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Leviticus 4:30 - Sin's blood atones.

Leviticus 4:30 - ויקרא 4:30

Hebrew Text

וְלָקַח הַכֹּהֵן מִדָּמָהּ בְּאֶצְבָּעוֹ וְנָתַן עַל־קַרְנֹת מִזְבַּח הָעֹלָה וְאֶת־כָּל־דָּמָהּ יִשְׁפֹּךְ אֶל־יְסוֹד הַמִּזְבֵּחַ׃

English Translation

And the priest shall take of its blood with his finger, and put it upon the horns of the altar of burnt offering, and shall pour out all its blood at the bottom of the altar.

Transliteration

Velakach hakohen midamah be'etzba'o venatan al-karnot mizbach ha'olah ve'et-kol-damah yishpoch el-yesod hamizbe'ach.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלָקַ֨ח הַכֹּהֵ֤ן מִדָּמָהּ֙ בְּאֶצְבָּע֔וֹ וְנָתַ֕ן עַל־קַרְנֹ֖ת מִזְבַּ֣ח הָעֹלָ֑ה וְאֶת־כׇּל־דָּמָ֣הּ יִשְׁפֹּ֔ךְ אֶל־יְס֖וֹד הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃
וְלָקַ֨ח הַכֹּהֵ֤ן מִדָּמָהּ֙ בְּאֶצְבָּע֔וֹ וְנָתַ֕ן עַל־קַרְנֹ֖ת מִזְבַּ֣ח הָעֹלָ֑ה וְאֶת־כׇּל־דָּמָ֣הּ יִשְׁפֹּ֔ךְ אֶל־יְס֖וֹד הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Procedure of Blood Application in the Korban Olah

The verse describes the ritual process for the blood of the Korban Olah (burnt offering), which involves two distinct actions by the Kohen (priest): placing blood on the horns of the altar and pouring the remainder at its base. Rashi (Vayikra 4:7) explains that the application of blood on the horns symbolizes atonement, as the horn represents strength and elevation—suggesting that the offering uplifts the penitent before Hashem.

Symbolism of the Blood Placement

The Midrash Tanchuma (Tzav 14) teaches that the four horns of the altar correspond to the four directions of the world, indicating that the altar serves as a conduit for divine mercy to all of humanity. The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:46) further elaborates that the blood represents the life force (nefesh), and its placement on the altar signifies the donor’s complete devotion to Hashem.

The Pouring of the Blood at the Base

The second part of the verse instructs the priest to pour the remaining blood at the altar’s foundation. The Talmud (Zevachim 53b) explains that this act ensures that no part of the sacrificial process is neglected, reinforcing the principle of hiddur mitzvah (beautifying the commandment). The Kli Yakar (Vayikra 1:5) adds that the blood at the base represents humility, reminding the worshipper that true service to Hashem requires both outward action and inner sincerity.

Halachic Implications

  • The Mishneh Torah (Hilchos Maaseh HaKorbanos 5:12) rules that the priest must use his right hand for the blood application, as it is considered more honorable in divine service.
  • The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De’ah 19:1) notes that any deviation in the blood application invalidates the sacrifice, emphasizing the precision required in avodas Hashem (service to G-d).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 4:30 mean?
A: Leviticus 4:30 describes part of the process for bringing a sin offering (chatat) in the Temple. The priest takes some of the animal's blood with his finger and places it on the corners (horns) of the altar, then pours the remaining blood at the base. This was part of the atonement process for certain unintentional sins, as explained in the surrounding verses.
Q: Why is putting blood on the altar horns important?
A: Rashi explains that the horns of the altar were singled out for this ritual because they are the most prominent part of the altar, representing elevation and spiritual uplift. The blood on the horns symbolizes the sinner's desire to rise above their mistake and reconnect with Hashem. The Talmud (Zevachim 53b) discusses the significance of this specific placement.
Q: What can we learn from this verse today without a Temple?
A: The Rambam teaches that even though we can't bring sacrifices today, the principles behind them remain relevant. This verse teaches us about sincere repentance - just as the blood was deliberately placed on the altar, we must deliberately focus on improving ourselves. Prayer, charity, and Torah study now replace sacrifices (as explained in the Talmud, Berachot 32b).
Q: Why did the priest use his finger for the blood?
A: The Midrash (Torat Kohanim) notes that using the finger emphasizes the personal involvement of the priest in the atonement process. The finger represents direct action and attention to detail in serving Hashem. This teaches us that spiritual growth requires our active participation and careful attention to mitzvot.
Q: What's the difference between putting blood on the horns and pouring it at the base?
A: The Talmud (Zevachim 37a) explains that placing blood on the horns was done for certain offerings to represent elevation, while pouring at the base represented foundation and stability in our relationship with Hashem. Together, they symbolize both striving for higher spiritual levels while maintaining our basic commitment to Torah values.