King James Version

What Does Leviticus 17:4 Mean?

Leviticus 17:4 in the King James Version says “And bringeth it not unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, to offer an offering unto the LORD before the t... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And bringeth it not unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, to offer an offering unto the LORD before the tabernacle of the LORD; blood shall be imputed unto that man; he hath shed blood; and that man shall be cut off from among his people:

Leviticus 17:4 · KJV


Context

2

Speak unto Aaron, and unto his sons, and unto all the children of Israel, and say unto them; This is the thing which the LORD hath commanded, saying,

3

What man soever there be of the house of Israel, that killeth an ox, or lamb, or goat, in the camp, or that killeth it out of the camp,

4

And bringeth it not unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, to offer an offering unto the LORD before the tabernacle of the LORD; blood shall be imputed unto that man; he hath shed blood; and that man shall be cut off from among his people:

5

To the end that the children of Israel may bring their sacrifices, which they offer in the open field, even that they may bring them unto the LORD, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest, and offer them for peace offerings unto the LORD.

6

And the priest shall sprinkle the blood upon the altar of the LORD at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and burn the fat for a sweet savour unto the LORD.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And bringeth it not unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, to offer an offering unto the LORD before the tabernacle of the LORD; blood shall be imputed unto that man; he hath shed blood; and that man shall be cut off from among his people:

This verse falls within the section on Sanctity of Blood. Regulations prohibiting consumption of blood and requiring proper slaughter, emphasizing blood's sacred role in atonement.

The five main offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt) addressed different aspects of relationship with God, all fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive sacrifice. Leviticus 17:11 declares 'the life of the flesh is in the blood,' establishing blood's sacred role in atonement, pointing to Christ's blood shed for redemption.
Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Regulations prohibiting consumption of blood and requiring proper slaughter, emphasizing blood's sacred role in atonement. Chapters 17-27, often called the 'Holiness Code,' expand covenant obligations beyond ritual to encompass all of life—sexuality, economics, justice, and relationships. The repeated refrain 'I am the LORD' grounds these laws in God's character and covenant relationship with Israel. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. Archaeological discoveries at sites like Ugarit reveal Canaanite religious practices Israel's laws explicitly rejected, confirming the Bible's historical reliability and the distinctiveness of Israelite worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?
  2. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  3. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
וְאֶל1 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

פֶּ֜תַח2 of 23

it not unto the door

H6607

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

אֹ֣הֶל3 of 23

of the tabernacle

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵד֮4 of 23

of the congregation

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

לֹ֣א5 of 23
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הֱבִיאוֹ֒6 of 23

And bringeth

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

לְהַקְרִ֤יב7 of 23

to offer

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

קָרְבָּן֙8 of 23

an offering

H7133

something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present

יְהוָ֑ה9 of 23

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לִפְנֵ֖י10 of 23

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

מִשְׁכַּ֣ן11 of 23

the tabernacle

H4908

a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w

יְהוָ֑ה12 of 23

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

דָּ֣ם13 of 23

blood

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

יֵֽחָשֵׁ֞ב14 of 23

shall be imputed

H2803

properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou

הָאִ֥ישׁ15 of 23

and that man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

הַהוּא֙16 of 23
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

דָּ֣ם17 of 23

blood

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

שָׁפָ֔ךְ18 of 23

he hath shed

H8210

to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc

וְנִכְרַ֛ת19 of 23

shall be cut off

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

הָאִ֥ישׁ20 of 23

and that man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

הַה֖וּא21 of 23
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

מִקֶּ֥רֶב22 of 23

from among

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

עַמּֽוֹ׃23 of 23

his people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Leviticus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Leviticus 17:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Leviticus 17:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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