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Leviticus 4:34 - Priest atones with altar blood

Leviticus 4:34 - ויקרא 4:34

Hebrew Text

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

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 all its blood at the bottom of the altar:

Transliteration

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

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלָקַ֨ח הַכֹּהֵ֜ן מִדַּ֤ם הַֽחַטָּאת֙ בְּאֶצְבָּע֔וֹ וְנָתַ֕ן עַל־קַרְנֹ֖ת מִזְבַּ֣ח הָעֹלָ֑ה וְאֶת־כׇּל־דָּמָ֣הּ יִשְׁפֹּ֔ךְ אֶל־יְס֖וֹד הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃
וְלָקַ֨ח הַכֹּהֵ֜ן מִדַּ֤ם הַֽחַטָּאת֙ בְּאֶצְבָּע֔וֹ וְנָתַ֕ן עַל־קַרְנֹ֖ת מִזְבַּ֣ח הָעֹלָ֑ה וְאֶת־כׇּל־דָּמָ֣הּ יִשְׁפֹּ֔ךְ אֶל־יְס֖וֹד הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Procedure of the Sin Offering

The verse describes the detailed procedure 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 seeks to rise above sin through sincere repentance.

The Symbolism of Blood Application

The Rambam (Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot 5:13) explains that the blood is applied with the priest's finger to ensure precision and intentionality, reflecting the gravity of the atonement process. The Midrash Tanchuma (Tzav 10) further teaches that the blood represents life (as stated in Devarim 12:23), and its placement on the altar signifies the sinner's recommitment to a sanctified life.

The Pouring of the Blood at the Base

The second part of the verse instructs the priest to pour the remaining blood at the base of the altar. The Talmud (Zevachim 37a) notes that this act completes the atonement process, as the altar's foundation represents stability and permanence in one's return to Hashem. Rabbeinu Bachya (on Vayikra 4:7) adds that this symbolizes the sinner's humility—acknowledging one's flaws and seeking purification at the lowest point of the altar.

Key Teachings from the Verse

  • The kohen’s role is essential in facilitating atonement, acting as an intermediary between the penitent and Hashem.
  • The horns of the altar signify spiritual elevation, while the base represents humility—both necessary for true repentance.
  • The meticulous handling of the blood underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for deliberate correction.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 37b
The verse is discussed in the context of the procedures for the sin offering, particularly how the blood is to be applied to the altar.
📖 Menachot 93b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the proper handling and placement of sacrificial blood on the altar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the priest do with the blood of the sin offering in Leviticus 4:34?
A: According to the verse, the priest takes some of the blood with his finger and places it on the horns (corners) of the altar of burnt offering. The rest of the blood is poured out at the base of the altar. Rashi explains that this procedure atones for the sin committed.
Q: Why does the priest put blood on the horns of the altar?
A: The horns of the altar are singled out because they are the most prominent and elevated part of the altar, symbolizing the lifting up of the atonement process. The Midrash teaches that the horns represent strength and mercy, showing that Hashem accepts sincere repentance.
Q: What is the significance of pouring the blood at the base of the altar?
A: Pouring the remaining blood at the base of the altar symbolizes the complete dedication of the offering to Hashem. The Talmud (Zevachim 53a) explains that this act represents humility—just as the blood flows downward, so too must a person lower themselves in sincere repentance.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today without the Temple?
A: Although we no longer have the Temple or sacrifices, the Rambam teaches that prayer, Torah study, and acts of kindness serve in place of sacrifices. The message of repentance and atonement remains central in Jewish life, especially during times like the Yamim Noraim (High Holy Days).
Q: Why does the priest use his finger to apply the blood?
A: Rashi explains that using the finger (specifically the right hand’s index finger) emphasizes precision and personal involvement in the atonement process. It teaches that repentance requires direct, intentional action—just as the priest carefully applies the blood, we must carefully examine and correct our ways.