Leviticus 4:4

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he shall bring {H935} the bullock {H6499} unto the door {H6607} of the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}; and shall lay {H5564} his hand {H3027} upon the bullock's {H6499} head {H7218}, and kill {H7819} the bullock {H6499} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He must bring the bull to the entrance of the tent of meeting before ADONAI, lay his hand on the bull's head and slaughter the bull in the presence of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

He must bring the bull to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting before the LORD, lay his hand on the bull’s head, and slaughter it before the LORD.

American Standard Version

And he shall bring the bullock unto the door of the tent of meeting before Jehovah; and he shall lay his hand upon the head of the bullock, and kill the bullock before Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 4:4 meticulously details a critical step in the sin offering ritual (*chatta't*), particularly for the high priest or the entire Israelite community. This verse outlines the solemn act of bringing the sacrificial bullock to the entrance of the Tabernacle, where the designated offerer—whether the priest representing himself or the elders on behalf of the congregation—would lay their hand firmly upon the animal's head, symbolically transferring the burden of sin onto the innocent victim, before its immediate slaughter in the sacred presence of the LORD. This precise instruction underscores the profound gravity of sin, the absolute necessity of atonement, and the foundational principle of substitutionary sacrifice within God's covenant relationship with Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 4 introduces the specific regulations for the *chatta't*, or "sin offering," distinguishing it from the general burnt offering, grain offering, and peace offering detailed in the preceding chapters. While the burnt offering ([Leviticus 1](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Burnt Offering")) provided general atonement and signified complete dedication, the sin offering was uniquely designed to address unintentional sins that resulted in ritual impurity or guilt before God. The chapter meticulously outlines varying requirements based on the status of the offender: an anointed priest ([Leviticus 4:3-12](/leviticus/4-3-12 "Leviticus 4:3-12 - Sin Offering for the Anointed Priest")), the entire congregation ([Leviticus 4:13-21](/leviticus/4-13-21 "Leviticus 4:13-21 - Sin Offering for the Whole Congregation")), a ruler ([Leviticus 4:22-26](/leviticus/4-22-26 "Leviticus 4:22-26 - Sin Offering for a Ruler")), or an ordinary person ([Leviticus 4:27-35](/leviticus/4-27-35 "Leviticus 4:27-35 - Sin Offering for an Ordinary Person")). Leviticus 4:4 specifically falls within the instructions for the high priest or the congregation, requiring the most costly sacrifice—a bullock—due to the extensive implications of their transgressions. The subsequent verses in the chapter detail the precise handling of the blood and the specific parts of the animal to be burned, emphasizing the sacred and meticulous nature of the atonement process.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Tabernacle, often referred to as the "tent of meeting" or "tabernacle of the congregation," served as the portable sanctuary and the central locus of God's dwelling among His people during their wilderness wanderings and early settlement in Canaan. Its "door" or entrance was the primary access point for worshippers and priests, symbolizing the sacred threshold between the common and the holy, where humanity could approach the divine presence. The act of bringing the offering "before the LORD" (לִפְנֵי יְהוָה - *lifnei YHWH*) signifies that the entire ritual was conducted under God's direct observation and approval, emphasizing His absolute holiness and the necessity of approaching Him on His divinely ordained terms. While sacrificial practices were common throughout the ancient Near East, Israel's system, as revealed in the Mosaic Law, was distinct. Unlike pagan rituals that often sought to appease capricious deities or manipulate divine favor, Israel's sacrifices were a divinely instituted means of maintaining covenant relationship, demonstrating God's provision for reconciliation, and teaching His people about the nature of sin and holiness. The meticulousness of the ritual, as seen in the specific instructions of [Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - The Sin Offering"), underscored the seriousness with which God viewed even unintentional transgressions and the costly nature of their remedy.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness**, emphasizing God's absolute purity and the strict requirements for approaching Him. It highlights the pervasive nature of **Sin**, even unintentional sin, and its defiling effect on individuals and the community. Central to the verse is the theme of **Atonement**, demonstrating God's gracious provision for covering sin and restoring relationship through a prescribed ritual. The act of laying hands and the subsequent killing of the bullock powerfully illustrate the theme of **Substitutionary Sacrifice**, where an innocent life is offered in place of the guilty. Finally, the verse underscores the theme of **Divine Revelation and Order**, as God meticulously prescribes the means by which His people can draw near to Him, emphasizing the precision and authority of His covenant laws, a theme found throughout [the Mosaic Law](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bullock (Hebrew, _par'_):** The Hebrew word *par* (H6499) refers specifically to a young bull, typically uncastrated and robust. In the sacrificial system, a bullock was the most substantial and expensive animal offering, reserved for the most serious offenses, particularly those involving the high priest or the entire congregation. Its selection underscores the immense gravity of the sin being atoned for and the widespread impact of such transgressions, necessitating a sacrifice of significant value and strength. The implied unblemished nature of the bullock, a general requirement for all sacrifices, further points to the purity required for an acceptable offering to a holy God.
* **Lay (Hebrew, _çâmak'_):** The verb *çâmak* (H5564) means "to lean upon," "to support," or "to lay heavily upon." In the context of the sin offering, this action was far more than a mere touch; it conveyed a weighty imposition and a profound act of identification. It symbolized the offerer's complete identification with the animal and the transfer of their sins, guilt, and the associated penalty onto the innocent victim. The burden of the offerer's transgression was symbolically "leaned upon" or "imposed upon" the bullock, which would then bear the consequences in their stead. This act was crucial for the efficacy of the offering, establishing a profound connection between the sinner and the sacrifice.
* **Before (Hebrew, _pânîym'_):** The Hebrew word *pânîym* (H6440), often translated as "face," signifies presence or in the sight of. When combined with "the LORD" (YHWH), as in "before the LORD," it emphasizes that the entire ritual was performed in the direct, holy presence of God. This highlights the solemnity and sacredness of the act, underscoring that the atonement was not merely a human transaction but a divinely observed and accepted process. It signifies that the offering was presented directly to God, acknowledging His authority, holiness, and the necessity of His approval for reconciliation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he shall bring the bullock unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD;":** This initial clause establishes the precise location and divine context for the sin offering. The "he" refers to the specific individual responsible for the offering, either the anointed priest for his own sin or the elders representing the congregation. The "door of the tabernacle of the congregation" (or "tent of meeting") signifies the divinely appointed, public access point to God's presence, emphasizing the official and sacred nature of the ritual. Performing it "before the LORD" highlights that the entire ceremony is conducted under God's direct observation, acknowledging His supreme authority and the necessity of His acceptance for atonement.
* **"and shall lay his hand upon the bullock's head,":** This is the pivotal symbolic action within the verse. The weighty imposition of the hand (as clarified in the key word analysis) signifies the offerer's personal identification with the animal. It represents the symbolic transfer of their unintentional sin, its guilt, and its defilement onto the innocent bullock. Through this act, the animal becomes the substitute, ritually taking upon itself the iniquity of the one offering it, preparing it to bear the penalty.
* **"and kill the bullock before the LORD.":** This final clause describes the immediate and necessary consequence of the identification and transfer. The killing of the bullock, also performed "before the LORD," signifies the ultimate penalty for sin—death. The innocent animal dies in the place of the guilty offerer, illustrating the profound theological principle that "the wages of sin is death" and that atonement requires the shedding of blood. This act was not merely a slaughter but a sacred execution of justice, providing a temporary covering for sin and a pathway for reconciliation within the Old Covenant.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 4:4 is rich in **Symbolism** and functions as a key element within a larger **Ritual** framework. The act of bringing the bullock to the Tabernacle door symbolizes the sinner's humble approach to God for reconciliation, acknowledging His sovereignty and holiness. The bullock itself is a powerful **Symbol** of strength, value, and purity, underscoring the gravity of the sin and the immense costliness of atonement. Most profoundly, the laying on of hands is a potent **Symbol** of identification and substitution, where the guilt and penalty of the offerer are symbolically transferred to the innocent animal. The subsequent killing of the bullock is a stark **Symbol** of the death penalty for sin, highlighting that sin demands a life. This entire sequence is part of a meticulously prescribed **Ritual**, which, through its precise actions, locations, and participants, communicates profound theological truths about sin, holiness, and God's gracious provision for forgiveness. The **Ritual** serves as a pedagogical tool, teaching the Israelites about the nature of their relationship with a holy God and the serious consequences of even unintentional transgression.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 4:4 powerfully communicates several core theological truths central to biblical understanding. It underscores the absolute holiness of God, before whom all sin, even unintentional, is a serious offense requiring a prescribed means of reconciliation. The ritual emphasizes the necessity of atonement, demonstrating that sin creates a breach in the relationship with God that only a costly, divinely ordained sacrifice can bridge. Crucially, the verse introduces the principle of substitutionary atonement, where an innocent life is offered in place of the guilty, bearing the penalty for their transgression. This concept reveals God's gracious provision for forgiveness, even as it highlights the severe consequences of sin. The meticulous details of the offering also point to the precision and divine origin of the law, establishing a pattern for approaching God that would ultimately find its perfect fulfillment in Christ.

* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Necessity of Blood for Remission of Sins")
* [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "The Suffering Servant's Atoning Sacrifice")
* [Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Christ as a Propitiation for Sins")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 4:4, though detailing an ancient ritual, offers profound insights for contemporary believers concerning the nature of sin, the character of God, and the immeasurable value of Christ's sacrifice. This verse reminds us that sin, regardless of intent, is a grave offense against a holy God. The costly bullock and the solemn ritual underscore that reconciliation is never cheap; it always demands a life. This should cultivate in us a deep reverence for God's holiness and a profound awareness of the seriousness of our own transgressions. Furthermore, the act of laying hands on the bullock's head, symbolizing the transfer of sin, serves as a powerful precursor to our own spiritual identification with Christ. Just as the bullock bore the sins of the offerer, Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, bore our sins on the cross. This understanding should lead us to a deeper appreciation for the finished work of Christ, recognizing that His one-time, perfect sacrifice has forever satisfied the demands of God's justice. Our response, then, is not to offer animal sacrifices, but to confess our sins, identify with Christ's atoning work through faith, and live lives of gratitude and obedience, continually acknowledging the immense cost of our redemption.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed nature of the sin offering ritual in Leviticus 4:4 deepen your understanding of God's holiness and the gravity of sin?**
* **In what ways does the symbolic act of "laying hands" on the bullock's head help you appreciate the concept of substitutionary atonement?**
* **Considering the costliness of the bullock, what does this verse teach you about the value God places on reconciliation and forgiveness?**
* **How does understanding this Old Testament ritual enhance your appreciation for the unique and final sacrifice of Jesus Christ?**

