And he shall put some of the blood upon the horns of the altar which is before the LORD, that is in the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall pour out all the blood at the bottom of the altar of the burnt offering, which is at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

LEVITICUS 4:18KJV
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Leviticus 4:18 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 4:18 mean?

Leviticus 4:18 describes a priest’s actions during a sin offering: he puts some of the animal’s blood on the horns of the altar before the LORD in the tabernacle, and then pours out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar of burnt offering, which stands at the entrance to the tabernacle. This ritual is part of the process for seeking forgiveness for unintentional sins.

In context, God is giving Moses instructions for the priests about how to handle sacrifices when the people or leaders sin unintentionally. The priest acts as a mediator, following these detailed steps to symbolize purification and atonement. The specific mention of the altar, the horns, and the pouring out of blood shows the seriousness and care involved in restoring the relationship between the people and God.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 4:18

  • blood (דָּם, dam, H1818): The use of blood here is central, as blood in the Hebrew Bible often symbolizes life and is used in rituals to represent purification and atonement.
  • horns (קֶרֶן, qeren, H7161): The horns of the altar were prominent features, and applying blood to them was a visible act of consecration and purification.
  • altar (מִזְבֵּחַ, mizbeach, H4196): Two different altars are referenced: the altar before the LORD inside the tabernacle (for incense) and the altar of burnt offering outside. The distinction shows the layered approach to ritual space and access to God.
  • before (פָּנִים, panim, H6440): This word often means “in the presence of,” emphasizing that these acts are done directly before God, not just as a public ceremony.

Why Leviticus 4:18 matters

  • Leviticus 4:18 clarifies that the sin offering is not just about killing an animal, but involves specific, meaningful actions with the blood, showing the seriousness of sin and the steps needed for forgiveness.
  • The verse highlights the role of the priest as a mediator, carefully following God’s instructions to restore the people’s relationship with Him.
  • By mentioning both the altar inside and the altar outside, the verse connects the inner, holy space of the tabernacle with the public area, showing that atonement affects both private and communal aspects of worship.

Where else these words appear

“bottom” Hebrew H3247 · used in 20 verses

  • Exodus 29:12 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.
  • 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.

“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.

“out” Hebrew H8210 · used in 111 verses

  • Genesis 9:6 Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.
  • Psalms 22:14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.
  • Ezekiel 16:36 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thy filthiness was poured out, and thy nakedness discovered through thy whoredoms with thy lovers, and with all the idols of thy abominations, and by the blood of thy children, which thou didst give unto them;