Leviticus 4:6

KJV

And the priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle of the blood seven times before the LORD, before the vail of the sanctuary.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the priest {H3548} shall dip {H2881} his finger {H676} in the blood {H1818}, and sprinkle {H5137} of the blood {H1818} seven {H7651} times {H6471} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}, before {H6440} the vail {H6532} of the sanctuary {H6944}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The cohen is to dip his finger in the blood and sprinkle some of the blood seven times in the presence of ADONAI in front of the curtain of the sanctuary.

Berean Standard Bible

The priest is to dip his finger in the blood and sprinkle some of it seven times before the LORD, in front of the veil of the sanctuary.

American Standard Version

and the priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle of the blood seven times before Jehovah, before the veil of the sanctuary.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 4:6 details a crucial step in the sin offering ritual (Hebrew: *chatta't*) for unintentional transgressions, particularly when committed by an anointed priest or the entire community. It describes the high priest's precise action of dipping his finger into the blood of the sacrificed animal and sprinkling it seven times "before the LORD, before the vail of the sanctuary." This meticulous act was essential for purifying the Tabernacle, which was considered defiled by the sins of the people, thereby maintaining God's holy presence among His covenant community and providing atonement for the transgression.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 4 introduces the *chatta't* (sin offering), a distinct category from the burnt or peace offerings previously detailed in chapters 1-3. While earlier offerings often addressed general devotion or fellowship, Chapter 4 meticulously outlines provisions for dealing with sin, even unintentional ones, emphasizing God's meticulousness in maintaining holiness. The chapter differentiates the sin offering rituals based on the status of the sinner: an anointed priest (Leviticus 4:1-12), the whole congregation (Leviticus 4:13-21), a ruler (Leviticus 4:22-26), or a common person (Leviticus 4:27-35). Leviticus 4:6 specifically falls within the instructions for the sin offering of an anointed priest or the entire congregation, which required a more extensive ritual, including the application of blood within the Holy Place. This expanded ritual underscores the profound impact of sin, especially when committed by those in leadership or by the collective body, as it directly impinges upon the very dwelling place of God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel's religious life was centered on the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary meticulously constructed according to divine specifications to serve as Yahweh's dwelling among His people. The Tabernacle was structurally divided by a thick veil (*parokhet*) into the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place (or Holy of Holies), the latter housing the Ark of the Covenant, which symbolized God's throne and the epicenter of His presence. The concept of ritual purity was paramount in Israelite worship, as God's absolute holiness necessitated an undefiled space for His dwelling. Sin, even when unintentional, was understood to defile not only the individual but also the sacred space itself. Consequently, elaborate purification rituals were indispensable to maintain the Tabernacle's sanctity and ensure God's continued presence. The act of sprinkling blood was a widespread practice in the ancient Near East, often associated with purification, consecration, or covenant ratification. In Israel, however, it uniquely pointed to the divinely ordained means of atonement, where the life (represented by the blood) of a blameless substitute was offered to cover sin, as powerfully articulated in [Leviticus 17:11, stating that the life of the creature is in the blood](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood for Atonement").
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **God's Absolute Holiness**, which demands meticulous purity from His people and their worship spaces. The elaborate rituals, particularly the precise handling of blood and the specific location of its application, underscore that God cannot tolerate sin in His presence. Another key theme is **Atonement Through Substitutionary Sacrifice**, where the life of an innocent animal is offered to cover the sin of the guilty, establishing a divinely appointed means of reconciliation. The emphasis on the "blood" as the agent of purification is central to this theme, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice. Furthermore, the verse highlights the **Pervasiveness of Sin and Its Defiling Nature**, demonstrating that even unintentional transgressions by individuals or the community can contaminate sacred spaces and disrupt fellowship with God. Finally, the **Mediatorial Role of the Priesthood** is evident, as