Leviticus 5:8

KJV

And he shall bring them unto the priest, who shall offer [that] which [is] for the sin offering first, and wring off his head from his neck, but shall not divide [it] asunder:

KJV (with Strong's)

And he shall bring {H935} them unto the priest {H3548}, who shall offer {H7126} that which is for the sin offering {H2403} first {H7223}, and wring off {H4454} his head {H7218} from {H4136} his neck {H6203}, but shall not divide it asunder {H914}:

Complete Jewish Bible

He is to bring them to the cohen, who will offer the one for a sin offering first. He is to wring its neck but not remove the head,

Berean Standard Bible

He is to bring them to the priest, who shall first present the one for the sin offering. He is to twist its head at the front of its neck without severing it;

American Standard Version

And he shall bring them unto the priest, who shall offer that which is for the sin-offering first, and wring off its head from its neck, but shall not divide it asunder:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 5:8 provides meticulous instructions for the priestly handling of a bird offered as a sin offering by an individual of limited means. This specific ritual, part of a tiered system designed to ensure accessibility to atonement, details how the priest is to prepare the first of two birds—a turtledove or young pigeon—by wringing its head from its neck without completely severing it, thereby ensuring the necessary shedding of blood for expiation while adhering to a distinct protocol for avian sacrifices.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 5:8 is nested within the broader legal framework of Leviticus 4-5, which exhaustively details the various sin offerings. These regulations address unintentional transgressions, whether arising from ignorance, carelessness, or unwitting violation of divine commands, as well as sins of omission, such as failing to testify (cf. [Leviticus 5:1](/leviticus/5-1 "Leviticus 5:1 - Sins Requiring Offerings")). Recognizing the economic diversity within Israelite society, God, in His profound mercy, established a progressive scale of offerings. [Leviticus 5:7](/leviticus/5-7 "Leviticus 5:7 - Provision for the Poor") specifically permits the offering of two turtledoves or two young pigeons for those unable to afford a more costly lamb or goat. Verse 8 focuses exclusively on the first of these birds, designated as the sin offering, distinct from the second bird which served as a burnt offering (cf. [Leviticus 5:10](/leviticus/5-10 "Leviticus 5:10 - The Second Bird as a Burnt Offering")), thereby emphasizing the precise, sequential, and differentiated nature of these atonement rituals.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the sacrificial system was the divinely ordained mechanism for maintaining covenant fidelity and addressing the pervasive reality of sin. The priest, acting as a crucial mediator, executed these intricate rituals with exacting precision, ensuring their efficacy and adherence to divine command. The unique act of "wringing off his head" (מָלַק, _malaq'_) for avian sacrifices was a distinct priestly action, differing significantly from the slaughtering procedures for larger animals. This method was specifically designed to ensure the shedding of blood, which was universally understood as paramount in the atonement process, as articulated in the foundational principle: "For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life" ([Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood")). The provision for the poor, allowing for birds instead of more expensive animals, powerfully underscores God's compassionate character and His unwavering commitment that economic status should never impede an individual's access to forgiveness and reconciliation within the covenant community.

