Leviticus 17:4

KJV

And bringeth it not unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, to offer an offering unto the LORD before the tabernacle of the LORD; blood shall be imputed unto that man; he hath shed blood; and that man shall be cut off from among his people:

KJV (with Strong's)

And bringeth {H935} it not unto the door {H6607} of the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}, to offer {H7126} an offering {H7133} unto the LORD {H3068} before {H6440} the tabernacle {H4908} of the LORD {H3068}; blood {H1818} shall be imputed {H2803} unto that man {H376}; he hath shed {H8210} blood {H1818}; and that man {H376} shall be cut off {H3772} from among {H7130} his people {H5971}:

Complete Jewish Bible

without bringing it to the entrance of the tent of meeting to present it as an offering to ADONAI before the tabernacle of ADONAI, he is to be charged with blood - he has shed blood, and that person is to be cut off from his people.

Berean Standard Bible

instead of bringing it to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting to present it as an offering to the LORD before His tabernacle—that man shall incur bloodguilt. He has shed blood and must be cut off from among his people.

American Standard Version

and hath not brought it unto the door of the tent of meeting, to offer it as an oblation unto Jehovah before the tabernacle of Jehovah: blood shall be imputed unto that man; he hath shed blood; and that man shall be cut off from among his people:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 17:4 establishes a stringent divine mandate for the ancient Israelites regarding the offering of animal sacrifices, unequivocally centralizing all legitimate sacrificial activity at the Tabernacle. It strictly prohibits the slaughter of sacrificial animals elsewhere, pronouncing a severe judgment of "blood imputed" and being "cut off from among his people" for any individual who violates this command. This underscores the sanctity of life, the gravity of unauthorized worship, and the absolute authority of God's prescribed rituals for atonement and communion within the covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 17 marks a pivotal transition in the book, initiating what scholars often term the "Holiness Code" (chapters 17-26). This section shifts focus from the mechanics of sacrifice and priestly duties to the broader principles of holiness that must govern the daily lives and worship of the Israelite community. Chapter 17 specifically addresses the proper handling of blood and the centralization of all animal slaughter, whether for sacrificial offerings or for consumption. Prior to this, certain practices might have allowed for more decentralized slaughter. However, [Leviticus 17:1-7](/leviticus/17-1-7 "Leviticus 17:1-7 - Regulations for Sacrifices and Blood") establishes a new, stringent rule: any animal intended for sacrifice, or even for consumption if killed in the field, must be brought to the "door of the tabernacle of the congregation." This regulation is immediately followed by a prohibition against sacrificing to "devils" or "goat-demons" in [Leviticus 17:7](/leviticus/17-7 "Leviticus 17:7 - Prohibition of Sacrificing to Demons"), highlighting the immediate concern of preventing idolatry and syncretism. The broader context of the Holiness Code emphasizes that Israel's daily life and worship must reflect God's holy character, setting them apart from surrounding nations and ensuring the purity of their covenant relationship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Before the Mosaic covenant and the establishment of the Tabernacle, it was common for patriarchs and early Israelite communities to offer sacrifices at various altars and locations, as seen with Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. However, with the giving of the Law at Sinai and the construction of the [Tabernacle](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - Command to Build the Sanctuary"), God instituted a centralized system of worship. This was crucial for several reasons: primarily, to prevent the Israelites from adopting the polytheistic and often abhorrent sacrificial practices of their Canaanite neighbors, which frequently involved child sacrifice or cultic prostitution. Centralization also ensured ritual purity and adherence to divine specifications, maintaining the theological distinctiveness of Yahweh worship. It prevented the proliferation of "high places" and unauthorized altars, which historically became centers of idolatry—a persistent problem the Israelites would struggle with throughout their history, as later emphasized in [Deuteronomy 12:5-14](/deuteronomy/12-5-14 "Deuteronomy 12:5-14 - The Chosen Place for Worship"). The severe penalty for disobedience underscores the gravity of preserving the purity of Israel's covenant relationship with a holy God in a religiously pluralistic ancient Near Eastern world.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 17:4 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book and the Pentateuch. The most prominent is the **centralization of worship**, establishing the Tabernacle as the sole legitimate site for approaching God with sacrifices, thereby safeguarding against idolatry and syncretism. This command also highlights the **sanctity of blood** and, by extension, the **sanctity of life**. Blood is presented as the life-force, consecrated by God for atonement, and its unauthorized shedding is treated with extreme gravity, equating it with murder. This theme is explicitly stated in [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood"). Furthermore, the verse underscores the theme of **divine authority and obedience**, emphasizing that God's commands are absolute and deviation carries severe consequences. The penalty of being "cut off from among his people" reinforces the theme of **covenant fidelity and community purity**, demonstrating that willful disobedience jeopardizes one's standing within the covenant and the purity of the entire Israelite community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tabernacle (Hebrew, _ʼôhel'_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "to be clearly conspicuous from a distance," refers to the portable sanctuary where God's presence dwelt among the Israelites. It was the central place of worship, sacrifice, and divine revelation. In Leviticus 17:4, the emphasis on the "door of the tabernacle" (H6607, _pethach_) signifies the specific, divinely appointed access point for all sacrificial activity, reinforcing the absolute centralization of legitimate worship to a single, visible location, distinct from any other place.
