Leviticus 4:7

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the priest {H3548} shall put {H5414} some of the blood {H1818} upon the horns {H7161} of the altar {H4196} of sweet {H5561} incense {H7004} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}, which is in the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}; and shall pour {H8210} all the blood {H1818} of the bullock {H6499} 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

The cohen is to put some of the blood on the horns of the altar for fragrant incense before ADONAI there in the tent of meeting. All the remaining blood of the bull 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

The priest must then put some of the blood on the horns of the altar of fragrant incense that is before the LORD in the Tent of Meeting. And he is to pour out the rest of the bull’s blood at the base of the altar of burnt offering at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.

American Standard Version

And the priest shall put of the blood upon the horns of the altar of sweet incense before Jehovah, which is in the tent of meeting; and all the blood of the bullock 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 4:7 provides precise instructions for the handling of the atoning blood from a bullock sin offering, specifically for the high priest or the entire congregation. This verse mandates a dual application of the blood: a portion is to be placed on the horns of the inner altar of sweet incense, located within the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, while the remainder is to be poured out at the base of the outer altar of burnt offering in the courtyard. This meticulous ritual underscores the pervasive reach of atonement, purifying both the sacred spaces of intimate communion with God and addressing the fundamental sin that separates humanity from His holy presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus chapter 4 introduces the `chatta't` (sin offering), a crucial sacrifice designed to atone for unintentional sins committed by various categories of people within the Israelite community: the high 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 a common person ([Leviticus 4:27-35](/leviticus/4-27-35 "Leviticus 4:27-35 - Sin Offering for a Common Person")). Leviticus 4:7 specifically details the blood ritual for the sin offering of the high priest or the community, both of which required a bull. The preceding verses outline the initial stages of the sacrifice, including the laying on of hands and the slaughter of the animal, while the verses immediately following describe the burning of the fat and the disposal of the remaining parts outside the camp, emphasizing the complete nature of the offering and the removal of sin's defilement. This verse, therefore, is central to understanding the application of atonement within the Tabernacle system.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for these elaborate rituals is the [Tabernacle](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Tabernacle's Erection and God's Glory"), the portable sanctuary that served as the focal point of Israelite worship and the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. The detailed instructions in Leviticus highlight God's absolute holiness and the gravity of sin, even unintentional sin, which necessitated a divinely ordained means of reconciliation. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, and especially in Israelite theology, blood was understood as the very essence of life, as explicitly stated in [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood for Atonement"). Consequently, the precise handling of blood in atonement rituals was of supreme importance, symbolizing the surrender of a life as a substitute for the sinner. The two altars mentioned—the inner "altar of sweet incense" (the Golden Altar in the Holy Place) and the outer "altar of burnt offering" (the Bronze Altar in the courtyard)—represented distinct yet interconnected spheres of Israel's worship and interaction with God, with the blood's application signifying that sin's defilement reached every aspect of their sacred life and required comprehensive purification.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 4:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. The primary theme is the **Holiness of God** and the corresponding requirement for His people to be holy, or to be made holy, in order to approach Him. This verse underscores the **Pervasiveness of Sin**, demonstrating that sin, even when unintentional, defiles not only the individual but also the sacred spaces and instruments of worship, necessitating a comprehensive cleansing. Central to the verse is the theme of **Atonement**, highlighting that reconciliation with a holy God is achieved through the shedding and application of blood, representing the substitutionary giving of a life. The meticulous nature of the ritual also emphasizes the theme of **Divine Order and Precision**, revealing God's specific and unyielding requirements for worship and purity. Furthermore, the distinction between the altars points to the **Comprehensive Reach of Atonement**, covering both intimate communion (incense altar) and foundational reconciliation (burnt offering altar), foreshadowing the all-encompassing work of Christ as detailed in [Hebrews 9](/hebrews/9 "Hebrews 9 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Priest (Hebrew, _kôhên'_):** From H3548, meaning literally "one officiating," a priest. In the context of Leviticus 4:7, this refers specifically to the high priest (or "anointed priest"), who acted as the mediator between God and the people, performing the intricate rituals necessary for atonement. His role was critical in ensuring the proper execution of God's commands for purification and reconciliation.
