointed or invested Kohen Gadol could perform the Yom Kippur service (Rambam, Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 4:12).
  • Symbolism: The white linen garments represented the spiritual purity required for this supreme act of divine service (Zohar, Acharei Mot).
  • Continuity: The mention of succession ("in his father's stead") teaches that the priestly service must continue uninterrupted through proper halachic appointment (Sifra, Acharei Mot).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 16:32 mean?
A: Leviticus 16:32 describes the role of the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) on Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). It explains that the anointed priest who succeeds his father in the priesthood must perform the atonement service while wearing the special linen garments (bigdei kodesh). This verse emphasizes the continuity of the priestly service and the importance of proper attire for sacred duties.
Q: Why is the Kohen Gadol's clothing mentioned in this verse?
A: The Torah specifies the linen garments (bigdei bad) because they symbolize purity and humility before Hashem, especially on Yom Kippur. Unlike the Kohen Gadol's usual ornate golden garments, these simple white clothes remind us that atonement requires sincerity and repentance. Rashi explains that these garments were exclusively for the Yom Kippur service.
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 16:32 today?
A: Even though we no longer have the Beit HaMikdash (Temple), we learn from this verse the importance of spiritual leadership, continuity in serving Hashem, and approaching sacred moments with humility. The Rambam teaches that the principles of repentance and atonement remain central in Jewish life, especially during Yom Kippur.
Q: Why does the verse mention the priest succeeding his father?
A: The Torah highlights succession ('in his father’s stead') to teach that the priesthood is a hereditary role passed down through the family line of Aharon. The Talmud (Yoma 72b) explains that this ensures stability and tradition in the divine service, as each generation builds upon the sanctity of the previous one.
Q: How does this verse connect to Yom Kippur?
A: Leviticus 16:32 is part of the Torah's instructions for Yom Kippur, when the Kohen Gadol performs special atonement services for himself, his household, and all of Israel. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 21) teaches that this day represents a unique opportunity for closeness to Hashem through repentance, and the priest's role is central to this process.