Leviticus 4:16

KJV

And the priest that is anointed shall bring of the bullock's blood to the tabernacle of the congregation:

KJV (with Strong's)

And the priest {H3548} that is anointed {H4899} shall bring {H935} of the bullock's {H6499} blood {H1818} to the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}:

Complete Jewish Bible

The anointed cohen is to bring some of the bull's blood to the tent of meeting.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the anointed priest is to bring some of the bull’s blood into the Tent of Meeting,

American Standard Version

And the anointed priest shall bring of the blood of the bullock to the tent of meeting:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 4:16 outlines a pivotal action within the sin offering ritual for the anointed High Priest or the entire Israelite congregation: the High Priest's solemn duty to bring a portion of the bullock's blood into the Tabernacle of the congregation. This act was central to the process of atonement for unintentional sin, underscoring the gravity of transgression, the High Priest's unique mediating role, and the absolute necessity of blood sacrifice to approach and appease a holy God within His designated dwelling place among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 4 meticulously details the `chatta't` or "sin offering" laws, specifically addressing unintentional sins committed by various groups within Israel. The chapter systematically progresses from the sin of the anointed priest (verses 3-12), to the sin of the entire congregation (verses 13-21), a ruler (verses 22-26), and finally, an individual common person (verses 27-35). Verse 16 is situated within the instructions for the sin offering of the anointed priest, which, due to the High Priest's pivotal role and the collective impact of his sin, mirrored the requirements for the sin of the whole congregation, both necessitating a bullock as the sacrifice. This verse follows the initial slaying of the bullock and the collection of its blood outside the Tabernacle, and precedes the specific application of the blood to the altar of incense and before the veil, as well as the burning of the fat and the disposal of the carcass outside the camp. It thus highlights a critical moment where the High Priest, having prepared the offering, enters the sacred space to present the atoning blood directly before God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this intricate ritual is the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary that served as the focal point of Israelite worship and the symbolic dwelling place of God among His people during their wilderness wanderings and early settlement. Often referred to as the [Tent of Meeting](/exodus/27 "Exodus 27 - The Tabernacle and its Courtyard"), it was the physical representation of God's covenant presence. The "priest that is anointed" refers specifically to the High Priest, who underwent a unique and elaborate consecration ceremony involving anointing with sacred oil (cf. [Exodus 29:7](/exodus/29-7 "Exodus 29:7 - Aaron's Anointing") and [Leviticus 8:12](/leviticus/8-12 "Leviticus 8:12 - Moses Anoints Aaron")). This anointing set him apart as the supreme spiritual leader and the sole authorized mediator between God and Israel, entrusted with the most sacred atonement rituals. The use of a bullock, the largest and most valuable animal for sacrifice, underscores the immense gravity of sin, particularly when committed by the High Priest or the entire community, and the high cost required for expiation. The act of bringing the blood into the Tabernacle was not merely a ceremonial gesture but a profound theological statement: the life-blood, representing life itself, was being presented into God's presence to secure expiation for sin and maintain divine favor.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 4:16 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness**, emphasizing God's absolute purity and His demand for a holy people. The meticulous rituals, especially the handling of blood within the sacred space, highlight the chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity, and the strict requirements for bridging that gap. Closely related is the theme of **Atonement**, which posits that sin requires a substitutionary sacrifice, and that "the life of the creature is in the blood" ([Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life is in the Blood")). The verse underscores the **Mediatorial Role of the Priesthood**, particularly the High Priest, as the divinely appointed conduit through whom Israel could approach God and receive forgiveness. Finally, the passage reinforces the theme of **God's Gracious Provision** for dealing with sin, demonstrating His willingness to provide a means for His people to remain in covenant relationship with Him despite their imperfections, as seen in the detailed instructions for the sin offering found throughout [Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - Laws for Sin Offerings").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Anointed (Hebrew, _mâshîyach'_):** This term, from H4899, signifies a consecrated person, typically a king, priest, or prophet, set apart for a special divine purpose through anointing with oil. In the context of Leviticus 4:16, it specifically refers to the High Priest, who underwent a unique anointing ritual (cf. [Exodus 29:7](/exodus/29-7 "Exodus 29:7 - Aaron's Anointing")) that designated him as God's chosen mediator. This consecration endowed him with the necessary authority and ritual purity to perform the most sacred duties, including entering the Tabernacle with the blood for atonement.
* **Blood (Hebrew, _dâm'_):** From H1818, "blood" refers to the life-fluid of man or animal, which, when shed, causes death. In the Levitical sacrificial system, blood was uniquely designated as the means of atonement, for "the life of the creature is in the blood" ([Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life is in the Blood for Atonement")). The bringing of the bullock's blood into the Tabernacle symbolized the offering of a life in substitution for the life of the sinner, making expiation directly before God's presence.
* **Tabernacle (Hebrew, _ʼôhel'_):** From H168, "tabernacle" literally means "tent" and refers to the portable sanctuary, the "Tent of Meeting." It was the central place of worship for Israel, symbolizing God's dwelling presence among His people. Bringing the blood into this sacred structure, specifically into the Holy Place, signified that the atonement was being presented directly to God, cleansing the sanctuary itself from the defilement of the people's sins and allowing God's holy presence to remain.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the priest that is anointed shall bring":** This opening clause identifies the High Priest as the exclusive individual authorized to perform this crucial step of the sin offering. His unique status, conferred by his sacred anointing, grants him the singular right and solemn responsibility to carry the atoning blood into the sacred precincts of the Tabernacle. This emphasizes the divinely ordained structure of mediation and access to God.
* **"of the bullock's blood":** This phrase specifies the precise sacrificial element required for this particular offering. The "bullock" (a young bull, H6499) was the prescribed animal for the sin offerings of the High Priest or the entire congregation, indicating the high value and profound significance of the sacrifice. The "blood" (H1818) is consistently presented throughout Leviticus as the divinely appointed means of atonement, representing the life offered in substitution for the life of the sinner.
* **"to the tabernacle of the congregation":** This final clause designates the sacred destination for the blood. The "tabernacle of the congregation" (or "Tent of Meeting," H168 and H4150) was the consecrated space where God's presence dwelt among His people. Bringing the blood *into* this sanctuary, specifically into the Holy Place (not yet the Most Holy Place, which was reserved for the Day of Atonement), signified that the atonement was being presented directly before God, thereby making expiation for sin in the very place where God met with His people and where His holiness resided. This act was essential for cleansing the sanctuary from the defilement of the people's sins, ensuring God's continued presence.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 4:16 is rich with significant literary devices that amplify its theological weight. **Symbolism** is central, with the "bullock's blood" powerfully symbolizing the life offered in substitution, serving as the divinely appointed means of atonement. The "Tabernacle of the congregation" functions as a profound symbol of God's immanent presence among His people and the designated locus for encountering His holiness. The "anointed priest" embodies the divinely appointed mediator, whose consecrated status enables him to bridge the immense gap between a sinful humanity and a holy God. The entire ritual, of which this verse is a precise component, operates as a **Type**, foreshadowing a greater and more perfect reality to come. The meticulous detail in the instructions for handling the blood and its specific placement within the Tabernacle demonstrates **Precision** and **Emphasis**, underscoring the absolute seriousness of sin and the exacting, non-negotiable requirements for its atonement in the presence of a holy and righteous God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 4:16 profoundly underscores the theological truth that sin, even unintentional sin, is a grave offense against a holy God, requiring a costly and meticulously performed atonement. The High Priest's unique role as mediator, bringing the life-blood into God's dwelling place, highlights the divine provision for dealing with human sin and the absolute necessity of a substitute. This verse reinforces the foundational principle articulated in the New Testament that "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins" ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - No Forgiveness Without Blood")). It speaks to God's absolute holiness, His unwavering demand for purity, and His gracious provision for reconciliation through a divinely ordained system of sacrifice and mediation, ensuring that His holy presence could remain among His imperfect people.

