And thou shalt take of the blood of the bullock, and put it upon the horns of the altar with thy finger, and pour all the blood beside the bottom of the altar.

EXODUS 29:12KJV
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Exodus 29:12 (KJV)

What does Exodus 29:12 mean?

Exodus 29:12 describes how Moses is to take some of the bull’s blood and put it on the horns of the altar using his finger, then pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar. This is part of the instructions for consecrating the altar and the priests in ancient Israel’s worship practices.

God is speaking to Moses, giving detailed directions for the ceremony that sets apart Aaron and his sons as priests. The act of putting blood on the altar’s horns and pouring the rest at its base shows the seriousness of approaching God and the need for purification in worship. This ritual marks the altar as a special place for sacrifices and symbolizes the setting apart of both the priests and the altar for God’s service.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 29:12

  • "blood" (דָּם, dam, H1818): This word is used twice in the verse, highlighting the central role of blood in the consecration ritual. In ancient Israel, blood often represented life and was key in purification ceremonies.
  • "horns" (קֶרֶן, qeren, H7161): The horns were the four projections at the corners of the altar. Placing blood on them symbolized the altar’s dedication and the spreading of atonement to all who approached.
  • "altar" (מִזְבֵּחַ, mizbeach, H4196): This word refers to the structure where sacrifices were made. The instructions emphasize the altar’s importance as the meeting point between God and the people.
  • "bottom" (יְסוֹד, yesod, H3247): The word for “bottom” refers to the foundation or base of the altar, showing that the entire altar, from top to bottom, was involved in the act of consecration.

Why Exodus 29:12 matters

  • Exodus 29:12 clarifies that consecration involved specific, physical actions with the blood, not just a general offering, showing the seriousness and detail of Israel’s worship.
  • The verse highlights the importance of the altar’s horns and base, suggesting that every part of the altar needed to be purified and set apart for God’s purposes.
  • Understanding this verse helps make sense of later passages in the Bible that refer to the altar’s horns or the use of blood in sacrifices, connecting ritual details to the broader story of worship and atonement.

Where else these words appear

“bottom” Hebrew H3247 · used in 20 verses

  • Leviticus 4:7 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.
  • 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.
  • Psalms 137:7 Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof.

“finger” Hebrew H676 · used in 28 verses

  • Exodus 8:19 Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.
  • Leviticus 14:16 And the priest shall dip his right finger in the oil that is in his left hand, and shall sprinkle of the oil with his finger seven times before the LORD:
  • Psalms 144:1 A Psalm of David. Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:

“beside” Hebrew H413 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 1:9 And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.
  • Exodus 8:25 And Pharaoh called for Moses and for Aaron, and said, Go ye, sacrifice to your God in the land.
  • 1 Samuel 4:21 And she named the child Ichabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel: because the ark of God was taken, and because of her father in law and her husband.

“horns” Hebrew H7161 · used in 69 verses

  • Genesis 22:13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.
  • 2 Samuel 22:3 The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.
  • Jeremiah 48:25 The horn of Moab is cut off, and his arm is broken, saith the LORD.