* **Imputed (Hebrew, _châshab'_):** This verb means "to reckon," "to account," "to consider," or "to charge." In this context, it signifies that the act of unlawfully shedding blood is definitively attributed or assigned to the individual. It's not merely a suggestion of guilt but a legal declaration that the guilt of murder, or at least a profound violation of the sanctity of life and the divine order, is formally laid upon that person. This legal imputation highlights the seriousness with which God views the misuse of blood, which He has designated for atonement.
* **Cut off (Hebrew, _kârath'_):** This powerful verb literally means "to cut off," "to sever," or "to destroy." In a covenantal and legal context, it denotes a severe form of excommunication from the covenant community of Israel. This could manifest in various ways: exclusion from religious rites, social ostracization, loss of inheritance, or even divine judgment leading to premature death. It signifies a breach in the relationship between the individual and God's people, and by extension, with God Himself, underscoring the absolute necessity of adhering to the divine regulations for maintaining one's place within the covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And bringeth it not unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, to offer an offering unto the LORD before the tabernacle of the LORD;":** This initial clause sets the condition for the transgression. It specifies the forbidden action: failing to bring an animal intended for sacrifice (or even for consumption if killed in the field, as per [Leviticus 17:3](/leviticus/17-3 "Leviticus 17:3 - Prohibition of Slaughtering Outside the Camp")) to the singular, divinely appointed location for all such activity—the entrance of the Tabernacle of the congregation. The repetition of "the tabernacle of the LORD" emphasizes the exclusivity and divine authority of this central place of worship. This clause underscores the absolute necessity of centralization and the exclusive nature of God's prescribed method for approaching Him with offerings.
* **"blood shall be imputed unto that man;":** This is the immediate and severe consequence of the transgression. The act of shedding blood outside the Tabernacle's prescribed ritual is treated as a grave offense, akin to murder. The guilt of this unlawful shedding of life is formally "reckoned" or "charged" to the individual, indicating a legal and moral culpability before God. It highlights that this is not a minor procedural error but a profound violation of divine law regarding the sanctity of life and the proper use of blood.
* **"he hath shed blood;":** This phrase reinforces the previous statement, explicitly equating the unauthorized killing of an animal with the act of shedding human blood, signifying murder. It highlights the profound sanctity of life, symbolized by blood, and the seriousness of violating divine order concerning its proper use. This is not merely a metaphor; it conveys that the individual's action is not just a ritual infraction but a profound moral and spiritual offense that carries the weight of a capital crime in God's eyes.
* **"and that man shall be cut off from among his people:":** This final clause pronounces the ultimate penalty. The transgressor will be expelled from the community of Israel. This "cutting off" implies a loss of all covenantal privileges, a separation from the people of God, and often, the direct intervention of divine judgment leading to premature death. It signifies a complete break from the protective and redemptive relationship God had established with His chosen nation, emphasizing the dire consequences of willful disobedience to His holy commands and the importance of maintaining the purity of the covenant community.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 17:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with gravity and clarity. **Repetition** is evident in the repeated mention of "the tabernacle of the congregation" and "the tabernacle of the LORD," emphasizing the singular, divinely ordained location for worship and sacrifice. This repetition serves to underscore the absolute necessity of centralization and the non-negotiable nature of the command. The phrase "he hath shed blood" functions as a powerful **metonymy** or **synecdoche**, where the act of shedding animal blood unlawfully stands in for the greater sin of violating God's sacred order concerning life and worship, effectively equating it with murder in its severity and moral weight. The entire verse is structured as a **legal pronouncement**, characterized by its declarative, conditional "if...then" implicit structure (though not explicitly stated with "if"), and the clear articulation of offense and penalty. This legalistic precision reinforces the binding nature of the command and the certainty of its consequences. Finally, the stark imagery of "blood shall be imputed" and being "cut off" employs vivid **symbolism** to communicate the profound spiritual and social alienation that results from disobedience, highlighting the sanctity of the covenant and the severity of its breach.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 17:4 is a foundational text for understanding the sanctity of life, the necessity of ordered worship, and the gravity of sin within the Old Covenant. The centralization of sacrifice at the Tabernacle was not merely a logistical command but a theological safeguard against idolatry and a means of ensuring that all worship was directed solely to Yahweh, according to His terms. The equating of unauthorized blood-shedding with murder underscores the profound value God places on life, which is intrinsically linked to blood, the vehicle of life (as explicitly stated in [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood")). The severe penalty of being "cut off" highlights God's absolute holiness and His intolerance for willful disobedience, demonstrating that sin, particularly that which defiles His sacred ordinances, carries dire consequences for one's relationship with Him and His people. This divine intolerance for sin and the necessity of a blood atonement foreshadow the ultimate solution found in Christ.

