Leviticus 4:18

KJV

And he shall put [some] of the blood upon the horns of the altar which [is] before the LORD, that [is] in the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall pour out all the blood at the bottom of the altar of the burnt offering, which [is at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he shall put {H5414} some of the blood {H1818} upon the horns {H7161} of the altar {H4196} which is before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}, that is in the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}, and shall pour out {H8210} all the blood {H1818} at the bottom {H3247} of the altar {H4196} of the burnt offering {H5930}, which is at the door {H6607} of the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He is to put some of the blood on the horns of the altar before ADONAI, there in the tent of meeting. All the remaining blood he is to pour out at the base of the altar for burnt offerings, which is at the entrance to the tent of meeting.

Berean Standard Bible

He is also to put some of the blood on the horns of the altar that is before the LORD in the Tent of Meeting, and he must pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar of burnt offering at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.

American Standard Version

And he shall put of the blood upon the horns of the altar which is before Jehovah, that is in the tent of meeting; and all the blood shall he pour out at the base of the altar of burnt-offering, which is at the door of the tent of meeting.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 4:18 meticulously outlines a crucial step in the sin offering ritual for either an anointed priest or the entire Israelite congregation, detailing the precise handling of the sacrificial blood. This verse mandates that a portion of the blood be applied to the horns of the golden altar of incense within the Holy Place, symbolizing the profound defilement of sacred space by serious sin. The remaining blood is then to be poured out reverently at the base of the bronze altar of burnt offering in the outer court. This intricate process underscores the absolute sacredness of blood as the divinely appointed means of atonement and highlights the comprehensive purification required for both the people and the Tabernacle from the pervasive stain of sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 4 provides detailed instructions for the *chatta't*, or sin offering, which addresses unintentional sins committed by various segments of the Israelite community. The chapter systematically differentiates the procedures based on the status of the offender: an anointed priest (vv. 3-12), the whole congregation (vv. 13-21), a ruler (vv. 22-26), or a common individual (vv. 27-35). Verse 18 specifically falls within the instructions for the sin offering of the anointed priest or the entire congregation. These cases are treated with heightened solemnity due to the broader impact of their sins on the community and the sanctity of the Tabernacle itself. Unlike the offerings for a ruler or common person, which involve blood application only to the bronze altar in the outer court, the more serious sins of the priest or congregation necessitate the application of blood inside the Holy Place, specifically on the horns of the golden altar of incense. This escalation in ritual detail reflects the escalating severity and wider defilement caused by the transgressions of those in positions of spiritual leadership or the collective body of Israel, requiring a deeper cleansing of the sanctuary.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The elaborate sacrificial system of ancient Israel, meticulously detailed in the book of Leviticus, formed the very core of their covenant relationship with a holy God. The Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary whose construction is intricately described in [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle"), served as the tangible dwelling place of God among His people. In this worldview, sin, even if unintentional, was understood as a potent defiling force that not only contaminated the sinner but also polluted the sacred space of the Tabernacle, thereby impeding God's holy presence and fellowship with Israel. The unique application of blood on the horns of the golden altar of incense, situated within the Holy Place directly before the veil separating it from the Most Holy Place, was reserved for the most grievous sins (those of the priest or congregation). This ritual emphasized that such sins were perceived as contaminating the very heart of Israel's worship and their closest proximity to God. The subsequent pouring out of the remaining blood at the base of the bronze altar in the outer court underscored the profound sacredness of blood as the vehicle for atonement, as articulated in [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood"). This sacred fluid could not be consumed or carelessly discarded; rather, it had to be returned to the earth in a consecrated manner, signifying the completion of its atoning purpose.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 4:18 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the **holiness of God** and the absolute necessity of maintaining purity in His presence. The meticulous rituals underscore that God is unapproachable in His unblemished holiness without proper atonement. This leads to the theme of the **seriousness and defiling nature of sin**, even unintentional sin, which is shown to contaminate not just the individual but also the sacred space of the Tabernacle, requiring comprehensive cleansing. The verse also highlights the **principle of substitutionary atonement**, where the life (represented by the blood) of an innocent animal is offered in place of the sinner to effect reconciliation. Furthermore, it emphasizes the **sacredness of blood** as the divinely appointed means for purification and forgiveness, a concept foundational to the entire sacrificial system, as stated in [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood"). Finally, the distinction between the two altars and the varying blood applications reinforces the theme of **graded responsibility and defilement**, where the sins of leaders or the entire community carry greater weight and require a more extensive ritual of purification to restore the sanctity of the divine dwelling. This foreshadows the need for a perfect sacrifice to truly cleanse all sin, a theme developed later in [Hebrews 9](/hebrews/9 "Hebrews 9 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blood (Hebrew, _dâm_):** (H1818) This term refers to the vital fluid, understood as the essence of life itself. In the context of the sin offering, the shedding of blood signifies the giving of life as a substitute for the life of the sinner. Its application and disposal are central to the act of atonement, representing the means by which defilement is cleansed and propitiation is made. The concept of "blood" as that which, when shed, causes death, underscores the gravity of sin and the cost of forgiveness.
