Leviticus 4:5

And the priest that is anointed shall take of the bullock's blood, and bring it to the tabernacle of the congregation:

And the priest {H3548} that is anointed {H4899} shall take {H3947} of the bullock's {H6499} blood {H1818}, and bring {H935} it to the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}:

The anointed cohen is to take some of the bull's blood and bring it to the tent of meeting.

Then the anointed priest shall take some of the bull’s blood and bring it into the Tent of Meeting.

And the anointed priest shall take of the blood of the bullock, and bring it to the tent of meeting:

Commentary

Commentary on Leviticus 4:5 (KJV)

Leviticus 4:5 details a specific action within the elaborate ritual of the sin offering under the Old Covenant law. This verse highlights the crucial role of the High Priest in making atonement for either his own unintentional sin or the sin of the entire congregation.

Context of the Sin Offering

This verse is part of the instructions for the "sin offering" (Hebrew: chatta'th), outlined in Leviticus chapter 4. Unlike other offerings, the sin offering specifically dealt with unintentional transgressions against God's commandments, emphasizing that even unwitting sins required atonement. The preceding verses establish the animal to be used – a young bull without blemish – and the initial steps of the offering, including the laying on of hands and the slaying of the animal (Leviticus 4:4). The focus here is on the subsequent handling of the blood, which was central to the purification process.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Role of the Anointed Priest: "The priest that is anointed" refers specifically to the High Priest, who was consecrated with holy oil for his unique mediatorial duties (see Exodus 29:7). His special status meant that his sins, or those of the community he represented, required a more significant and detailed ritual to cleanse the Tabernacle from defilement.
  • The Significance of Blood in Atonement: The act of taking the bullock's blood is paramount. In ancient Israelite worship, blood was understood as the life force and was divinely appointed as the means of atonement. The Bible explicitly states, "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" (Leviticus 17:11).
  • Sacred Space and Purification: Bringing the blood "to the tabernacle of the congregation" signifies that the purification was not merely for the individual but for the sacred space itself, which was defiled by sin. The blood was then applied to specific elements within the Tabernacle, such as the horns of the altar of incense and sprinkled before the veil, before being poured out at the base of the altar of burnt offering (Leviticus 4:6-7).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the priest that is anointed" uses the Hebrew word mashiach (מָשִׁיחַ), from which we get "Messiah" or "Christ." While in this context it refers to the literal anointing of the High Priest for his office, it subtly points to the ultimate "Anointed One" who would perfectly fulfill all priestly functions. The term emphasizes the divine appointment and special consecration necessary for one to mediate between God and humanity.

Practical Application and Significance

Leviticus 4:5, like much of the Old Testament sacrificial system, serves as a shadow pointing to a greater reality fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The repeated need for blood sacrifices for sin, even unintentional ones, underscored humanity's constant need for atonement and the gravity of sin before a holy God.

Jesus, as our great High Priest, offered Himself as the perfect and final sin offering. Unlike the Levitical priests who had to offer sacrifices repeatedly and for their own sins, Christ offered Himself "once for all" (Hebrews 7:27) through His own blood, which He brought into the heavenly Tabernacle (Hebrews 9:12). This verse reminds us of the profound cost of sin and the magnificent provision God has made through the sacrifice of His Son for our complete redemption and purification.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 16:14 (4 votes)

    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 4:16 (3 votes)

    And the priest that is anointed shall bring of the bullock's blood to the tabernacle of the congregation:

  • Leviticus 4:17 (3 votes)

    And the priest shall dip his finger [in some] of the blood, and sprinkle [it] seven times before the LORD, [even] before the vail.

  • Numbers 19:4 (3 votes)

    And Eleazar the priest shall take of her blood with his finger, and sprinkle of her blood directly before the tabernacle of the congregation seven times:

  • Leviticus 16:19 (2 votes)

    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.

  • 1 John 1:7 (2 votes)

    But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.