King James Version

What Does Leviticus 4:30 Mean?

Leviticus 4:30 in the King James Version says “And the priest shall take of the blood thereof with his finger, and put it upon the horns of the altar of burnt offering...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 4:30 · KJV

Context

28

Or if his sin, which he hath sinned, come to his knowledge: then he shall bring his offering, a kid of the goats, a female without blemish, for his sin which he hath sinned.

29

And he shall lay his hand upon the head of the sin offering, and slay the sin offering in the place of the burnt offering.

30

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.

31

And he shall take away all the fat thereof, as the fat is taken away from off the sacrifice of peace offerings; and the priest shall burn it upon the altar for a sweet savour unto the LORD; and the priest shall make an atonement for him, and it shall be forgiven him.

32

And if he bring a lamb for a sin offering, he shall bring it a female without blemish.

Read Leviticus 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse falls within the section on Sin Offerings. The sin offering (חַטָּאת, chattat) provided atonement for unintentional sins, addressing the defilement sin causes in God's holy presence.

The Aaronic priesthood mediated between God and Israel, offering sacrifices and maintaining the tabernacle. This prefigured Christ's superior priesthood after the order of Melchizedek. 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.
What Leviticus portrayed through types and shadows, Christ fulfilled in reality through His incarnation, perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The sin offering (חַטָּאת, chattat) provided atonement for unintentional sins, addressing the defilement sin causes in God's holy presence. Leviticus was given to Israel at Mount Sinai, shortly after the tabernacle's construction described in Exodus. The name 'Leviticus' (from Latin Leviticus, referring to the Levites) reflects its focus on priestly duties, though the Hebrew title Wayyiqra ('And He called') emphasizes God's initiative in revealing these laws. The first seven chapters detail the five main offerings, providing both worshiper instructions and priestly procedures. Ancient Near Eastern cultures had various sacrificial systems, but Israel's sacrificial worship was unique in its ethical foundation, monotheistic framework, and emphasis on atonement rather than appeasement. Unlike pagan rituals focused on manipulating deities, Israel's sacrifices acknowledged God's sovereignty and sought reconciliation based on His gracious provision. The Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  2. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?
  3. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְלָקַ֨ח1 of 16

“shall take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

הַכֹּהֵ֤ן2 of 16

“And the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

דָּמָ֣הּ3 of 16

“all the 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

בְּאֶצְבָּע֔וֹ4 of 16

“thereof with his finger”

H676

something to sieze with, i.e., a finger; by analogy, a toe

וְנָתַ֕ן5 of 16

“and put”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

עַל6 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

קַרְנֹ֖ת7 of 16

“it upon the horns”

H7161

a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun

הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃8 of 16

“of the altar”

H4196

an altar

הָֽעֹלָ֑ה9 of 16

“of burnt offering”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

וְאֶת10 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל11 of 16
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

דָּמָ֣הּ12 of 16

“all the 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

יִשְׁפֹּ֔ךְ13 of 16

“and shall pour out”

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

אֶל14 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְס֖וֹד15 of 16

“thereof at the bottom”

H3247

a foundation (literally or figuratively)

הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃16 of 16

“of the altar”

H4196

an altar

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 4:30 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 4:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 4:34Leviticus 4:7Leviticus 4:25Romans 8:3-4Romans 10:4Hebrews 2:10

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