Leviticus 4:34 - The priest shall take some of the blood of the sin offering with his finger, and put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering; and all the rest of its blood he shall pour out at the base of the altar.

Generated Verse: Leviticus 4:34

What does "Leviticus 4:34" mean?


This verse from Leviticus 4:34 describes a specific ritual performed when a common person has committed a sin unintentionally. Let's break down the meaning:

"The priest shall take some of the blood of the sin offering with his finger..." The blood represents life itself and is considered sacred in the Old Testament. It's the central component of atonement, signifying a covering or cleansing of sin. The priest, acting as an intermediary between God and the people, applies this blood.

"...and put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering..." The "horns" are projections at the four corners of the altar. They were considered a place of sanctuary and power, a place where people could seek refuge. Applying the blood to the horns symbolically links the atonement for sin to the altar where sacrifices are made to God. It's like a symbolic blotting out of the sin.

"...and all the rest of its blood he shall pour out at the base of the altar." The remaining blood is poured out at the base, signifying a complete offering and a thorough cleansing. The altar is dedicated to God, so returning the blood to its base emphasizes God's ownership and authority in the atonement process.

In summary, the verse outlines a purification ritual where:

Blood Atonement: The blood represents life given to cover the sin.
Symbolic Cleansing: Applying blood to the altar's horns symbolizes the cleansing and purification from sin in God's presence.
Complete Offering: Pouring the remaining blood at the altar's base represents a complete surrender to God and acceptance of His judgment.

The ritual is a way to restore the relationship between the individual and God that had been broken by sin. It shows that sin has consequences and requires atonement, highlighting the importance of seeking forgiveness. Keep in mind that many Christians believe these Old Testament rituals foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins.

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