the priest acts as the divinely appointed intermediary, performing the necessary rituals to bridge the gap between sinful humanity and a holy God. The detailed instructions for the priest's actions in [Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - The Sin Offering") underscore the gravity of their responsibilities in maintaining the covenant relationship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blood (Hebrew, _dâm_):** from דָּמַם (compare אָדַם); blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshed (i.e. drops of blood); blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. In the context of the sin offering, *dâm* represents the life-force of the sacrificed animal, which is given as a substitute for the life of the sinner. It is the divinely appointed means of making atonement, signifying the payment for sin and the agent of purification.
* **Dip (Hebrew, _ṭâbal_):** a primitive root; to dip, to immerse; dip, plunge. This verb describes the initial action of the priest, indicating a deliberate and direct engagement with the blood. It signifies the priest's careful handling of the sacred substance, ensuring that his finger is thoroughly coated before the subsequent act of sprinkling. This precise action emphasizes the intentionality and meticulousness required for the ritual to be effective.
* **Sprinkle (Hebrew, _nâzâh_):** a primitive root; to spirt, i.e. besprinkle (especially in expiation); sprinkle. This verb denotes a specific, controlled application of drops, rather than a mere pouring. In the ritual context, *nâzâh* implies a targeted and precise distribution of the blood for purification or consecration. It underscores the focused nature of the atonement, directly addressing the defilement of the sacred space and signifying a thorough cleansing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the priest shall dip his finger in the blood":** This clause initiates the priestly action, highlighting the direct involvement of the mediating priest in the atonement process. The use of the "finger" emphasizes the meticulous and precise nature of the ritual, while "the blood" represents the life-essence of the sacrificed animal, the divinely ordained means of covering sin and providing atonement.
* **"and sprinkle of the blood seven times":** This phrase details the specific ritual action and its symbolic intensity. The act of "sprinkling" is a deliberate application for purification, distinct from pouring. The repetition "seven times" is highly symbolic, conveying completeness, perfection, and divine efficacy, ensuring that the cleansing performed is absolute and fully addresses the defilement.
* **"before the LORD":** This crucial phrase establishes that the entire ritual is performed in the divine presence and for God's approval. It underscores that the atonement is not merely a human act but a divinely ordained means of reconciliation, directed towards the holy God who demands purity and provides the means for its restoration.
* **"before the vail of the sanctuary":** This specifies the precise location for the blood application. The "vail of the sanctuary" (the *parokhet*) marked the sacred boundary of the Most Holy Place, where God's glory resided. Sprinkling blood here signifies that the defilement of sin extended even to the most sacred part of God's dwelling, necessitating purification at the very threshold of access to His manifest presence.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 4:6 employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "blood" representing life, atonement, and purification, while the act of "sprinkling" symbolizes ritual cleansing and consecration. The phrase "seven times" is a clear instance of **Numerology**, where the number seven conveys completeness, perfection, and divine action, reinforcing the thoroughness and divine authority of the purification ritual. The "vail of the sanctuary" is also highly **Symbolic**, representing the sacred barrier between sinful humanity and God's unapproachable holiness, and signifying the very boundary that sin had defiled. The meticulous, step-by-step instruction itself demonstrates **Precision** and **Ritualistic Detail**, emphasizing the gravity of sin and the exactitude required for its atonement, thereby reinforcing the holiness of God and the seriousness of approaching Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 4:6 profoundly reveals God's absolute holiness and the serious nature of sin, even unintentional sin, which defiles not only the individual but also the sacred space where God dwells. It underscores the divine provision for atonement through the shedding of blood, a principle foundational to the Old Covenant's sacrificial system. The meticulous ritual, particularly the sprinkling of blood seven times before the veil, points to the necessity of a complete and perfect cleansing to restore fellowship with a holy God. This verse, therefore, is not merely a historical account of ancient rituals but a theological statement about the pervasive consequences of sin and God's gracious, yet demanding, pathway to reconciliation.

