King James Version

What Does Leviticus 4:34 Mean?

Leviticus 4:34 in the King James Version says “And the priest shall take of the blood of the sin offering with his finger, and put it upon the horns of the altar of bu...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the priest shall take of the blood of the sin offering 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 4:34 · KJV

Context

32

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

33

And he shall lay his hand upon the head of the sin offering, and slay it for a sin offering in the place where they kill the burnt offering.

34

And the priest shall take of the blood of the sin offering 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:

35

And he shall take away all the fat thereof, as the fat of the lamb is taken away from the sacrifice of the peace offerings; and the priest shall burn them upon the altar, according to the offerings made by fire unto the LORD: and the priest shall make an atonement for his sin that he hath committed, and it shall be forgiven him.

Read Leviticus 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the priest shall take of the blood of the sin offering 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.
Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

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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 tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ's atoning sacrifice and the seriousness of sin?
  2. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  3. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְלָקַ֨ח1 of 17

“shall take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

הַכֹּהֵ֜ן2 of 17

“And the priest”

H3548

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

דָּמָ֣הּ3 of 17

“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

הַֽחַטָּאת֙4 of 17

“of the sin offering”

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

בְּאֶצְבָּע֔וֹ5 of 17

“with his finger”

H676

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

וְנָתַ֕ן6 of 17

“and put”

H5414

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

עַל7 of 17
H5921

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

קַרְנֹ֖ת8 of 17

“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׃9 of 17

“of the altar”

H4196

an altar

הָֽעֹלָ֑ה10 of 17

“of burnt offering”

H5930

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

וְאֶת11 of 17
H853

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

כָּל12 of 17
H3605

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

דָּמָ֣הּ13 of 17

“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

יִשְׁפֹּ֔ךְ14 of 17

“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

אֶל15 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְס֖וֹד16 of 17

“thereof at the bottom”

H3247

a foundation (literally or figuratively)

הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃17 of 17

“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 4:34 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 4:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 4:25Leviticus 4:7Leviticus 4:30Romans 10:4Romans 8:31 Peter 1:18-20

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