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Leviticus 4:25 - Priest atones with altar blood

Leviticus 4:25 - ויקרא 4:25

Hebrew Text

וְלָקַח הַכֹּהֵן מִדַּם הַחַטָּאת בְּאֶצְבָּעוֹ וְנָתַן עַל־קַרְנֹת מִזְבַּח הָעֹלָה וְאֶת־דָּמוֹ יִשְׁפֹּךְ אֶל־יְסוֹד מִזְבַּח הָעֹלָה׃

English Translation

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 its blood at the bottom of the altar of burnt offering.

Transliteration

Velakach hakohen midam hachet be'etzba'o venatan al-karnot mizbeach ha'olah ve'et-damo yishpoch el-yesod mizbeach ha'olah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלָקַ֨ח הַכֹּהֵ֜ן מִדַּ֤ם הַֽחַטָּאת֙ בְּאֶצְבָּע֔וֹ וְנָתַ֕ן עַל־קַרְנֹ֖ת מִזְבַּ֣ח הָעֹלָ֑ה וְאֶת־דָּמ֣וֹ יִשְׁפֹּ֔ךְ אֶל־יְס֖וֹד מִזְבַּ֥ח הָעֹלָֽה׃
וְלָקַ֨ח הַכֹּהֵ֜ן מִדַּ֤ם הַֽחַטָּאת֙ בְּאֶצְבָּע֔וֹ וְנָתַ֕ן עַל־קַרְנֹ֖ת מִזְבַּ֣ח הָעֹלָ֑ה וְאֶת־דָּמ֣וֹ יִשְׁפֹּ֔ךְ אֶל־יְס֖וֹד מִזְבַּ֥ח הָעֹלָֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Procedure of the Sin Offering

The verse describes the ritual process for the chatat (sin offering), emphasizing the role of the kohen (priest) in applying the blood to the altar. According to Rashi (Vayikra 4:25), the placement of the blood on the karnot (horns) of the altar symbolizes atonement, as the horns represent strength and elevation—suggesting that the penitent's sins are lifted and forgiven through this sacred act.

Symbolism of Blood Placement

The Rambam (Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot 5:13) explains that the blood is applied to the horns because they are the highest and most prominent part of the altar, signifying that the atonement reaches upward to Hashem. The pouring of the remaining blood at the base of the altar, as noted in the Talmud (Zevachim 53b), represents the complete submission of the sinner, as the foundation (yesod) signifies humility and sincerity in repentance.

The Role of the Kohen's Finger

The use of the kohen's finger (etzba) is significant. Midrash Tanchuma (Tzav 10) teaches that the finger represents precision and intentionality in the service of Hashem. Unlike other offerings where a vessel might be used, the direct application by hand underscores the personal responsibility of the kohen in facilitating atonement for the individual.

Halachic Implications

  • Mishnah Zevachim 5:3 clarifies that if the blood is not applied to the horns in the prescribed manner, the offering is invalid.
  • Ramban (Vayikra 4:25) adds that the dual actions—placing blood on the horns and pouring it at the base—teach that atonement requires both outward correction (kapparah) and inner transformation (teshuvah).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of the priest putting blood on the horns of the altar?
A: According to Rashi and traditional Jewish sources, placing the blood of the sin offering on the horns of the altar symbolizes atonement and purification. The horns represent the altar's highest points, showing that the repentance reaches upward to Hashem. This act was part of the process for certain sin offerings in the Beit HaMikdash (Temple).
Q: Why does the priest use his finger to apply the blood?
A: The Torah specifies that the kohen (priest) uses his finger to apply the blood to teach precision and intentionality in the service of Hashem. The Talmud (Zevachim 37b) explains that this method ensures the blood is placed exactly where required, demonstrating the care taken in performing mitzvot (commandments) properly.
Q: What is the significance of pouring the remaining blood at the base of the altar?
A: Pouring the remaining blood at the base of the altar (as explained in the Midrash) signifies complete dedication to Hashem. Just as the blood represents life (as stated in Vayikra 17:11), placing it at the foundation shows that our spiritual service must be rooted in sincerity and wholehearted commitment.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today without the Temple?
A: While we no longer have the Beit HaMikdash, the Rambam teaches that prayer, teshuvah (repentance), and acts of kindness serve in place of sacrifices. This verse reminds us that atonement requires active effort (like the kohen's actions) and sincere repentance—principles that remain central in Orthodox Jewish life today.
Q: What types of sins required this kind of offering?
A: This verse refers to a 'chatat' (sin offering) brought for unintentional sins (Vayikra 4:2). The Talmud (Horayot 8a) specifies that different offerings apply based on circumstances—this particular one was for an individual who erred in violating a prohibition. The detailed process emphasizes that even unintentional wrongs require correction.