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Leviticus 4:6 - Blood's sacred purification ritual

Leviticus 4:6 - ויקרא 4:6

Hebrew Text

וְטָבַל הַכֹּהֵן אֶת־אֶצְבָּעוֹ בַּדָּם וְהִזָּה מִן־הַדָּם שֶׁבַע פְּעָמִים לִפְנֵי יְהוָה אֶת־פְּנֵי פָּרֹכֶת הַקֹּדֶשׁ׃

English Translation

and the priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle of the blood seven times before the Lord, before the veil of the sanctuary.

Transliteration

V'taval hakohen et-etsba'o badam v'hiza min-hadam sheva p'amim lifnei Adonai et-pnei parochet hakodesh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְטָבַ֧ל הַכֹּהֵ֛ן אֶת־אֶצְבָּע֖וֹ בַּדָּ֑ם וְהִזָּ֨ה מִן־הַדָּ֜ם שֶׁ֤בַע פְּעָמִים֙ לִפְנֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֔ה אֶת־פְּנֵ֖י פָּרֹ֥כֶת הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ׃
וְטָבַ֧ל הַכֹּהֵ֛ן אֶת־אֶצְבָּע֖וֹ בַּדָּ֑ם וְהִזָּ֨ה מִן־הַדָּ֜ם שֶׁ֤בַע פְּעָמִים֙ לִפְנֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֔ה אֶת־פְּנֵ֖י פָּרֹ֥כֶת הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Ritual of Sprinkling Blood

The verse describes a key component of the sacrificial service performed by the kohen (priest) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later in the Beit HaMikdash (Temple). According to Rashi (Vayikra 4:6), the act of dipping the finger and sprinkling the blood seven times before the parochet (veil of the sanctuary) symbolizes purification and atonement. The number seven is significant in Jewish tradition, representing completeness and divine perfection, as seen in creation (seven days) and other sacred contexts.

The Symbolism of the Blood

The Rambam (Hilchot Ma’aseh HaKorbanot 5:12) explains that blood represents the life force (nefesh), and its sprinkling serves as a reminder of the gravity of sin and the need for repentance. The blood is not merely a physical substance but a spiritual medium through which atonement is achieved. The parochet, separating the Holy of Holies from the rest of the sanctuary, signifies the boundary between the physical and the divine, emphasizing that the sprinkling is directed toward Hashem’s presence.

The Role of the Kohen

The Talmud (Zevachim 53b) elaborates on the precision required in this ritual. The kohen must use his right hand’s finger (as per Halacha) and sprinkle the blood in a specific manner—upward and outward—to ensure the mitzvah is performed correctly. This meticulousness reflects the sanctity of the service and the importance of adhering to divine commandments without deviation.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 5:5) connects the seven sprinklings to the seven heavens, suggesting that the act ascends through all spiritual realms to reach Hashem. Additionally, the parochet is seen as a symbol of mercy, as it shields the Ark and the Divine Presence, yet allows for atonement through the blood of the korban (offering).

Practical and Spiritual Lessons

  • The ritual teaches the importance of intentionality in divine service—every detail matters.
  • The seven sprinklings remind us of the completeness of teshuvah (repentance) when done sincerely.
  • The kohen’s role as an intermediary highlights the value of spiritual leadership in guiding the people toward atonement.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 5b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the rituals performed by the High Priest on Yom Kippur, particularly concerning the sprinkling of blood in the Holy of Holies.
📖 Zevachim 53b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the proper procedures for sacrificial offerings, emphasizing the importance of the priest's actions with the blood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the priest sprinkle blood seven times in Leviticus 4:6?
A: The number seven in the Torah often symbolizes completeness or perfection (Rashi on Leviticus 4:6). Sprinkling the blood seven times before the veil of the sanctuary represents the complete atonement process for unintentional sins, showing that the purification is thorough before Hashem.
Q: What is the significance of the priest dipping his finger in the blood in Leviticus 4:6?
A: The priest uses his finger to sprinkle the blood because it represents precision and sanctity in performing the service (Rambam, Hilchot Maaseh HaKorbanot). The finger is a controlled instrument, showing that the service must be done carefully and with intention.
Q: Why is the blood sprinkled before the veil of the sanctuary in Leviticus 4:6?
A: The veil (parochet) separates the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies, where Hashem's presence dwells. Sprinkling the blood before it signifies bringing atonement as close as possible to the Divine presence, emphasizing the seriousness of repentance (Midrash Torat Kohanim).
Q: What lesson can we learn today from Leviticus 4:6 about repentance?
A: Just as the blood was sprinkled methodically for atonement, repentance (teshuvah) requires sincere and deliberate steps. The seven sprinkles remind us that true repentance must be complete, not rushed or superficial (Talmud, Yoma 86a).
Q: Does Leviticus 4:6 still have meaning without the Temple?
A: Yes, while we no longer have the Temple service, the principles remain relevant. Prayer, charity, and Torah study serve as substitutes for sacrifices (Talmud, Berachot 26a). The verse teaches us that repentance requires effort and sincerity, values that apply at all times.