* **Altar (Hebrew, _mizbêach_):** (H4196) An altar is a designated structure for sacrifice. Leviticus 4:18 refers to two distinct altars: the golden altar of incense (implied by its location "before the LORD, that is in the tabernacle of the congregation") and the bronze altar of burnt offering (explicitly named and located "at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation"). The altar serves as the focal point for interaction between God and humanity, where offerings are presented and atonement is effected. Its horns (H7161, _qeren_), as projecting corners, symbolize strength, power, and the point of sacred appropriation for the atoning blood.
* **Tabernacle (Hebrew, _ʼôhel_):** (H168) This word denotes a tent or dwelling place, specifically referring to the portable sanctuary where God's presence resided among the Israelites. The Tabernacle was the physical manifestation of God's covenant presence, and its sanctity was paramount. The meticulous blood rituals performed both within and around the Tabernacle underscored that sin defiled this sacred dwelling, necessitating precise atonement to maintain God's holy presence and fellowship with His people. The phrase "tabernacle of the congregation" (H4150, _môwʻêd_) further emphasizes its function as a designated place of meeting or assembly for specific divine purposes, highlighting the communal impact of sin and the corporate nature of atonement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he shall put [some] of the blood upon the horns of the altar which [is] before the LORD, that [is] in the tabernacle of the congregation":** This clause describes the initial and highly significant application of the sacrificial blood. The "altar which is before the LORD" refers to the golden altar of incense, located in the Holy Place, directly in front of the veil that separated it from the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant resided. The act of applying blood to its horns, a ritual specifically reserved for the sin offerings of the anointed priest or the entire congregation, symbolized the cleansing of the sacred space itself. This demonstrated that the effects of such serious transgressions permeated the very heart of Israel's worship and fellowship with God, requiring a deep and pervasive purification of the sanctuary.
* **"and shall pour out all the blood at the bottom of the altar of the burnt offering, which [is at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation":** Following the specific application of blood within the Holy Place, the remaining blood was not to be discarded irreverently but was poured out with solemnity at the base of the large bronze altar of burnt offering. This altar was situated in the outer court, at the entrance to the Tabernacle. This action completed the ritual disposal of the sacred blood, acknowledging its unique and vital role as the vehicle for atonement. By returning the blood to the earth in a consecrated manner, the act emphasized that the blood's purpose had been fulfilled in the act of cleansing and covering sin, and it was treated with the utmost respect due to its sacred function in mediating between a holy God and His people.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 4:18 is rich in literary devices that enhance its theological and practical significance. **Precision and Detail** are paramount, as the verse meticulously specifies the exact locations ("horns of the altar," "bottom of the altar," "in the tabernacle of the congregation," "at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation") and actions ("put... upon," "pour out") for handling the sacred blood. This careful instruction underscores the gravity of the ritual and the absolute necessity of adherence to divine commands. **Symbolism** is deeply embedded throughout the verse: the "blood" represents life, atonement, and purification; the "horns" signify strength, power, and the complete appropriation of the atoning sacrifice; and the two distinct "altars" (the golden incense altar and the bronze burnt offering altar) represent different spheres of divine interaction and varying levels of cleansing required based on the severity of the sin. The spatial progression of the blood's application, from the inner Holy Place to the outer court, subtly conveys a progression of purification and the comprehensive nature of the atonement process, reaching from the most sacred inner sanctum to the public sphere. This detailed ritualistic language also functions as **Typology**, foreshadowing a greater, more perfect sacrifice to come.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 4:18 profoundly illustrates several foundational theological truths concerning sin, atonement, and God's holiness. It highlights the **seriousness and pervasive nature of sin**, even unintentional sin, demonstrating that it defiles not only the individual but also the sacred space where God dwells among His people. The meticulous and costly ritual emphasizes that sin creates a breach in the relationship with a holy God, necessitating a divinely ordained remedy. Consequently, the verse underscores the **necessity of atonement through blood**. The shedding and precise application of blood were the divinely appointed means for covering or cleansing sin, making reconciliation possible. This ritual also speaks to the **principle of substitutionary atonement**, where the life of an innocent animal was given in place of the sinner, foreshadowing a greater and ultimate sacrifice that would truly remove sin. The distinction between the two altars further emphasizes the graded impact of sin and the comprehensive nature of the required purification.

