Leviticus 1:4

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he shall put {H5564} his hand {H3027} upon the head {H7218} of the burnt offering {H5930}; and it shall be accepted {H7521} for him to make atonement {H3722} for him.

Complete Jewish Bible

He is to lay his hand upon the head of the burnt offering, and it will be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him.

Berean Standard Bible

He is to lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, so it can be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him.

American Standard Version

And he shall lay his hand upon the head of the burnt-offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 1:4 describes a pivotal moment in the burnt offering ritual: the offerer's laying of hands upon the animal's head. This act signifies a profound identification with the sacrifice, a transfer of the offerer's sin and guilt onto the innocent animal. Through this divinely ordained procedure, the offering becomes acceptable to God, accomplishing atonement for the individual, highlighting the personal nature of sin, the necessity of substitution, and God's gracious provision for reconciliation within the covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 1:4 is situated at the very beginning of the book of Leviticus, which meticulously outlines the laws and procedures for Israel's sacrificial system and cultic worship. Chapter 1 specifically details the "burnt offering" (Hebrew: *'olah*), which was unique among the sacrifices in that the entire animal (excluding the skin) was consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete devotion, consecration, and propitiation. This initial chapter sets the stage for understanding how sinful humanity could approach a holy God, emphasizing the need for a divinely prescribed means of purification and reconciliation. The preceding verses establish the types of animals acceptable for the burnt offering, while subsequent verses detail the slaughter, preparation, and burning of the sacrifice, all leading to the climactic act of atonement.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of animal sacrifice was widespread in the ancient Near East, but Israel's sacrificial system, as revealed in the Torah, stood apart due to its monotheistic framework, ethical demands, and specific theological purpose. Unlike pagan sacrifices often aimed at appeasing capricious deities or manipulating divine favor, Israel's offerings were a response to God's covenant initiative and a means of maintaining fellowship with a holy God who had already redeemed them from slavery in Egypt. The burnt offering was a regular and foundational sacrifice, often offered daily, as seen in the instructions for the [daily burnt offering](/exodus/29-38-42 "Exodus 29:38-42 - The Daily Burnt Offering") and on special occasions, symbolizing the complete surrender and dedication of the worshiper to Yahweh. The ritual of laying on of hands was a common practice in the ancient world to signify transfer, whether of blessing, authority, or, in this case, identification and sin. Within the tabernacle setting, this act occurred at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, before the altar of burnt offering, emphasizing the public and communal nature of worship, yet the deeply personal act of seeking atonement.

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 1:4 contributes significantly to several key themes woven throughout the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness**, emphasizing God's absolute purity and the necessity for His people to approach Him through divinely ordained means, as detailed in the sacrificial system. This verse also highlights the pervasive nature of **Sin** and its defiling effect, which necessitates a costly remedy for reconciliation. The act of laying hands on the animal underscores the theme of **Substitutionary Atonement**, where an innocent life is given in place of a guilty one to satisfy divine justice. This concept is foundational to understanding God's gracious provision for His people, allowing them to draw near despite their imperfection, as seen in the broader context of God's covenant relationship with Israel established in [Exodus](/exodus/1 "Exodus - The Book of the Exodus"). The acceptance of the offering by God also points to the theme of **Divine Grace and Acceptance**, demonstrating that atonement is ultimately God's initiative, not merely a human ritual, as also evident in the [Day of Atonement rituals](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** (H3027) This primitive word, distinct from the closed hand (כַּף), refers to the open hand, indicating power, means, or direction. In this context, the offerer's hand signifies the personal agency and identification involved in the ritual. It is through this physical contact that the offerer's identity and sin are symbolically transferred to the animal, making the sacrifice personally efficacious. The act is one of deliberate and intentional engagement, signifying the offerer's responsibility and participation in the atonement process.

* **put (Hebrew, _çâmak'_):** (H5564) This primitive root means "to prop," "to lean upon," or "to take hold of." In the context of the burnt offering, it describes the firm, deliberate action of the offerer pressing his hand down upon the animal's head. This is not a light touch but a forceful leaning, signifying the transfer of the offerer's personal identity, sins, and guilt onto the innocent animal. It establishes a profound connection between the offerer and the sacrifice, indicating that the animal now bears the burden that rightfully belongs to the individual.