* [Deuteronomy 12:13-14](/deuteronomy/12-13-14 "Deuteronomy 12:13-14 - Warning Against Unauthorized Sacrifices")
* [Numbers 15:30-31](/numbers/15-30-31 "Numbers 15:30-31 - Punishment for Presumptuous Sin")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood There is No Forgiveness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific command of bringing animal sacrifices to a physical tabernacle is no longer applicable for believers today due to the finished work of Christ, the underlying principles of Leviticus 17:4 remain profoundly relevant. This verse challenges us to consider the terms of our worship: do we approach God on our own terms, or on His? True worship is not merely an expression of personal preference but a humble submission to God's revealed will, acknowledging His sovereignty and holiness. Furthermore, the sanctity of blood, equating unauthorized shedding with murder, compels us to reflect on the value of life—all life—as sacred and given by God. It calls us to a deeper reverence for life, from conception to natural death, and to recognize the gravity of any action that devalues or unjustly takes it. Finally, the severe consequence of being "cut off" serves as a sober reminder of the seriousness of willful disobedience and sin in God's eyes. It underscores that while God is gracious, He is also just, and there are profound spiritual and relational consequences for rebellion against His divine order. This should drive us to repentance and to seek His grace, always remembering the cost of sin and the preciousness of His covenant.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on centralized worship in Leviticus 17:4 inform our understanding of corporate worship today?**
* **In what ways does the sanctity of blood, as highlighted in this verse, challenge our modern perspectives on life and death issues, such as abortion or euthanasia?**
* **What does the penalty of being "cut off" teach us about the seriousness of willful, unrepentant disobedience to God's commands in our lives and the importance of our relationship with the community of faith?**
* **How can we ensure our worship is truly "on God's terms," rooted in His Word and Spirit, rather than based on personal preferences, cultural trends, or human traditions?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so critical for sacrifices to be brought only to the Tabernacle door?**

Answer: It was critical for several reasons: primarily, to centralize worship and prevent the Israelites from adopting pagan sacrificial practices common among surrounding nations (e.g., sacrificing to "devils" mentioned in [Leviticus 17:7](/leviticus/17-7 "Leviticus 17:7 - Prohibition of Sacrificing to Demons")); to ensure ritual purity and adherence to God's specific instructions for offerings, which could only be properly administered by the Levitical priests; and to underscore the unity of the nation's worship under one God and one covenant. This centralization served as a theological safeguard against idolatry and syncretism, ensuring that all legitimate worship was directed solely to Yahweh and maintained the distinctiveness of Israel's relationship with Him.