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 5:8 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Atonement and Forgiveness**, highlighting that all sin, even unintentional, necessitates a divinely prescribed remedy involving the shedding of blood. Another prominent theme is **God's Holiness and Justice**, which is underscored by the meticulousness and specificity of the sacrificial rituals, emphasizing that approach to a holy God must be on His terms, not human terms. Simultaneously, the verse powerfully illustrates **God's Mercy and Accessibility**, demonstrating His profound compassion by providing a tiered system of offerings that ensures even the poorest members of the community can find reconciliation, reflecting His desire for all to draw near to Him (cf. [Leviticus 5:11](/leviticus/5-11 "Leviticus 5:11 - Grain Offering for the Very Poor") for the lowest tier). Finally, it reinforces the **Role of the Priesthood** as indispensable mediators in facilitating atonement and maintaining the purity of the covenant relationship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sin Offering (Hebrew, _chaṭṭâʼâh'_):** From H2403, this term refers to an offense, its penalty, or the sacrifice offered for its expiation. In Leviticus 5:8, it specifically denotes the bird designated to atone for the unintentional sin of the worshiper. This offering was crucial for restoring the individual's relationship with God, highlighting that even sins committed unknowingly required a formal act of purification and reconciliation to maintain the holiness of the covenant community.
* **Wring off (Hebrew, _mâlaq'_):** From H4454, this primitive root describes a specific method of killing a fowl by cracking a joint or wringing the neck without completely separating the head. This unique priestly action, distinct from the methods used for larger animals, ensured the death of the bird and the shedding of its blood, which was essential for atonement. The precision of this act underscored the sacredness of the ritual and the divine order required for expiation.
* **Divide it asunder (Hebrew, _bâdal'_):** From H914, this root means "to divide," "to separate," or "to distinguish." In the context of Leviticus 5:8, the instruction "but shall not divide it asunder" explicitly forbids the complete severing or dismemberment of the bird's body for this particular sin offering. This prohibition differentiates it from other avian sacrifices, such as the burnt offering of a bird (cf. [Leviticus 1:17](/leviticus/1-17 "Leviticus 1:17 - Burnt Offering of a Bird")), where the bird was indeed torn open, thereby emphasizing the distinct nature and symbolic significance of the sin offering for the poor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he shall bring them unto the priest":** This opening phrase establishes the worshiper's responsibility to present the offering and underscores the indispensable role of the priest as the divinely appointed mediator. The individual, having committed an unintentional sin, actively brings their prescribed offering—in this case, two birds—to the holy figure, signifying their acknowledgment of sin and their earnest desire for reconciliation with God through the established, sacred means.
* **"who shall offer [that] which [is] for the sin offering first":** This clause clarifies both the agent of the sacrifice and the prioritization of the birds. The priest is the one who "offers" (H7126, _qârab_, "to bring near") the sacrifice. Of the two birds brought by the poor individual (as specified in [Leviticus 5:7](/leviticus/5-7 "Leviticus 5:7 - Provision for the Poor")), one is explicitly designated as the "sin offering" (H2403, _chaṭṭâʼâh_) and must be dealt with "first" (H7223, _riʼshôwn_). This sequence highlights the immediate and primary need for atonement for the sin before proceeding with the second bird, which served as a burnt offering, typically signifying dedication and complete surrender.
* **"and wring off his head from his neck":** This is the core instruction detailing the specific priestly action for the sin offering bird. The priest is commanded to "wring off" (H4454, _mâlaq_) the bird's "head" (H7218, _rôʼsh_) "from" (H4136, _mûwl_) its "neck" (H6203, _ʻôreph_). This unique method of killing the bird, involving a forceful action at the neck, ensures the essential shedding of blood, which is the foundational principle for atonement, as the life is in the blood (cf. [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood")).
* **"but shall not divide [it] asunder":** This crucial negative command provides a significant distinction for the bird sin offering. Unlike some other avian sacrifices (e.g., the burnt offering in [Leviticus 1:17](/leviticus/1-17 "Leviticus 1:17 - Burnt Offering of a Bird")), the bird for the sin offering was not to be completely separated or dismembered. The phrase "divide it asunder" (H914, _bâdal_) emphasizes that the bird's body, while killed, was to remain in one piece. This specific instruction underscores the unique nature of this particular sin offering, perhaps symbolizing the wholeness of the life offered in expiation or simply serving as a precise procedural marker differentiating it from other ritual acts.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 5:8 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological weight and precise practical instructions. **Symbolism** is central, as the bird itself, though small and humble, powerfully symbolizes a life offered in substitution for the sinner's life. The act of "wringing off his head" ensures the shedding of blood, which is the ultimate symbol of atonement and the grave cost of sin, representing the life given to cover transgression. The meticulous **precision** and **specificity** of the instructions ("wring off his head... but shall not divide it asunder") underscore the seriousness of sin and the divine demand for exact adherence to sacred rituals. This detailed prescription highlights God's absolute holiness and the necessity of approaching Him strictly on His terms. Furthermore, there is an implicit **contrast** with other sacrificial rituals, particularly the burnt offering of a bird where the body *was* to be torn open (cf. [Leviticus 1:17](/leviticus/1-17 "Leviticus 1:17 - Burnt Offering of a Bird")), emphasizing the unique nature and distinct purpose of this specific sin offering for the poor.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 5:8, though seemingly a minor procedural detail within the Mosaic sacrificial code, encapsulates profound theological truths about God's character and the pervasive nature of sin. It unequivocally underscores the absolute necessity of atonement for sin, demonstrating that even unintentional transgressions require a life offered in substitution. The shedding of blood, central to this ritual, vividly portrays the gravity of sin and the immense cost required to bridge the chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity. Simultaneously, the provision for a humble bird offering, accessible to the economically disadvantaged, reveals God's boundless mercy and divine accessibility, ensuring that financial status never became a barrier to seeking forgiveness and reconciliation. This divine compassion highlights God's desire for all people, regardless of their means, to find forgiveness and restoration within the covenant community.

