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Leviticus 4:18 - Altar's horns atone for sin

Leviticus 4:18 - ויקרא 4:18

Hebrew Text

וּמִן־הַדָּם יִתֵּן עַל־קַרְנֹת הַמִּזְבֵּחַ אֲשֶׁר לִפְנֵי יְהוָה אֲשֶׁר בְּאֹהֶל מוֹעֵד וְאֵת כָּל־הַדָּם יִשְׁפֹּךְ אֶל־יְסוֹד מִזְבַּח הָעֹלָה אֲשֶׁר־פֶּתַח אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד׃

English Translation

And he shall put some of the blood upon the horns of the altar which is before the Lord, that is in the Tent of Meeting, and shall pour out all the blood at the bottom of the altar of the burnt offering, which is at the door of the Tent of Meeting.

Transliteration

U-min-ha-dam yiten al-karnot ha-mizbe'ach asher lifnei Adonai asher be-ohel mo'ed ve-et kol-ha-dam yishpoch el-yesod mizbe'ach ha-olah asher-petach ohel mo'ed.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּמִן־הַדָּ֞ם יִתֵּ֣ן <b>׀</b> עַל־קַרְנֹ֣ת הַמִּזְבֵּ֗חַ אֲשֶׁר֙ לִפְנֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֖ר בְּאֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד וְאֵ֣ת כׇּל־הַדָּ֗ם יִשְׁפֹּךְ֙ אֶל־יְסוֹד֙ מִזְבַּ֣ח הָעֹלָ֔ה אֲשֶׁר־פֶּ֖תַח אֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵֽד׃
וּמִן־הַדָּ֞ם יִתֵּ֣ן ׀ עַל־קַרְנֹ֣ת הַמִּזְבֵּ֗חַ אֲשֶׁר֙ לִפְנֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֖ר בְּאֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד וְאֵ֣ת כׇּל־הַדָּ֗ם יִשְׁפֹּךְ֙ אֶל־יְסוֹד֙ מִזְבַּ֣ח הָעֹלָ֔ה אֲשֶׁר־פֶּ֖תַח אֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵֽד׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse (Vayikra 4:7) describes part of the sacrificial procedure for the chatas (sin offering) brought by a kohen gadol (high priest) who sinned unintentionally. The blood is applied to the horns of the inner altar (the golden altar used for incense) and poured at the base of the outer altar (the copper altar for burnt offerings).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 4:7) explains that the placement of blood on the horns follows the same procedure as the bull brought on Yom Kippur (Vayikra 16:18). The horns symbolize power and atonement, as the altar "protects" like the horns of an ox (based on Talmud Zevachim 53b). Pouring the remaining blood at the base of the outer altar completes the atonement process.

Symbolism of the Blood Placement

  • Horns of the Altar: The Ramban (Vayikra 4:7) teaches that the horns represent the elevated spiritual state one must reach for atonement. The blood on the horns signifies that repentance must be "uplifted" to Hashem.
  • Base of the Altar: The Mishnah (Zevachim 5:3) states that the blood at the base represents the sinner humbling themselves before Hashem, as the foundation of repentance is humility.

Halachic Details from the Talmud

The Talmud (Zevachim 37a) derives from this verse that the blood application must be done with the priest's finger (as implied by "יתן" - "he shall place"). The Sifra (Torat Kohanim) adds that the blood must be applied to each horn in an upward motion, symbolizing spiritual ascent.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 5:5) connects this verse to the concept that the altar atones even when the Beit HaMikdash is not standing. The placement of blood in the Ohel Moed (Tent of Meeting) teaches that sincere repentance creates a meeting point between man and Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 37b
The verse is discussed in the context of the proper procedures for offering sacrifices, specifically regarding the placement of blood on the altar's horns and the pouring of the remaining blood at the base of the altar.
📖 Menachot 93b
This verse is referenced in a discussion about the various types of offerings and the specific requirements for each, including the handling of the blood during the sacrificial process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean to put blood on the horns of the altar?
A: In Leviticus 4:18, placing blood on the horns of the altar was part of the atonement process for certain sins. The horns were the highest points of the altar, symbolizing elevation and connection to Hashem. Rashi explains that this act purified the altar and represented the sinner's sincere repentance and desire to draw closer to G-d.
Q: Why was the rest of the blood poured at the base of the altar?
A: Pouring the remaining blood at the base of the altar (as described in Leviticus 4:18) symbolized the complete dedication of the sacrifice to Hashem. The Talmud (Zevachim 37a) teaches that this act reinforced the idea that atonement comes through the proper service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle), and the blood represents the life force given back to G-d.
Q: What is the significance of the altar being 'before the Lord' in the Tent of Meeting?
A: The verse emphasizes that the altar was 'before the Lord' in the Tent of Meeting to show that the sacrificial service was performed in direct connection with Hashem's presence. The Rambam (Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot) explains that every detail of the service was designed to inspire awe and reverence, reminding us that we stand before the Divine.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today without the Temple?
A: Although we no longer have the Temple or sacrifices, our Sages teach (Talmud Berachot 32b) that prayer, repentance, and acts of kindness now take the place of sacrifices. The message of Leviticus 4:18—sincere repentance and dedication to Hashem—remains central to Jewish life. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah) emphasizes that heartfelt teshuvah (repentance) achieves atonement.
Q: Why does the Torah specify the location of the altar at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting?
A: The altar's placement at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting (as mentioned in Leviticus 4:18) symbolizes that coming close to Hashem requires passing through the 'gateway' of repentance and sacrifice. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 7:3) teaches that just as the altar stood at the entrance, so too must we 'enter' into service of G-d with humility and commitment.