8 He is to cast lots for the two goats-one lot for the Lord and the other for the scapegoat.[1]

Other Translations of Leviticus 16:8

King James Version

8 And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the Lord, and the other lot for the scapegoat. scapegoat: Heb. Azazel

English Standard Version

8 And Aaron shall cast lots over the two goats, one lot for the Lord and the other lot for Azazel.The meaning of Azazel is uncertain; possibly the name of a place or a demon, traditionally a scapegoat; also verses 10, 26

The Message

8 and cast lots over the two goats, one lot for God and the other lot for Azazel.

New King James Version

8 Then Aaron shall cast lots for the two goats: one lot for the Lord and the other lot for the scapegoat.

New Living Translation

8 He is to cast sacred lots to determine which goat will be reserved as an offering to the Lord and which will carry the sins of the people to the wilderness of Azazel.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Leviticus 16:8

Commentary on Leviticus 16:1-14

(Read Leviticus 16:1-14)

Without entering into particulars of the sacrifices on the great day of atonement, we may notice that it was to be a statute for ever, till that dispensation be at an end. As long as we are continually sinning, we continually need the atonement. The law of afflicting our souls for sin, is a statue which will continue in force till we arrive where all tears, even those of repentance, will be wiped from our eyes. The apostle observes it as a proof that the sacrifices could not take away sin, and cleanse the conscience from it, that in them there was a remembrance made of sin every year, upon the day of atonement, Hebrews 10:1,3. The repeating the sacrifices, showed there was in them but a feeble effort toward making atonement; this could be done only by offering up the body of Christ once for all; and that sacrifice needed not to be repeated.