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Leviticus 4:7 - Atonement's sacred blood ritual

Leviticus 4:7 - ויקרא 4:7

Hebrew Text

וְנָתַן הַכֹּהֵן מִן־הַדָּם עַל־קַרְנוֹת מִזְבַּח קְטֹרֶת הַסַּמִּים לִפְנֵי יְהוָה אֲשֶׁר בְּאֹהֶל מוֹעֵד וְאֵת כָּל־דַּם הַפָּר יִשְׁפֹּךְ אֶל־יְסוֹד מִזְבַּח הָעֹלָה אֲשֶׁר־פֶּתַח אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד׃

English Translation

And the priest shall put some of the blood upon the horns of the altar of sweet incense before the Lord, which is in the Tent of Meeting: and shall pour all the blood of the bullock at the bottom of the altar of the burnt offering, which is at the door of the Tent of Meeting.

Transliteration

Venatan hakohen min hadam al karnot mizbeach ketoret hasamim lifnei Adonai asher beohel moed ve'et kol dam hapar yishpoch el yesod mizbeach haolah asher petach ohel moed.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְנָתַן֩ הַכֹּהֵ֨ן מִן־הַדָּ֜ם עַל־קַ֠רְנ֠וֹת מִזְבַּ֨ח קְטֹ֤רֶת הַסַּמִּים֙ לִפְנֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֖ר בְּאֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד וְאֵ֣ת <b>׀</b> כׇּל־דַּ֣ם הַפָּ֗ר יִשְׁפֹּךְ֙ אֶל־יְסוֹד֙ מִזְבַּ֣ח הָעֹלָ֔ה אֲשֶׁר־פֶּ֖תַח אֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵֽד׃
וְנָתַן֩ הַכֹּהֵ֨ן מִן־הַדָּ֜ם עַל־קַ֠רְנ֠וֹת מִזְבַּ֨ח קְטֹ֤רֶת הַסַּמִּים֙ לִפְנֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֖ר בְּאֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד וְאֵ֣ת ׀ כׇּל־דַּ֣ם הַפָּ֗ר יִשְׁפֹּךְ֙ אֶל־יְסוֹד֙ מִזְבַּ֣ח הָעֹלָ֔ה אֲשֶׁר־פֶּ֖תַח אֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵֽד׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Dual Aspects of Atonement

This verse describes two distinct actions performed with the blood of the bullock during the sin offering (חַטָּאת): placing blood on the horns of the inner altar (מִזְבַּח קְטֹרֶת הַסַּמִּים) and pouring the remaining blood at the base of the outer altar (מִזְבַּח הָעֹלָה). Rashi (Vayikra 4:7) explains that this reflects the dual nature of atonement - the inner altar represents spiritual purification before Hashem, while the outer altar addresses the physical consequences of sin in the world.

Symbolism of the Horns

The horns of the altar (קַרְנוֹת) hold particular significance. The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:46) teaches that horns symbolize power and elevation. By placing blood on the horns:

  • The Kohen elevates the penitent's atonement to the highest spiritual level
  • It represents the "raising up" of the sinner from their fallen state
  • The four horns correspond to the four directions, indicating atonement reaches all aspects of existence

The Inner vs. Outer Altars

The Talmud (Zevachim 59b) discusses why blood is applied differently to each altar:

  • The inner altar (incense altar) receives blood on its horns - representing the elevation of prayer and spiritual connection
  • The outer altar receives blood at its base - representing the grounding of atonement in physical actions and mitzvot

This follows the principle in Vayikra Rabbah (22:4) that complete atonement requires both spiritual repentance (תשובה) and practical rectification of wrongs.

The Significance of Blood Placement

The Kli Yakar (Vayikra 4:7) notes profound symbolism in the blood application:

  • Blood on the inner altar's horns - atones for improper thoughts that "rise up" like incense
  • Blood at the outer altar's base - atones for improper actions grounded in physical reality
  • The division of blood teaches that some sins require inner repentance while others require outward correction

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 53a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the procedures of the Yom Kippur service, specifically regarding the placement of the blood on the altar of incense and the pouring of the remaining blood at the base of the altar.
📖 Zevachim 62b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the proper handling and placement of sacrificial blood on the altar of incense and the altar of burnt offering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean to put blood on the horns of the altar?
A: In Leviticus 4:7, placing blood on the horns of the altar symbolizes atonement and purification. The horns were the highest points of the altar, representing elevation and connection to Hashem. Rashi explains that this act was part of the sin-offering ritual, where the blood served as a means of cleansing and rectifying wrongdoing before G-d.
Q: Why was the blood poured at the base of the altar?
A: Pouring the remaining blood at the base of the altar (as described in Leviticus 4:7) signifies the complete dedication of the sacrifice to Hashem. The Talmud (Zevachim 37a) teaches that the foundation (yesod) of the altar represents stability and permanence in serving G-d, showing that repentance and atonement must be sincere and grounded.
Q: What is the significance of the two altars mentioned in this verse?
A: The verse mentions two altars: the inner altar for incense (symbolizing prayer and closeness to G-d) and the outer altar for burnt offerings (representing action and service). The Rambam (Hilchot Maaseh HaKorbanot) explains that these two altars reflect the dual aspects of divine service—inner devotion (prayer) and outward deeds (mitzvot).
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 26b) that prayer replaces the sacrificial service. The incense altar corresponds to heartfelt prayer, while acts of kindness and Torah study are likened to the outer altar’s offerings. This verse reminds us to serve G-d with both spirit (prayer) and action (mitzvot).
Q: Why was the sin-offering blood applied differently on the two altars?
A: The blood was dabbed on the inner altar’s horns but poured at the base of the outer altar to reflect different levels of atonement. Rashi (on Leviticus 4:7) notes that the inner altar’s application was precise (for unintentional sins of thought), while the outer altar’s pouring was broader (for sins involving action). This teaches that repentance must address both inner intentions and outward behavior.