* [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "The Life is in the Blood")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Necessity of Blood for Forgiveness")
* [Romans 3:23-25](/romans/3-23-25 "All Have Sinned and Are Justified by Grace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the Old Testament sacrificial system finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, Leviticus 5:8 offers enduring spiritual insights for contemporary believers. It serves as a stark and sobering reminder of the profound holiness of God and the pervasive, insidious nature of sin—even unintentional sin—which always necessitates a divine remedy. The meticulous detail of the ritual, even for a small, humble bird, underscores that God's standards are unwavering, and sin is never trivial in His sight. Yet, woven into this strictness is the beautiful tapestry of God's compassionate heart: His provision for the poor demonstrates His profound desire to make reconciliation accessible to all, regardless of their earthly circumstances or economic standing. This should inspire in us a deep and abiding gratitude for the grace that meets us precisely where we are, and a renewed, awe-filled understanding of the immense, immeasurable cost of our redemption through Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of the sin offering for the poor (Leviticus 5:8) deepen your appreciation for God's holiness and the gravity of sin?**
* **In what specific ways does God's provision for the economically disadvantaged in the sacrificial system speak to His character of mercy, justice, and accessibility?**
* **Considering the complete fulfillment of these Old Testament sacrifices in Christ, how does this verse enhance your understanding of the completeness, sufficiency, and universal availability of Jesus' atonement for all your sins?**

### FAQ
**Why did God allow birds as an offering for sin, rather than always requiring larger, more expensive animals?**

Answer: God's allowance for birds (specifically turtledoves or young pigeons) in the sin offering, particularly for the poor, profoundly demonstrates His boundless mercy and His unwavering desire for all people to have access to atonement, regardless of their economic status. The Mosaic Law was not intended to be an oppressive burden but a compassionate pathway to relationship with a holy God. By providing a tiered system of offerings—ranging from a bull for a priest's sin ([Leviticus 4:3](/leviticus/4-3 "Sin Offering for a Priest")) to a lamb or goat, and finally to birds or even flour for the very poor ([Leviticus 5:11](/leviticus/5-11 "Grain Offering for the Very Poor"))—God meticulously ensured that no one was excluded from seeking forgiveness and reconciliation due to their financial limitations. This powerfully highlights His compassionate character and His unwavering commitment to making reconciliation universally accessible to all members of the covenant community.

**What is the significance of the instruction "but shall not divide [it] asunder" for the bird sin offering?**

Answer: The instruction "but shall not divide [it] asunder" (derived from the Hebrew root _badal_, meaning "to separate" or "to divide") is a crucial and distinctive detail that sets the bird sin offering apart from other avian sacrifices. For instance, in the bird burnt offering mentioned in [Leviticus 1:17](/leviticus/1-17 "Burnt Offering of a Bird"), the bird *was* to be torn open. While the precise theological reason for this distinction is a subject of ongoing scholarly discussion, it likely serves to emphasize the unique nature and specific ritual requirements of the sin offering. Some interpretations suggest it symbolizes the wholeness of the life offered in atonement, perhaps indicating that the entire life, though taken, was presented as an undivided whole. Alternatively, it may simply have functioned as a clear procedural marker, differentiating between various types of sacrifices, each with its own precise and divinely ordained protocol. Ultimately, it underscores the meticulousness God required in approaching Him for atonement and the distinct purposes of different offerings.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 5:8, with its humble bird offering for the economically disadvantaged, serves as a poignant and powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate, perfect, and universally accessible sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Just as the small bird provided an accessible means of atonement for those of limited earthly means, so too did God, in His infinite wisdom and love, provide His Son, Jesus, as the accessible and all-sufficient Lamb of God for all humanity, regardless of their social status, wealth, or background ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The meticulous wringing of the bird's head and the necessary shedding of its blood vividly prefigured the violent, yet divinely appointed, death of Christ on the cross, where His precious and sinless blood was shed to atone for the sins of the entire world ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "Redemption Through Christ's Blood")). Unlike the Old Testament sacrifices, which were imperfect and had to be repeated continually because they could only cover sins and not truly take them away ([Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1-4 "The Law as a Shadow")), Jesus offered Himself "once for all" ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")), providing perfect, eternal redemption and a complete cleansing from sin. His sacrifice, though seemingly humble in its execution (a criminal's death), was infinitely valuable and efficacious, fulfilling every shadow and type of the sin offering, thereby making full reconciliation with God freely available to all who believe in Him ([Romans 5:8-10](/romans/5-8-10 "God's Love and Reconciliation Through Christ")).

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 1:15

And the priest shall bring it unto the altar, and wring off his head, and burn [it] on the altar; and the blood thereof shall be wrung out at the side of the altar:

Leviticus 1:17

And he shall cleave it with the wings thereof, [but] shall not divide [it] asunder: and the priest shall burn it upon the altar, upon the wood that [is] upon the fire: it [is] a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

Romans 4:25

Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

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: