And the priest shall take of the blood thereof with his finger, and put it upon the horns of the altar of burnt offering, and shall pour out all the blood thereof at the bottom of the altar.

LEVITICUS 4:30KJV
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Leviticus 4:30 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 4:30 mean?

Leviticus 4:30 describes how a priest was to handle the blood of a sacrificed animal during a sin offering: he would use his finger to put some of the blood on the horns of the altar of burnt offering, then pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar. This was part of the ritual for seeking forgiveness for unintentional sins.

In the context of Leviticus, God is giving Moses specific instructions for the priests and the people of Israel about how to make offerings for sins committed by individuals. The details about the blood, the altar, and the priest’s actions show the seriousness with which sin and atonement were treated in ancient Israelite worship.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 4:30

  • "priest" (כֹּהֵן, kohen): This word refers specifically to the Israelite priest, who had the unique role of performing sacrifices and mediating between the people and God.
  • "horns" (קֶרֶן, qeren): The "horns" were projections on the corners of the altar; putting blood on them symbolized the offering’s connection to God’s mercy and the altar’s sanctity.
  • "altar" (מִזְבֵּחַ, mizbeach): The altar of burnt offering was the main place for sacrifices in the Tabernacle courtyard, highlighting the public and communal nature of this ritual.
  • "blood" (דָּם, dam): The use of blood in this ritual emphasized the seriousness of sin and the idea that life was being offered to make atonement.

Why Leviticus 4:30 matters

  • Leviticus 4:30 clarifies that not all sacrifices were the same; the specific handling of blood set the sin offering apart from other types of offerings.
  • The verse highlights the priest’s central role in making atonement, showing that forgiveness was not a private act but involved the community and its leaders.
  • This detail connects to the larger theme in Leviticus of holiness and the careful procedures required to approach God, helping readers understand the structure and meaning behind ancient Israelite worship practices.

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.

“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:

“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;