* [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood for Atonement")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood There is No Forgiveness")
* [Exodus 26:33](/exodus/26-33 "Exodus 26:33 - The Veil Separating the Holy and Most Holy Place")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 4:6 serves as a powerful reminder of the pervasive nature of sin and God's unwavering holiness. It challenges us to consider the gravity of our own transgressions, recognizing that even those we deem "unintentional" have profound consequences and require divine intervention for purification. The meticulousness of the ritual underscores that approaching a holy God is not casual but demands reverence and adherence to His prescribed ways. For us today, this verse should cultivate a deeper appreciation for the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled and transcended these ancient rituals. It calls us to live lives of greater awareness of God's holiness, prompting us to confess our sins and continually rely on the perfect, once-for-all atonement provided by Christ, rather than attempting to cleanse ourselves through our own efforts or good deeds.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulousness of the sin offering ritual in Leviticus 4:6 deepen your understanding of God's holiness and the seriousness of sin?**
* **In what ways might we unintentionally "defile" our spiritual spaces or relationships today, and how does this verse prompt us to seek purification?**
* **What does the "seven times" sprinkling of blood teach us about the completeness of God's work in atonement, and how does this apply to our salvation in Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why was the blood sprinkled "seven times" specifically?**

Answer: The number seven in biblical contexts frequently symbolizes completeness, perfection, and divine action. Sprinkling the blood "seven times" before the veil signified that the purification ritual was thorough, divinely ordained, and completely effective in addressing the defilement caused by sin. It underscored the absolute nature of the cleansing required to maintain the sanctity of God's dwelling place and His holy presence among His people, ensuring that the atonement was fully accomplished according to God's perfect standard.

**What was the significance of sprinkling the blood "before the vail of the sanctuary"?**

Answer: The "vail of the sanctuary" (Hebrew: *parokhet*) was the thick curtain separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (the Holy of Holies), where the Ark of the Covenant and God's manifest presence resided. Sprinkling the blood here indicated that the sin, particularly that of the anointed priest or the entire community, had defiled even the most sacred parts of the Tabernacle. This act was crucial for cleansing the very threshold of God's dwelling, ensuring that His holiness was upheld and His presence could continue among His people despite their transgressions. It was a profound act of purification directed at the heart of the divine-human encounter, as described in [Exodus 26:33, detailing the placement of the veil](/exodus/26-33 "Exodus 26:33 - The Veil Separating the Holy and Most Holy Place").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 4:6, with its intricate ritual of blood sprinkling before the veil, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament priest, acting as a mediator, performed a temporary cleansing that needed to be repeated; however, Christ, as our Great High Priest, entered [the true Tabernacle, not made with human hands](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11 - Christ, High Priest of the Good Things to Come"), and offered His own perfect blood. His single, decisive sacrifice on the cross was the "seven times" sprinkling of ultimate efficacy, providing a complete and eternal atonement for all sin. The tearing of the temple veil at Christ's crucifixion, as recorded in [Matthew 27:51, powerfully symbolizing direct access to God](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Tearing of the Temple Veil"), demonstrates that through His perfect sacrifice, the barrier between God and humanity has been removed. No longer do we need a mediating priest or animal blood to approach God; instead, we have direct and confident access to the Father's presence [through the new and living way that He opened for us through the veil, that is, His flesh](/hebrews/10-20 "Hebrews 10:20 - Access Through the Veil of Christ's Flesh"). Thus, Leviticus 4:6 foreshadows the profound truth that Christ's blood not only purifies us but also grants us entry into the very presence of God, securing eternal redemption once for all, as articulated in [Hebrews 9:12, speaking of Christ's eternal redemption](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption Through His Own 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

Joshua 6:8

And it came to pass, when Joshua had spoken unto the people, that the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams' horns passed on before the LORD, and blew with the trumpets: and the ark of the covenant of the LORD followed them.

Leviticus 26:28

Then I will walk contrary unto you also in fury; and I, even I, will chastise you seven times for your sins.

Leviticus 16:14

And he shall take of the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle [it] with his finger upon the mercy seat eastward; and before the mercy seat shall he sprinkle of the blood with his finger seven times.

Leviticus 14:18

And the remnant of the oil that [is] in the priest's hand he shall pour upon the head of him that is to be cleansed: and the priest shall make an atonement for him before the LORD.

Leviticus 16:19

And he shall sprinkle of the blood upon it with his finger seven times, and cleanse it, and hallow it from the uncleanness of the children of Israel.

Leviticus 26:24

Then will I also walk contrary unto you, and will punish you yet seven times for your sins.

Joshua 6:4

And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams' horns: and the seventh day ye shall compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow with the trumpets.