Leviticus 4:11 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 4:11 mean?

Leviticus 4:11 lists the parts of a bull—its skin, flesh, head, legs, inner organs, and dung—that were not used in the main sacrifice and were to be removed. This verse is part of the instructions for handling the remains of a bull offered as a sin offering in ancient Israel.

In this section, God is giving Moses detailed directions for the priests about what to do with the leftover parts of the bull after certain portions have been offered on the altar. The verse emphasizes that nothing is left to chance; every part of the animal, even the less desirable ones, is accounted for in the ritual process.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 4:11

• skin (עֹר, ‘or): This word refers to the hide of the bull. Its mention shows that even the outer covering, which might otherwise be valuable, is not kept but removed.
• bullock (פַּר, par): This is the word for a young bull, the animal used for the sin offering in this context.
• flesh (בָּשָׂר, basar): This term means the meat or muscle of the animal, highlighting that the main edible part is not consumed but treated as part of the remains.
• head (רֹאשׁ, rosh): The head is specifically listed, showing the thoroughness of the instructions.
• legs (כְּרָעַיִם, kera‘ayim): This refers to the lower limbs, again emphasizing that all parts are included.
• inwards (קֶרֶב, qerev): This word means the internal organs, which in some other sacrifices might be burned on the altar, but here are removed.
• dung (פֶּרֶשׁ, peresh): This refers to the waste inside the animal, which is also to be taken out and disposed of, showing attention to ritual cleanliness.

Why Leviticus 4:11 matters

• Leviticus 4:11 clarifies that the sin offering was not a meal or a source of profit for the priests; even valuable parts like the skin were not kept but removed.
• The verse highlights the seriousness and thoroughness of the sin offering, showing that every part of the animal, even the unclean or undesirable, had a designated place in the ritual.
• This detail connects to the wider passage by setting apart the sin offering from other types of sacrifices, underlining the special handling required for atonement rituals in Israel’s worship.