* [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life is in the Blood for Atonement")
* [Hebrews 9:7](/hebrews/9-7 "Hebrews 9:7 - High Priest's Annual Entry")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Necessity of Blood Shedding")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 4:16, though describing an ancient ritual, offers profound and enduring spiritual insights for believers today. It serves as a stark reminder of the absolute holiness of God and the pervasive, defiling nature of sin, even that which is committed unintentionally, which inherently separates us from Him. The meticulousness of the ritual, the costly sacrifice of a bullock, and the unique, consecrated role of the High Priest all emphasize that access to God is not casual or automatic but requires a divinely appointed means of atonement. This verse compels us to deeply consider the gravity of our own sin and the immense, immeasurable cost of our redemption. It points us to the profound truth that our reconciliation with God is not something we can achieve through our own efforts or merit, but comes solely through a perfect sacrifice and an ultimate High Priest. Reflecting on this verse should cultivate within us a deeper reverence for God's majestic holiness, a greater awareness of the seriousness of every sin, and an immense, overflowing gratitude for the perfect and complete atonement graciously provided for us in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of the sin offering ritual in Leviticus 4, particularly the High Priest's specific role, deepen your understanding of God's holiness and the pervasive seriousness of sin?**
* **In what ways does the concept of "blood atonement" and the offering of life for life challenge or affirm your understanding of forgiveness and reconciliation with a holy God?**
* **How does the High Priest's act of bringing the blood into the Tabernacle prefigure or illuminate the concept of mediation and access to God in your own faith journey?**

### FAQ
**Why was the High Priest specifically required to bring the blood into the Tabernacle?**

Answer: The High Priest, referred to as "the priest that is anointed," held a uniquely consecrated and indispensable position within Israel. His anointing set him apart as the primary and most sacred mediator between God and the people. For sins committed by the High Priest himself or by the entire congregation, the defilement was considered so profound that it directly impacted the very sanctuary where God dwelt. Therefore, it was his exclusive and solemn duty to bring a portion of the bullock's blood, representing the life offered for atonement, into the Holy Place of the [Tabernacle of the congregation](/exodus/26 "Exodus 26 - The Tabernacle Construction") to cleanse it and make expiation directly before God's holy presence. This act underscored his irreplaceable role in maintaining the purity of the sanctuary and the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

**What is the significance of "the bullock's blood" in this ritual?**

Answer: The "bullock's blood" was absolutely central to the sin offering because, according to God's divine decree in [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood"), "the life of the creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for your souls on the altar; for it is the blood that makes atonement by reason of the life." The bullock, being a large and highly valuable animal, represented a significant and costly sacrifice, reflecting the immense gravity of the sin being atoned for, particularly when committed by the High Priest or the entire community. The shedding of its blood symbolized the giving of a life in substitution for the life of the sinner, serving as the divinely appointed means by which sin was covered, guilt was expiated, and reconciliation with a holy God was achieved.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 4:16, with its solemn depiction of the anointed priest bringing the bullock's blood into the Tabernacle, finds its ultimate, perfect, and eternally efficacious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is our true and eternal "anointed priest," the Messiah, consecrated not with perishable oil but by the eternal Spirit (cf. [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Self-Sacrifice")), and appointed by God Himself as our Great High Priest (cf. [Hebrews 5:5](/hebrews/5-5 "Hebrews 5:5 - Christ as High Priest")). Unlike the Levitical high priests who offered the blood of animals repeatedly, first for their own sins and then for the people's, Jesus, as the spotless [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offered Himself as the perfect, singular, and final sacrifice (cf. [Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Single Sacrifice")). He did not enter an earthly tabernacle with the blood of bulls and goats, but rather, He entered the true, heavenly sanctuary—God's very presence—"through His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption" (cf. [Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ's Heavenly Ministry and Eternal Redemption")). Through His once-for-all sacrifice on the cross and His ongoing intercession as our compassionate High Priest, believers now have direct, confident, and perpetual access to the Father, cleansed not by animal blood, but by the precious, atoning blood of Jesus Christ (cf. [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Holy Place")). This ancient ritual, therefore, powerfully foreshadows the immeasurably superior and complete work of Christ, who perfectly accomplished what the Levitical system could only anticipate and symbolize.

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

Leviticus 4:5

And the priest that is anointed shall take of the bullock's blood, and bring it to the tabernacle of the congregation:

Leviticus 4:12

Even the whole bullock shall he carry forth without the camp unto a clean place, where the ashes are poured out, and burn him on the wood with fire: where the ashes are poured out shall he be burnt.

Hebrews 9:12

Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption [for us].

Hebrews 9:14

How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?