Overview
The Bible addresses substitution across 9 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Numbers, Leviticus and Exodus. Closely related themes include Levites, High Priest, the, Offerings and Sacrifices. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Aaron.
Key Bible verses about substitution
Old Testament
Leviticus
And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him.
And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness: a fit: Heb. a man of opportunity
And the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited: and he shall let go the goat in the wilderness. not: Heb. of separation
Numbers
And I, behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn that openeth the matrix among the children of Israel: therefore the Levites shall be mine;
And thou shalt take the Levites for me (I am the LORD) instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel; and the cattle of the Levites instead of all the firstlings among the cattle of the children of Israel.
Take the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel, and the cattle of the Levites instead of their cattle; and the Levites shall be mine: I am the LORD.
And I have taken the Levites for all the firstborn of the children of Israel.
People in the Bible and substitution
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying substitution for yourself
- Begin with Exodus 28:38, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Numbers, Leviticus and Exodus each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Aaron and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Levites, High Priest, the, Offerings and Sacrifices.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about substitution?
The Bible addresses substitution across 9 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Numbers, Leviticus and Exodus. Closely related themes include Levites, High Priest, the, Offerings and Sacrifices. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Aaron.
How many Bible verses are about substitution?
The Bible references substitution in 9 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention substitution?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Exodus 28:38: “And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD.”
Which people in the Bible are associated with substitution?
Aaron.
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