### FAQ
**What was the purpose of bringing the bullock to the "door of the tabernacle of the congregation"?**

Answer: Bringing the bullock to the "door of the tabernacle of the congregation" (or "tent of meeting") was crucial because it was the divinely appointed place for encountering God's presence and performing sacred rituals. This location emphasized the public and official nature of the sin offering, ensuring that the act of atonement was conducted in a manner prescribed by God and witnessed by the community. It underscored the seriousness of the sin and the necessity of approaching a holy God on His terms, as outlined for offerings generally in [Leviticus 1:3](/leviticus/1-3 "Leviticus 1:3 - Burnt Offering at the Tent of Meeting").

**What did the act of "laying his hand upon the bullock's head" signify?**

Answer: The act of "laying his hand upon the bullock's head" was a profoundly symbolic gesture. It represented the offerer's identification with the animal and the transfer of their sin, guilt, and the associated penalty onto the innocent victim. It was not a casual touch but a weighty imposition, indicating that the bullock was now bearing the burden of the offerer's transgression. This act was essential for the sacrifice to be considered a substitutionary atonement, where the animal would die in the sinner's place, a concept further clarified by later passages like the ritual for the scapegoat in [Leviticus 16:21](/leviticus/16-21 "Leviticus 16:21 - Laying Hands on the Scapegoat").

**Was this sin offering for all types of sins?**

Answer: No, the *chatta't* or sin offering described in [Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - The Sin Offering") was specifically for unintentional sins committed "through ignorance" or "unwittingly." These were sins committed without deliberate intent or defiance against God's known commands. For high-handed, defiant, or presumptuous sins, there was generally no specific animal sacrifice prescribed for atonement; such sins often carried the penalty of being "cut off from among their people" (e.g., [Numbers 15:30-31](/numbers/15-30-31 "Numbers 15:30-31 - Presumptuous Sins")). The sin offering provided a pathway for reconciliation for those who genuinely erred without malicious intent, highlighting God's mercy and provision within the covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 4:4, with its vivid depiction of the sin offering, serves as a profound Old Testament shadow pointing directly to the ultimate and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The bullock, brought to the Tabernacle door and upon whose head the sins were symbolically laid, foreshadows Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God, who came to the very threshold of humanity to bear the sins of the world. Just as the bullock was an innocent substitute, Jesus, "who knew no sin, was made to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us")). The weighty imposition of hands on the bullock's head finds its ultimate fulfillment in God laying the full weight of humanity's sin and divine wrath upon His Son on the cross, as prophetically described in [Isaiah 53:6](/isaiah/53-6 "Isaiah 53:6 - The LORD Laid on Him the Iniquity of Us All")). The shedding of the bullock's blood for atonement prefigures the precious blood of Christ, "without which there is no remission of sins" ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Necessity of Blood for Remission of Sins")). Unlike the temporary and repeated sacrifices of the Old Covenant, which could never fully take away sins, Christ's "one sacrifice for sins for all time" ([Hebrews 10:12](/hebrews/10-12 "Christ's One Sacrifice for Sins")) perfectly fulfilled the law's demands, providing eternal redemption for all who believe. He is the Lamb of God, proclaimed by John the Baptist, "who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, Leviticus 4:4 not only reveals the ancient path to atonement but powerfully illuminates the glorious, once-for-all atonement accomplished by our Savior.

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 1:3

¶ If his offering [be] a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish: he shall offer it of his own voluntary will at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD.

Leviticus 1:4

And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him.

Exodus 29:10

And thou shalt cause a bullock to be brought before the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands upon the head of the bullock.

Exodus 29:11

And thou shalt kill the bullock before the LORD, [by] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

Isaiah 53:6

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Leviticus 16:21

And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send [him] away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness:

1 Peter 3:18

¶ For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: