Leviticus 4:34

KJV

And the priest shall take of the blood of the sin offering with his finger, and put [it] upon the horns of the altar of burnt offering, and shall pour out all the blood thereof at the bottom of the altar:

KJV (with Strong's)

And the priest {H3548} shall take {H3947} of the blood {H1818} of the sin offering {H2403} with his finger {H676}, and put {H5414} it upon the horns {H7161} of the altar {H4196} of burnt offering {H5930}, and shall pour out {H8210} all the blood {H1818} thereof at the bottom {H3247} of the altar {H4196}:

Complete Jewish Bible

The cohen is to take some of the blood of the sin offering with his finger and put it on the horns of the altar for burnt offerings. All its remaining blood he is to pour out at the base of the altar.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the priest is to take some of the blood of the sin offering with his finger, put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering, and pour out the rest of its blood at the base of the altar.

American Standard Version

And the priest shall take of the blood of the sin-offering with his finger, and put it upon the horns of the altar of burnt-offering; and all the blood thereof shall he pour out at the base of the altar.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 4:34 meticulously details the priestly actions required for the sin offering of an individual from the common people. This verse describes the precise handling of the sacrificial blood: a portion is applied by the priest's finger to the horns of the altar of burnt offering, symbolizing the extension of purification to the core of worship, while the remainder is poured out at the altar's base, signifying the complete dedication and disposal of the sin's consequence. This sacred procedure underscores the gravity of sin, the necessity of a life offered in its place, and God's provision for reconciliation within the Mosaic covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 4 provides comprehensive instructions for the *chatta't* or "sin offering," a specific sacrifice designed to atone for unintentional sins committed by various societal groups within Israel. The chapter systematically outlines the procedures for a high priest ([Leviticus 4:3-12](/leviticus/4-3-12 "Leviticus 4:3-12 - Sin Offering for the High Priest")), the entire congregation ([Leviticus 4:13-21](/leviticus/4-13-21 "Leviticus 4:13-21 - Sin Offering for the Whole Congregation")), a leader ([Leviticus 4:22-26](/leviticus/4-22-26 "Leviticus 4:22-26 - Sin Offering for a Leader")), and finally, an individual of the common people ([Leviticus 4:27-35](/leviticus/4-27-35 "Leviticus 4:27-35 - Sin Offering for a Common Person")). Our verse, [Leviticus 4:34](/leviticus/4-34 "Leviticus 4:34 - The Sin Offering Ritual"), falls within the instructions for the common person's sin offering, specifically detailing the handling of the blood after the animal has been slaughtered. This follows the initial steps of the offerer laying hands on the animal and its subsequent slaughter, leading to the priestly actions that effect atonement and purification. The meticulous detail in this chapter highlights the seriousness with which God viewed sin, even unintentional sin, and the precise means He provided for its expiation, setting it apart from other offerings like the burnt offering or peace offering, which had different primary purposes.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The sin offering was an indispensable component of the Mosaic covenant, which established the unique relationship between Yahweh and Israel. In ancient Israel, life was understood to reside in the blood, as explicitly stated in [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood"), making blood central to atonement rituals. The Tabernacle (and later, the Temple) served as the focal point of Israelite worship, where God's holy presence dwelt among His people. However, God's absolute holiness necessitated strict protocols for approaching Him, especially given human sinfulness. The altar of burnt offering, located in the outer court of the Tabernacle, was the primary place for sacrifices and thus a crucial point of contact between God and humanity. The "horns" of the altar, prominent projections at its corners, held significant symbolic meaning, often representing strength, power, and sanctuary (see [1 Kings 1:50](/1_kings/1-50 "1 Kings 1:50 - Adonijah Grabs the Altar Horns")). The ritual application of blood to these horns and its pouring out at the base were not arbitrary actions but deeply symbolic gestures, communicating the transfer of sin to the sacrifice, the consecration of the altar, and the complete expiation of the offense. This elaborate system of sacrifices provided a tangible, visual, and visceral reminder of the cost of sin and the mercy of God in providing a way for His people to remain in covenant fellowship with Him.

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 4, and specifically the sin offering ritual, powerfully articulates several core themes. First, it underscores the **Holiness of God** and the absolute necessity of purity for fellowship with Him. The detailed instructions reveal that God's presence cannot tolerate sin, even unintentional defilement. Second, it highlights the **Pervasiveness and Gravity of Sin**, demonstrating that any transgression, whether deliberate or accidental, creates a breach in the covenant relationship and defiles the sacred space. This is why atonement is required even for sins committed "unwittingly" ([Leviticus 4:2](/leviticus/4-2 "Leviticus 4:2 - Unintentional Sin")). Third, the chapter emphasizes **God's Gracious Provision for Atonement**. Despite humanity's sinfulness, God Himself provides the means for reconciliation through the shedding of blood, offering a substitutionary sacrifice to cover the offense. Finally, the role of the priest points to the theme of **Mediation**, as the priest acts as the divinely appointed intercessor, facilitating the process of purification and restoring the sinner to a right standing before God. These themes are foundational to understanding the entire sacrificial system described in [Leviticus](/leviticus "The Book of Leviticus").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sin Offering (Hebrew, _chaṭṭâʼâh'_):** This term (H2403), often translated "sin offering," derives from a root meaning "to miss the mark." It refers to an offense, its penalty, or the sacrifice and expiation made for it. In this context, it signifies the specific offering designed to purify from sin and its defilement, serving as the means by which the impurity caused by sin is removed, and purification is achieved for the individual and the sanctuary.
* **Blood (Hebrew, _dâm'_):** This word (H1818) refers to the vital fluid of life, that which, when shed, causes death. In the context of the sin offering, blood is the central element of atonement, representing the life of the sacrificial animal offered in exchange for the life of the sinner. Its application in the ritual signifies the transfer of defilement and the means of expiation, demonstrating that atonement required a vital substitute.
* **Horns (Hebrew, _qeren'_):** These (H7161) were the prominent projections at the corners of the altar. Symbolically, horns represented strength, power, and a place of refuge or sanctuary. The application of blood to the horns of the altar meant that the atonement reached the very core and essence of the altar, the sacred place where God met with His people through sacrifice, signifying a complete and powerful act of purification and consecration of the worship space.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the priest shall take of the blood of the sin offering with his finger":** This clause highlights the indispensable role of the priest (H3548, _kôhên_) as the divinely appointed mediator. Only he, as a consecrated individual, could handle the sacred blood (H1818, _dâm_), which represented the life of the sacrificial animal and the means of atonement. The use of his "finger" (H676, _ʼetsbaʻ_) signifies a precise, deliberate, and intimate act, emphasizing the careful, holy, and authoritative nature of the ritual. The verb "take" (H3947, _lâqach_) implies an intentional grasping and handling of this vital substance.
* **"and put [it] upon the horns of the altar of burnt offering":** This action is central to the sin offering. The blood's application (H5414, _nâthan_ - "put") to the horns (H7161, _qeren_) of the main altar (H4196, _mizbêach_) of burnt offering (H5930, _ʻôlâh_) signifies that the atonement for the individual's sin impacts the very place of regular worship. It purifies the altar from the defilement that human sin, even unintentional, introduces into the holy space, ensuring that the sanctuary remains consecrated for God's presence and continued fellowship.
* **"and shall pour out all the blood thereof at the bottom of the altar":** After the specific application to the horns, the remaining blood was poured out (H8210, _shâphak_) at the base or "bottom" (H3247, _yᵉçôwd_) of the altar. This final action signifies the complete dedication of the life offered to God and the full disposal of the sin's consequence. It ensures that no part of the sacred blood, which carried the life and atonement, was misused or treated lightly, emphasizing the reverence and totality required in dealing with sin and seeking purification.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 4:34 is rich in **Symbolism**. The **blood** itself is the primary symbol, representing life, atonement, and purification—the very essence of the substitutionary sacrifice. Its application to the **horns of the altar** symbolizes the power and efficacy of the atonement reaching the very core of worship and the sacred space, consecrating it anew. The **altar** itself symbolizes the divinely appointed point of contact between a holy God and sinful humanity, the place where reconciliation is made possible. The **priest** embodies the role of mediator, a figure essential for bridging the gap between God and man through prescribed ritual. The entire process is described with **Ritualistic Language**, characterized by precise, prescriptive instructions that emphasize order, holiness, and the non-negotiable nature of God's requirements for dealing with sin. This detailed instruction ensures the ritual's proper execution, highlighting its divine origin and sacred purpose.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 4:34 powerfully illustrates foundational theological truths: the absolute holiness of God, the pervasive defilement of sin (even unintentional), and God's gracious provision for atonement. The meticulous handling of the blood underscores that reconciliation with a holy God requires a costly sacrifice—a life for a life. This ritual, though temporary and repetitive, pointed forward to a greater, more perfect sacrifice. It teaches us that sin is not merely a moral failing but an offense against God that requires divine intervention and a substitutionary act to restore fellowship and purity. The priest's mediation further highlights the need for an intercessor between humanity and God.