**Does the concept of "blood shall be imputed unto that man" mean that killing an animal outside the Tabernacle was literally considered murder?**

Answer: While not literal murder of a human, the phrase "blood shall be imputed unto that man; he hath shed blood" elevates the act to a level of extreme seriousness, equating it with a capital offense in terms of guilt and consequence. It signifies that the individual was guilty of a profound violation of God's sacred order concerning life and the proper use of blood, which God designated as the means of atonement ([Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood")). By shedding blood outside the prescribed ritual, the individual was usurping God's prerogative over life and death, and defiling the sacred means of atonement. It was a direct affront to God's authority and the sanctity of the covenant, carrying a penalty as severe as that for certain capital crimes.

**What does it mean to be "cut off from among his people," and how does this apply to us today?**

Answer: To be "cut off" (Hebrew: *karath*) meant a severe excommunication from the covenant community of Israel. This could involve social ostracization, loss of inheritance, exclusion from religious rites, and often, divine judgment leading to premature death. It signified a complete break from the protective and redemptive relationship God had established with His people. While the literal penalty of being "cut off" from physical Israel does not apply to New Covenant believers, the principle remains: willful, unrepentant sin can lead to spiritual separation from God and His people, impacting one's fellowship, spiritual vitality, and eternal standing. The New Testament speaks of discipline within the church ([1 Corinthians 5:1-5](/1_corinthians/5-1-5 "1 Corinthians 5:1-5 - Dealing with Immorality")) and the serious consequences of rejecting Christ and His atoning work ([Hebrews 10:26-31](/hebrews/10-26-31 "Hebrews 10:26-31 - A Warning Against Deliberate Sin")). It underscores the importance of remaining in Christ and in fellowship with His body.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 17:4, with its stringent demand for centralized sacrifice and the severe penalty for unauthorized blood-shedding, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The law's insistence that "blood shall be imputed unto that man" for shedding blood outside God's prescribed way highlights the gravity of sin and the absolute necessity of a blood atonement. This finds its ultimate fulfillment in the [blood of Jesus](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood"), which was shed not in an earthly tabernacle, but "once for all" on the cross, providing a perfect and eternal atonement for sin ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). The Tabernacle, where all sacrifices had to be brought, served as a type of Christ, who is the true "door" ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus is the Door")) and the only way to the Father ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). He is the ultimate "place" where God is rightly approached and where true worship occurs. The penalty of being "cut off" for violating God's sacred order underscores the dire consequences of sin and the need for a mediator. Christ, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the curse of being "cut off" from God on the cross ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")) so that those who believe in Him might never be cut off from God's people, but instead be eternally reconciled and brought into His presence, having peace with God through His precious and perfectly shed blood ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Faith")).

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

Isaiah 66:3

He that killeth an ox [is as if] he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, [as if] he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, [as if he offered] swine's blood; he that burneth incense, [as if] he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.

John 10:9

I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

Ezekiel 20:40

For in mine holy mountain, in the mountain of the height of Israel, saith the Lord GOD, there shall all the house of Israel, all of them in the land, serve me: there will I accept them, and there will I require your offerings, and the firstfruits of your oblations, with all your holy things.

John 10:7

Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

Deuteronomy 12:5

¶ But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, [even] unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come:

Deuteronomy 12:21

If the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to put his name there be too far from thee, then thou shalt kill of thy herd and of thy flock, which the LORD hath given thee, as I have commanded thee, and thou shalt eat in thy gates whatsoever thy soul lusteth after.

Genesis 17:14

And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.