* **Blood (Hebrew, _dâm'_):** From H1818, referring to "blood (as that which when shed causes death)." In Israelite theology, blood was intrinsically linked to life itself and was the divinely appointed means for atonement, as it represented the life given in substitution for the sinner. Its application symbolized the covering or purging of sin, making reconciliation possible.
* **Tabernacle (Hebrew, _ʼôhel'_):** From H168, meaning "a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance); covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent." This term refers to the portable sanctuary where God's manifest presence resided among the Israelites. The Tabernacle, also called the "tent of meeting" (H4150, _môwʻêd'_), was the designated place where God met with His people, and its various components and rituals were meticulously designed to facilitate communion between a holy God and a sinful people, with the sin offering being a crucial mechanism for maintaining that relationship by addressing defilement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the priest shall put [some] of the blood upon the horns of the altar of sweet incense before the LORD":** This clause describes the first specific application of the bullock's blood. The "altar of sweet incense" (also known as the Golden Altar) was located in the Holy Place, just before the veil that separated it from the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant resided. Incense burned on this altar symbolized the prayers of the people ascending to God. Placing blood on its horns signified that even the most sacred acts of worship and intimate communion with God were tainted by sin and required purification. It extended the atoning power to the very realm of prayer and divine fellowship, demonstrating that sin defiled even the spiritual atmosphere of the sanctuary.
* **"which [is] in the tabernacle of the congregation":** This phrase clarifies the precise location of the altar of incense, emphasizing that this atonement ritual was performed within God's dwelling place, the "tent of meeting," under His direct observation and according to His divine command. This reinforces the sanctity of the location and the solemnity of the ritual.
* **"and shall pour all the blood of the bullock at the bottom of the altar of the burnt offering":** This second action specifies the disposal of the remaining blood. The "altar of the burnt offering" (the Bronze Altar) was a large altar situated in the outer courtyard, where the primary animal sacrifices were consumed by fire. Pouring the remaining blood at its base underscored the complete surrender of the animal's life as a substitute for the sinner. It signified the full and complete application of the life-blood for atonement, acknowledging that the life of the creature was fully given over to God as a covering for sin. This act was public and foundational, addressing the sin that required a life to be given in exchange.
* **"which [is at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation":** This final phrase provides the location of the Bronze Altar, at the entrance to the Tabernacle courtyard. This position made it accessible to all who brought offerings, signifying the public and communal aspect of the sin offering and its foundational role in the entire worship system. It was the first point of contact for anyone seeking to approach God through sacrifice.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 4:7 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological meaning and ritualistic precision. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the blood representing life, atonement, and purification; the horns signifying strength, efficacy, and the extension of atoning power; and the two distinct altars embodying different facets of communion and sacrifice. The meticulous **Ritualism** evident in the detailed instructions highlights the divine precision required for approaching a holy God and the seriousness with which sin was regarded, even unintentional sin. The verse utilizes **Contrast** by specifying two different altars—the inner altar of incense (representing intimate prayer and spiritual communion) and the outer altar of burnt offering (representing the public act of sacrifice and the fundamental dealing with sin). This contrast underscores the comprehensive reach of atonement, from the most sacred and internal aspects of worship to the public and foundational aspects of reconciliation. The repeated phrase "tabernacle of the congregation" functions as **Repetition**, emphasizing the central importance of God's dwelling place as the divinely appointed locus for these atoning acts and the meeting place between God and His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 4:7, with its intricate details of blood application, powerfully communicates the absolute holiness of God, the pervasive defilement of sin, and the divine provision for atonement. Sin, even when unintentional, pollutes not only the individual but also the very sacred spaces and acts of worship, necessitating a comprehensive purification. The dual application of blood on both the inner altar of incense and the outer altar of burnt offering illustrates that atonement must reach every sphere of human existence and interaction with God—from the most intimate acts of prayer and communion to the foundational public confession and removal of sin. This ritual, like all sin offerings under the Mosaic Law, served as a temporary covering, a shadow pointing forward to the ultimate and perfect sacrifice that would fully cleanse and reconcile humanity to God. It highlights God's gracious initiative in providing a way for His sinful people to draw near to His holy presence.

