Leviticus 4:33

And he shall lay his hand upon the head of the sin offering, and slay it for a sin offering in the place where they kill the burnt offering.

And he shall lay {H5564} his hand {H3027} upon the head {H7218} of the sin offering {H2403}, and slay {H7819} it for a sin offering {H2403} in the place {H4725} where they kill {H7819} the burnt offering {H5930}.

lay his hand on the head of the sin offering and slaughter it as a sin offering in the place where they slaughter burnt offerings.

And he is to lay his hand on the head of the sin offering and slaughter it as a sin offering at the place where the burnt offering is slaughtered.

And he shall lay his hand upon the head of the sin-offering, and kill it for a sin-offering in the place where they kill the burnt-offering.

Commentary

Historical and Cultural Context

Leviticus 4:33 is part of a detailed section in the book of Leviticus that outlines the various types of sacrifices and offerings God commanded for the Israelites to observe in the Tabernacle. Specifically, this verse describes a step in the ritual for a sin offering (Hebrew: chatta't), which was made to atone for unintentional sins committed by an individual from the common people.

The act of the offerer laying their hand upon the animal's head was a symbolic gesture, signifying identification with the offering and the transfer of the offerer's sin or guilt onto the animal. The "place where they kill the burnt offering" refers to a specific, sacred location within the Tabernacle courtyard, likely the north side of the altar of burnt offering, as detailed in Leviticus 1:11. This precision underscored the holy and prescribed nature of these rituals.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Identification and Substitution: The laying on of hands is a profound act of identification. The offerer symbolically places their sin onto the innocent animal, which then becomes their substitute, bearing the penalty of sin. This act prefigures the burden of our iniquity laid upon Christ.
  • Atonement for Sin: The slaying of the animal emphasizes the seriousness of sin, which demands a life (blood) as payment. The sin offering provided a temporary covering for sin, allowing the offerer to be reconciled with God and restore their fellowship.
  • Divine Prescription and Order: The meticulous instructions for the ritual, including the specific location for the sacrifice, highlight God's holiness and His precise requirements for approaching Him and dealing with sin. Every step was divinely ordained.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "sin offering" is chatta't (Χ—Φ·Χ˜ΦΈΦΌΧΧͺ), which can mean both "sin" and the "offering for sin." This linguistic connection underscores that the offering is directly tied to the act of sin and its removal. The phrase "lay his hand" (Hebrew: samakh yad) implies leaning heavily or pressing down, signifying the full transfer of burden or responsibility.

Practical Application

While the Old Testament sacrificial system is no longer practiced, it provides invaluable insight into the nature of sin, God's holiness, and His plan for redemption. This verse helps us understand the concept of substitutionary atonement, where an innocent party takes the place of the guilty.

For believers today, Leviticus 4:33 points powerfully to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. He is our perfect sin offering, who bore our sins on the cross and made a complete, once-for-all atonement (Hebrews 10:10). Through His sacrifice, we receive not just a covering for sin, but complete forgiveness and eternal life, fulfilling what the ancient rituals could only foreshadow. This understanding deepens our appreciation for the grace and mercy found in the new covenant.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 4:4

    And he shall bring the bullock unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD; and shall lay his hand upon the bullock's head, and kill the bullock before the LORD.

  • Leviticus 4:29

    And he shall lay his hand upon the head of the sin offering, and slay the sin offering in the place of the burnt offering.

  • Leviticus 4:31

    And he shall take away all the fat thereof, as the fat is taken away from off the sacrifice of peace offerings; and the priest shall burn [it] upon the altar for a sweet savour unto the LORD; and the priest shall make an atonement for him, and it shall be forgiven him.
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