Leviticus 1:15

And the priest shall bring it unto the altar, and wring off his head, and burn [it] on the altar; and the blood thereof shall be wrung out at the side of the altar:

And the priest {H3548} shall bring {H7126} it unto the altar {H4196}, and wring off {H4454} his head {H7218}, and burn {H6999} it on the altar {H4196}; and the blood {H1818} thereof shall be wrung out {H4680} at the side {H7023} of the altar {H4196}:

The cohen is to bring it to the altar, snap off its head and make it go up in smoke on the altar; its blood is to be drained out on the side of the altar.

Then the priest shall bring it to the altar, twist off its head, and burn it on the altar; its blood should be drained out on the side of the altar.

And the priest shall bring it unto the altar, and wring off its head, and burn it on the altar; and the blood thereof shall be drained out on the side of the altar;

Commentary

Leviticus 1:15 (KJV) describes a specific detail within the ritual of the burnt offering, focusing on the sacrifice of a bird, typically a turtledove or young pigeon. This type of offering was often prescribed for those of humble means, ensuring that even the poor could participate in the sacrificial system and seek atonement.

Context

This verse is part of the opening chapter of the Book of Leviticus, which meticulously outlines the laws and rituals for approaching a holy God. Following the instructions for offering a bull or a sheep, Leviticus 1:14-17 details the procedure for a bird offering. These sacrifices were performed at the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God's presence dwelt among His people. The rites emphasized purity, holiness, and the necessary steps for a sinful people to draw near to a righteous God.

Key Themes

  • Atonement for All: The provision for a bird offering highlights God's mercy, allowing individuals of all economic statuses to make a sacrifice for atonement. This demonstrates that access to God's forgiveness was not limited by wealth.
  • Priestly Mediation: The priest's direct involvement in "bringing it unto the altar" and performing the ritual acts underscores his vital role as mediator between God and man in the Old Covenant sacrificial system.
  • The Significance of Blood: The instruction that "the blood thereof shall be wrung out at the side of the altar" is crucial. In the Old Testament, blood represented life, and its shedding was essential for purification and atonement. Leviticus 17:11 states that "the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul."
  • Total Dedication: The act of "burning [it] on the altar" signifies the complete dedication of the offering to God, ascending as a pleasing aroma.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "wring off" is malaq (ืžึธืœึทืง), which specifically means to pinch or wring the neck, often implying a severing. This distinct method for birds, as opposed to the slitting of the throat for larger animals, still ensured the death of the sacrifice and the release of its life-blood, which was necessary for the atonement process. The word for "burn" here is qatar (ืงึธื˜ึทืจ), which refers to causing smoke to ascend, emphasizing the offering's acceptance by God as a fragrant offering.

Practical Application

While the Old Testament sacrificial system is no longer practiced today because of the finished work of Christ, this verse offers timeless spiritual insights:

  • God's Provision: It reminds us that God always provides a way for humanity to approach Him, and His grace is accessible to all, regardless of their earthly status.
  • The Cost of Sin: Every sacrifice, whether a bull or a bird, underscored the gravity of sin and the need for a life to be given in exchange for transgression.
  • Christ, Our Ultimate Sacrifice: This intricate system of animal sacrifices ultimately pointed forward to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His blood, shed on the cross, cleanses us from all sin, fulfilling the Old Testament types. As Hebrews 9:22 declares, "without shedding of blood is no remission." Christ's sacrifice provides a perfect and complete atonement, making the elaborate rituals of Leviticus obsolete for believers today, yet illuminating the profound principles of God's justice and mercy.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 53:10

    ยถ Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put [him] to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see [his] seed, he shall prolong [his] days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.

  • Leviticus 5:8

    And he shall bring them unto the priest, who shall offer [that] which [is] for the sin offering first, and wring off his head from his neck, but shall not divide [it] asunder:

  • Leviticus 5:9

    And he shall sprinkle of the blood of the sin offering upon the side of the altar; and the rest of the blood shall be wrung out at the bottom of the altar: it [is] a sin offering.

  • 1 John 2:27

    But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

  • Isaiah 53:4

    ยถ Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

  • Isaiah 53:5

    But he [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

  • Psalms 22:1

    ยถ To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? [why art thou so] far from helping me, [and from] the words of my roaring?
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