* [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood There is No Forgiveness")
* [Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ Our Propitiation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient ritual described in Leviticus 4:18 offers profound and enduring insights for contemporary believers, reminding us of the unchanging nature of God's absolute holiness and the pervasive, defiling impact of sin. The meticulous care with which the sacrificial blood was handled, and its specific application to cleanse the sacred space, should impress upon us the gravity of our own sins, whether intentional or unintentional, and their potential to defile our "temple" (our bodies, as described in [1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")) and the corporate "temple" (the church, as God's dwelling place in the world, referenced in [Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21-22 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - Growing into a Holy Temple")). This passage calls us to a deeper appreciation for the immense cost of sin and the boundless grace of God in providing a perfect, once-for-all atonement through Christ. It challenges us to consider how we approach God in worship and daily life, recognizing that true access, fellowship, and purity are only possible through the cleansing power of Jesus' sacrifice. We are called to live lives of increasing holiness, reflecting the purity that has been graciously granted to us, and to diligently maintain the sanctity of the church as God's dwelling place and witness in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of the sin offering rituals in Leviticus deepen your understanding of God's holiness and the gravity of sin, even unintentional sin?**
* **In what ways does the Old Testament emphasis on blood atonement prepare our hearts to appreciate the perfect and complete sacrifice of Jesus Christ?**
* **Considering that sin defiled the physical Tabernacle, how should understanding this principle inform our approach to personal holiness and the purity of the church today?**

### FAQ

**Why were there two different altars mentioned for blood application/disposal in this specific sin offering?**

Answer: The two altars mentioned in [Leviticus 4:18](/leviticus/4-18 "Leviticus 4:18 - Blood Application in the Sin Offering") serve distinct purposes related to the severity of the sin and the extent of the defilement. The golden altar of incense, located in the Holy Place, was used for the sin offerings of the anointed priest or the entire congregation because their sins were considered to have a deeper, more pervasive defiling effect, even contaminating the sacred space closer to God's immediate presence. Applying blood to its horns symbolized a deeper cleansing of the sanctuary itself, addressing the defilement that reached the heart of Israel's worship. The bronze altar of burnt offering, located in the outer court, was where the remaining blood was poured out. This was the primary altar for general sacrifices and served as the designated place for the final, respectful disposal of the sacred blood, ensuring it was not treated casually but returned to the earth in a consecrated manner after its atoning purpose was fulfilled. This distinction highlighted both the level of defilement and the required extent of purification.

**What is the significance of applying blood to the 'horns' of the altar?**

Answer: The horns of the altar were prominent projections at each corner, symbolizing strength, power, and authority. In the context of the sin offering, applying blood to the horns signified the complete and effective appropriation of the atoning blood to cleanse the altar and, by extension, the sacred space it represented. This ritual act was a powerful visual declaration that the sin's defilement had been addressed at the very points of strength and sanctity within the sanctuary, ensuring a thorough and powerful act of purification. For instance, in other contexts, grasping the horns of the altar could offer temporary sanctuary ([1 Kings 1:50](/1_kings/1-50 "1 Kings 1:50 - Adonijah Grabs the Altar Horns")), but here, it is about the application of cleansing power. This specific application underscored the seriousness of the sin and the comprehensive nature of the atonement required to restore holiness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 4:18, with its intricate details of blood application for atonement, serves as a profound foreshadowing of the ultimate and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The temporary and repetitive nature of the Levitical sin offerings, which could only ritually cleanse and cover sins, pointed forward to a definitive solution. Unlike the blood of bulls and goats, which could never truly take away sins or purify the conscience ([Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - Animal Sacrifices Cannot Take Away Sins")), the precious blood of Jesus, shed once for all on the cross, achieves eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")). His sacrifice cleanses not merely a physical tabernacle or its altars, but purifies our consciences from dead works to serve the living God ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing Our Consciences")). Through His own blood, Christ entered the true, heavenly Tabernacle, securing a perfect and everlasting atonement for all who believe, making us holy and blameless before God ([Colossians 1:20-22](/colossians/1-20-22 "Colossians 1:20-22 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). The meticulous Old Testament ritual thus magnifies the immeasurable grace and efficacy of Christ's perfect work, revealing Him as the true Lamb of God whose blood truly takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), providing complete and final access to the Father ([Ephesians 2:13](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Made Near by the Blood of Christ")).

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 4:7

And the priest shall put [some] of the blood upon the horns of the altar of sweet incense before the LORD, which [is] in the tabernacle of the congregation; and shall pour all the blood of the bullock at the bottom of the altar of the burnt offering, which [is at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.