* [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life in the Blood for Atonement")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Necessity of Blood for Remission")
* [Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - Insufficiency of Animal Sacrifices")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse, though rooted in ancient ritual, offers profound and enduring insights for contemporary believers. It confronts us with the sobering reality of sin's gravity—that even our unintentional transgressions require a costly, divinely appointed remedy. The meticulousness of God's instructions underscores His perfect justice, His unblemished holiness, and His unwavering commitment to providing a way for His people to draw near. For us today, Leviticus 4:7 serves as a powerful reminder of the preciousness and efficacy of the blood of Jesus Christ. Unlike the blood of bulls and goats, which could only temporarily cover sin and required repeated offerings, Christ's blood provides a complete, once-for-all cleansing, granting us direct and unhindered access to God's presence. It calls us to approach God with profound reverence, deep gratitude for His merciful provision, and unwavering confidence in the finished work of His Son, recognizing that His sacrifice has purified every aspect of our lives and our worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of the sin offering ritual deepen your appreciation for the holiness of God and the gravity of sin in your own life?**
* **In what ways does the dual application of blood on both the inner and outer altars speak to the comprehensive nature of Christ's atonement in purifying every sphere of your existence and worship?**
* **How should our understanding of the Tabernacle rituals and the need for atonement inform our approach to worship, prayer, and confession today?**

### FAQ
**Why were two different altars used for the blood application in the sin offering for the high priest or congregation?**

Answer: The use of two altars for the blood application in [Leviticus 4:7](/leviticus/4-7 "Leviticus 4:7 - Blood Application in Sin Offering") highlights the comprehensive scope of atonement. The inner Golden Altar, or altar of sweet incense, was located in the Holy Place, symbolizing prayer, worship, and intimate communion with God. Applying blood to its horns signified that sin defiled even the most sacred acts and places of worship, and that atonement was necessary to purify these intimate spheres of divine encounter. The outer Bronze Altar, or altar of burnt offering, was situated in the Tabernacle courtyard, where the primary animal sacrifices were made. Pouring the remaining blood at its base symbolized the complete surrender of the sacrificial life and the foundational, public aspect of atonement for the community's sin. Together, these actions demonstrated that atonement reached from the innermost sanctuary, purifying the very instruments of prayer and worship, to the outer court, addressing the fundamental sin that separated the people from God.

**What is the significance of the "horns" of the altar in this ritual?**

Answer: The "horns" were four horn-like projections at each corner of the altars. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, horns often symbolized strength, power, and refuge. In the Israelite sacrificial system, touching the horns of the altar could signify seeking asylum (as seen in [1 Kings 1:50](/1_kings/1-50 "1 Kings 1:50 - Adonijah Takes Hold of the Altar Horns")) or, as in this context, the concentration and extension of the altar's efficacy. Applying the blood to the horns of the altar of incense meant that the atoning power of the sacrifice permeated the entire altar, purifying it and, by extension, ensuring the efficacy and acceptance of the prayers and worship offered there. It was a crucial point of contact for the divine power of atonement, signifying that the cleansing power of the blood extended to the very extremities of the sacred instrument.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 4:7, with its intricate details of blood application, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is both our sacrificial Lamb and our great High Priest. The blood of bulls and goats, meticulously handled by the Levitical priest, could only provide a temporary, symbolic covering for sin, requiring repeated offerings because it was inherently incapable of truly taking away sin ([Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - Insufficiency of Animal Sacrifices")). However, Christ, as our perfect High Priest, entered the true, heavenly Tabernacle not with the blood of animals, but with His own precious blood, securing an eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). The dual application of blood in [Leviticus 4:7](/leviticus/4-7 "Leviticus 4:7 - Blood Application in Sin Offering") beautifully foreshadows the comprehensive nature of Christ's atoning work: His blood purifies not only the "altar of incense," representing our prayers and worship, making them acceptable before God through His perfect intercession ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Perpetual Intercession")), but also the "altar of burnt offering," signifying His complete and once-for-all self-sacrifice on the cross for the remission of sins ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")). Through His shed blood, we have boldness to enter the Holiest Place ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access Through Christ's Blood")), and are continually cleansed from all sin ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")), demonstrating that His atonement is both intimately personal and universally all-encompassing.

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 8:15

And he slew [it]; and Moses took the blood, and put [it] upon the horns of the altar round about with his finger, and purified the altar, and poured the blood at the bottom of the altar, and sanctified it, to make reconciliation upon it.

Leviticus 9:9

And the sons of Aaron brought the blood unto him: and he dipped his finger in the blood, and put [it] upon the horns of the altar, and poured out the blood at the bottom of the altar:

Leviticus 5:9

And he shall sprinkle of the blood of the sin offering upon the side of the altar; and the rest of the blood shall be wrung out at the bottom of the altar: it [is] a sin offering.

Leviticus 4:34

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:

Leviticus 4:18

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.

Leviticus 16:18

And he shall go out unto the altar that [is] before the LORD, and make an atonement for it; and shall take of the blood of the bullock, and of the blood of the goat, and put [it] upon the horns of the altar round about.

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.