* **atonement (Hebrew, _kâphar'_):** (H3722) This primitive root means "to cover," "to expiate," "to condone," or "to reconcile." It is a foundational theological term describing the divine action of dealing with sin, specifically by covering or purging it, thereby removing the barrier between a holy God and sinful humanity. In Leviticus 1:4, the acceptance of the burnt offering by God results in the "covering" of the offerer's sin, allowing for renewed fellowship and forgiveness. It is God's gracious provision to appease His righteous wrath and restore relationship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering;":** This clause describes the crucial, personal act performed by the offerer (not the priest). The physical act of placing one's hand firmly on the animal's head was a solemn, public declaration of identification. It signified that the animal was not merely a gift, but a substitute, taking the place of the offerer. The offerer's sins, guilt, and the consequences thereof were symbolically transferred to the innocent animal, which would then bear the burden. This emphasized the personal nature of sin and the need for a substitute.

* **"and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him.":** This clause reveals the divine purpose and efficacy of the ritual. The phrase "it shall be accepted for him" underscores that the validity and power of the offering did not stem from the human act itself, but from God's gracious acceptance of the sacrifice. This acceptance, ordained by God, then resulted in "atonement for him." The atonement (`kaphar`) meant that the offerer's sin was "covered" or "purged," allowing for reconciliation with God. This was not a magical act, but a divinely appointed means by which a holy God could justly forgive and restore fellowship with sinful humanity.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 1:4 is rich in **Symbolism**. The act of the offerer laying his hand upon the head of the burnt offering profoundly symbolizes the transfer of sin and guilt from the individual to the innocent animal. The animal itself is a **Symbol** of substitution, taking the place of the guilty party. The entire burnt offering, consumed by fire, is a **Symbol** of complete dedication and propitiation, ascending to God as a pleasing aroma. Furthermore, the verse functions as **Typology**, foreshadowing the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament ritual, with its emphasis on a life for a life and the covering of sin, points forward to the once-for-all sacrifice of the Lamb of God, who would truly bear the sins of humanity and provide complete and eternal atonement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 1:4 encapsulates foundational theological truths concerning sin, sacrifice, and divine reconciliation. It powerfully illustrates the principle of substitutionary atonement, where an innocent life is given in place of a guilty one to satisfy divine justice and restore fellowship. This verse underscores the gravity of sin, which demands a costly remedy, and simultaneously highlights God's gracious provision for humanity to approach Him despite their sinfulness. The acceptance of the offering by God emphasizes that atonement is ultimately a divine act, not merely a human ritual. The meticulous details of the burnt offering, including the laying on of hands, served to impress upon the Israelite the seriousness of their sin and the profound cost of their reconciliation with a holy God, preparing them for a deeper understanding of future divine revelation through the person and work of Christ.

* [Isaiah 53:4-6](/isaiah/53-4-6 "Isaiah 53:4-6 - The Suffering Servant Bears Our Sins")
* [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us")
* [Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ as Propitiation Through His Blood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the Old Testament sacrificial system has been fulfilled in Christ, the principles embedded in Leviticus 1:4 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse invites us to reflect on the immense cost of our sin and the absolute necessity of a perfect sacrifice for atonement. It calls us to a deeper appreciation of God's holiness and His unwavering commitment to justice, which demands a penalty for sin, yet simultaneously reveals His boundless love in providing a way for reconciliation. Just as the Israelite identified with the animal, we are called to personally identify by faith with Jesus Christ's death and resurrection, acknowledging that He bore our sins and became our substitute. This identification is not a mere intellectual assent but a heartfelt surrender, leading to a life of gratitude and consecrated living in response to the complete atonement we have received through Him, recognizing that our acceptance before God is entirely due to His finished work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the act of laying hands on the animal in Leviticus 1:4 deepen your understanding of personal responsibility for sin?**
* **In what ways does the concept of "atonement" in this verse highlight God's initiative and grace in dealing with human sin?**
* **How does understanding the "burnt offering" as a symbol of complete dedication challenge or affirm your own level of surrender and consecration to God?**
* **Considering the cost of this ancient ritual, what does it teach us about the immeasurable value of Christ's one-time sacrifice for our sins?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the offerer laying his hand on the animal's head?**

Answer: The act of the offerer laying his hand upon the head of the burnt offering was a crucial symbolic gesture. It signified a personal identification with the sacrifice and a ritual transfer of the offerer's sins, guilt, and impurities onto the innocent animal. This was not a casual touch, but a firm pressing down, indicating that the animal was becoming the offerer's substitute, bearing the burden of their transgression. It underscored the personal nature of sin and the necessity of a life given in exchange for another to achieve atonement. This ritual act made the animal "his" sacrifice, representing him before God, and demonstrating his acknowledgment of personal sin and the need for a divine remedy.

**What does "atonement" mean in the context of Leviticus 1:4, and how was it achieved?**

Answer: In Leviticus 1:4, "atonement" (Hebrew: `kaphar`, H3722) means "to cover," "to purge," or "to make reconciliation." It refers to the divine act of dealing with sin, removing its defilement, and restoring a right relationship between a holy God and sinful humanity. For the Israelite, atonement was achieved through the divinely prescribed ritual of the burnt offering, which included the laying on of hands, the shedding of the animal's blood, and its complete consumption by fire on the altar. The verse explicitly states that the offering "shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him," indicating that the efficacy of the atonement was dependent on God's gracious acceptance of the sacrifice, not merely on the human performance of the ritual. It was God's chosen means to cover sin and allow His people to draw near, as further elaborated in the [laws of atonement](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement").

**Is Leviticus 1:4 still relevant for Christians today, given that animal sacrifices are no longer practiced?**

Answer: Absolutely. While the Old Testament sacrificial system, including the burnt offering, has been fulfilled and rendered obsolete by Christ's perfect sacrifice, Leviticus 1:4 remains profoundly relevant. It teaches us fundamental theological truths: the gravity of sin, which demands a costly remedy; the principle of substitution, where an innocent life is given for a guilty one; and the necessity of divine acceptance for reconciliation. This verse serves as a powerful type, pointing forward to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate "Lamb of God" (as described in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) who perfectly fulfilled all the requirements of the Old Covenant sacrifices. Understanding this verse deepens our appreciation for the complete and eternal atonement we have in Christ, reminding us that He bore our sins on the cross (as seen in [1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins")) and provides the only way to be accepted by God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 1:4, with its detailed ritual of the offerer laying hands upon the burnt offering for atonement, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The symbolic transfer of sin from the offerer to the animal is a powerful foreshadowing of Christ's identification with humanity's sin, though He Himself was sinless. Just as the animal became the substitute, bearing the consequences of the offerer's transgression, so too did Jesus, the spotless [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), willingly take upon Himself the sins of the world. He became our substitute, bearing the full wrath of God against sin on the cross, as eloquently stated in [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us"), where "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." The acceptance of the burnt offering by God for atonement points directly to God's gracious acceptance of Christ's perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, which truly "covers" and purges our sins, providing eternal redemption (as seen in [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Through faith, believers "lay hands" on Christ, identifying with His death and resurrection, and are thereby accepted in the Beloved (as described in [Ephesians 1:6](/ephesians/1-6 "Ephesians 1:6 - Accepted in the Beloved")), receiving complete and lasting atonement that animal sacrifices could only anticipate. This profound reality underscores the [new covenant](/hebrews/8-6-13 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - The New Covenant") established through His blood, making direct access to God possible.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 29:23

And they brought forth the he goats [for] the sin offering before the king and the congregation; and they laid their hands upon them:

2 Chronicles 29:24

And the priests killed them, and they made reconciliation with their blood upon the altar, to make an atonement for all Israel: for the king commanded [that] the burnt offering and the sin offering [should be made] for all Israel.

Exodus 29:10

And thou shalt cause a bullock to be brought before the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands upon the head of the bullock.

Leviticus 4:26

And he shall burn all his fat upon the altar, as the fat of the sacrifice of peace offerings: and the priest shall make an atonement for him as concerning his sin, and it shall be forgiven him.

Leviticus 3:2

And he shall lay his hand upon the head of his offering, and kill it [at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron's sons the priests shall sprinkle the blood upon the altar round about.

Leviticus 3:8

And he shall lay his hand upon the head of his offering, and kill it before the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron's sons shall sprinkle the blood thereof round about upon the altar.

Leviticus 4:20

And he shall do with the bullock as he did with the bullock for a sin offering, so shall he do with this: and the priest shall make an atonement for them, and it shall be forgiven them.