* [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood"): "For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul."
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood There is No Forgiveness"): "And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission."
* [Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ as a Propitiation by His Blood"): "Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 4:34, though describing an ancient ritual, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It confronts us with the sobering reality of sin's gravity, reminding us that even our "unintentional" transgressions defile us and impact our relationship with a holy God. The elaborate, costly nature of the sin offering should cultivate a deep appreciation for the immense price of our redemption. We no longer offer animal sacrifices, but this verse helps us grasp the magnitude of Christ's sacrifice—a perfect, once-for-all atonement that fulfilled and surpassed all these Old Testament shadows. It calls us to live with a heightened awareness of God's holiness, a humble recognition of our own sinfulness, and an overflowing gratitude for the complete and final forgiveness we have in Jesus. Our response should be a life of worship, obedience, and sincere repentance when we fall short, trusting in the blood of Christ alone for our cleansing and standing before God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of the sin offering ritual in Leviticus 4:34 deepen your understanding of God's holiness and the seriousness of sin?**
* **In what ways does this Old Testament practice enhance your appreciation for the "once-for-all" sacrifice of Jesus Christ?**
* **Considering that even unintentional sins required atonement, how does this impact your view of personal responsibility and the need for ongoing spiritual purification?**
* **How can reflecting on the priest's role as mediator in this verse inform your understanding of Jesus as our ultimate High Priest?**

### FAQ
**What is an "unintentional sin" in the context of Leviticus 4?**

Answer: An "unintentional sin" (Hebrew: *bishgāgāh*) refers to a sin committed unknowingly, inadvertently, or by mistake, rather than a deliberate, high-handed rebellion against God's commands. This could include accidentally violating a dietary law, touching something unclean without realizing it, or unintentionally breaking a specific commandment due to ignorance or oversight. While not malicious, these sins still created defilement and broke covenant purity, requiring atonement to restore the individual's standing and prevent the defilement of the sanctuary. The sin offering did not cover intentional, defiant sins, which often carried more severe penalties, including being "cut off" from the community (e.g., [Numbers 15:30-31](/numbers/15-30-31 "Numbers 15:30-31 - Presumptuous Sins")).

**Why was blood so central to the sin offering ritual?**

Answer: Blood was central because, according to the Mosaic Law, "the life of the flesh is in the blood" ([Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood")). Therefore, the shedding of blood represented the giving of a life. In the sin offering, the life of an innocent animal was offered as a substitute for the life of the sinner. This substitutionary act, where blood was applied to the altar, served as the means of atonement, making propitiation for the sin and cleansing the individual and the sanctuary from impurity. It visually and viscerally communicated that sin's penalty was death, and only through the shedding of a life could forgiveness and purification be achieved.

**What was the significance of putting blood on the "horns of the altar"?**

Answer: The horns of the altar were prominent, symbolic extensions at each corner, often representing strength, power, and sanctuary. Applying the blood to these horns signified that the atonement reached the very heart and essence of the altar, the sacred space where God's presence was encountered and where sacrifices were offered. It demonstrated that the sin offering purified the altar itself from the defilement caused by human sin, ensuring the holiness of the place of worship. It also underscored the power and efficacy of the sacrificial blood to cleanse and consecrate. In some cases, grasping the horns of the altar could offer temporary sanctuary (e.g., [1 Kings 1:50](/1_kings/1-50 "1 Kings 1:50 - Adonijah Grabs the Altar Horns")), further emphasizing their symbolic importance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 4:34, with its meticulous details of the sin offering, serves as a profound shadow pointing to the ultimate reality found in Jesus Christ. The priest's indispensable role in handling the blood and mediating atonement is perfectly fulfilled in Jesus, our great High Priest, who "ever liveth to make intercession" for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")). The sacrificial animal's blood, offered repeatedly for unintentional sins, finds its perfect antitype in Christ's own precious blood, shed "once for all" on the cross, not for mere unintentional sins but for the full weight of humanity's sin, both intentional and unintentional ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")). Just as the blood was applied to the horns of the altar, signifying purification of the sacred space, Christ's blood purifies not only our consciences but also the heavenly sanctuary itself, making us holy and blameless before God ([Hebrews 9:23-24](/hebrews/9-23-24 "Hebrews 9:23-24 - Heavenly Sanctuary Purified by Christ's Blood")). The pouring out of all the blood at the altar's base symbolizes the completeness of the offering; similarly, Christ's cry "It is finished!" ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - Jesus' Last Words")) declared the full and final accomplishment of redemption. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), our perfect sin offering, through whom we have "redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace" ([Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood")).

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 4:30

And the priest shall take of the blood thereof with his finger, and put [it] upon the horns of the altar of burnt offering, and shall pour out all the blood thereof at the bottom of the altar.

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.

Leviticus 4:25

And the priest shall take of the blood of the sin offering with his finger, and put [it] upon the horns of the altar of burnt offering, and shall pour out his blood at the bottom of the altar of burnt offering.

1 Peter 1:18

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, [as] silver and gold, from your vain conversation [received] by tradition from your fathers;

1 Peter 1:20

Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

Romans 10:4

For Christ [is] the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

Isaiah 42:21

The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness' sake; he will magnify the law, and make [it] honourable.