King James Version

What Does Leviticus 4:7 Mean?

Leviticus 4:7 in the King James Version says “And the priest shall put some of the blood upon the horns of the altar of sweet incense before the LORD, which is in the... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the priest shall put some of the blood upon the horns of the altar of sweet incense before the LORD, which is in the tabernacle of the congregation; and shall pour all the blood of the bullock at the bottom of the altar of the burnt offering, which is at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

Leviticus 4:7 · KJV


Context

5

And the priest that is anointed shall take of the bullock's blood, and bring it to the tabernacle of the congregation:

6

And the priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle of the blood seven times before the LORD, before the vail of the sanctuary.

7

And the priest shall put some of the blood upon the horns of the altar of sweet incense before the LORD, which is in the tabernacle of the congregation; and shall pour all the blood of the bullock at the bottom of the altar of the burnt offering, which is at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

8

And he shall take off from it all the fat of the bullock for the sin offering; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards,

9

And the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, which is by the flanks, and the caul above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the priest shall put some of the blood upon the horns of the altar of sweet incense before the LORD, which is in the tabernacle of the congregation; and shall pour all the blood of the bullock at the bottom of the altar of the burnt offering, which is at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

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.
The New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 27 words
וְנָתַן֩1 of 27

shall put

H5414

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

הַכֹּהֵ֨ן2 of 27

And the priest

H3548

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

מִן3 of 27
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

דַּ֣ם4 of 27

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

עַל5 of 27
H5921

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

קַ֠רְנוֹת6 of 27

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

מִזְבַּ֣ח7 of 27

of the altar

H4196

an altar

קְטֹ֤רֶת8 of 27

incense

H7004

a fumigation

הַסַּמִּים֙9 of 27

of sweet

H5561

an aroma

לִפְנֵ֣י10 of 27

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

יְהוָ֔ה11 of 27

the LORD

H3068

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

אֲשֶׁ֖ר12 of 27
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אֹ֥הֶל13 of 27

of the tabernacle

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵֽד׃14 of 27

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

וְאֵ֣ת׀15 of 27
H853

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

כָּל16 of 27
H3605

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

דַּ֣ם17 of 27

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

הַפָּ֗ר18 of 27

of the bullock

H6499

a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)

יִשְׁפֹּךְ֙19 of 27

and shall pour

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

אֶל20 of 27
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְסוֹד֙21 of 27

at the bottom

H3247

a foundation (literally or figuratively)

מִזְבַּ֣ח22 of 27

of the altar

H4196

an altar

הָֽעֹלָ֔ה23 of 27

of the burnt offering

H5930

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

אֲשֶׁר24 of 27
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

פֶּ֖תַח25 of 27

which is at the door

H6607

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

אֹ֥הֶל26 of 27

of the tabernacle

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵֽד׃27 of 27

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


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 4:7 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 4:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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