The priest is to dip his finger in the bloodThis phrase indicates the role of the priest as a mediator between God and the people. The act of dipping the finger in blood signifies the priest's involvement in the sacrificial system, which was central to the atonement process in ancient Israel. Blood, representing life, was a crucial element in the sacrificial rituals, symbolizing purification and the covering of sin. This act foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood was shed for the remission of sins.
and sprinkle some of it seven times
The number seven in the Bible often symbolizes completeness or perfection. Sprinkling the blood seven times signifies the thoroughness and completeness of the atonement process. This act of sprinkling is a ritual purification, ensuring that the sin offering is fully effective. It points to the perfect and complete sacrifice of Christ, who fulfilled the law and provided a perfect atonement for sin.
before the LORD
This phrase emphasizes the presence of God in the sacrificial process. The act is performed before the LORD, indicating that the offering is made directly to God and is an act of worship and obedience. It underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for divine forgiveness. This direct approach to God through sacrifice is fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus, who provides believers direct access to God.
in front of the veil of the sanctuary
The veil of the sanctuary separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where the presence of God dwelt. Sprinkling the blood in front of the veil signifies the barrier between God and humanity due to sin. This act symbolizes the need for atonement to approach God. In the New Testament, the tearing of the veil at Christ's crucifixion (Matthew 27:51) signifies the removal of this barrier, granting believers direct access to God through Jesus.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The PriestThe priest acts as a mediator between God and the people, performing the sacrificial rituals to atone for sins.
2.
The LORDRefers to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, who established the sacrificial system as a means for His people to maintain holiness and fellowship with Him.
3.
The Veil of the SanctuaryThis veil separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle, symbolizing the barrier between God and humanity due to sin.
4.
The BloodRepresents life and is used in the sacrificial system for atonement, symbolizing the seriousness of sin and the need for purification.
5.
The SanctuaryThe sacred space where God's presence dwelt among His people, emphasizing the holiness required to approach God.
Teaching Points
The Seriousness of SinThe detailed sacrificial rituals underscore the gravity of sin and the need for atonement. Sin separates us from God, and only through His prescribed means can we be reconciled.
The Role of the MediatorThe priest's role foreshadows Christ, our ultimate High Priest, who mediates on our behalf. We are reminded of the importance of intercession and the privilege of direct access to God through Jesus.
The Symbolism of BloodBlood signifies life and purification. In the New Covenant, Christ's blood cleanses us from all sin, emphasizing the completeness of His sacrifice.
The Holiness of GodThe sanctuary and its veil highlight God's holiness and the reverence required in approaching Him. We are called to live holy lives, set apart for His purposes.
The Fulfillment in ChristThe sacrificial system points to Jesus, the perfect sacrifice. Understanding this connection deepens our appreciation for His work on the cross and encourages us to live in gratitude and obedience.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Leviticus 4:6?
2.How does Leviticus 4:6 illustrate the importance of ritual purity before God?
3.What does the sprinkling of blood symbolize in Leviticus 4:6?
4.How can we apply the concept of atonement today from Leviticus 4:6?
5.How does Leviticus 4:6 connect to Christ's sacrifice in the New Testament?
6.What does "before the LORD" in Leviticus 4:6 teach about God's holiness?
7.What is the significance of the priest's role in Leviticus 4:6 for atonement rituals?
8.How does Leviticus 4:6 reflect the importance of blood in Old Testament sacrifices?
9.Why is the sprinkling of blood before the LORD emphasized in Leviticus 4:6?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 4?
11.In Leviticus 4:6–7, does the ritual use of blood for purification have any scientific basis, or could it conflict with modern understandings of disease transmission?
12.Is Jesus superior to Levitical sacrifices?
13.What defines a sanctuary room?
14.Psalm 99:6 mentions Moses, Aaron, and Samuel; how can we confirm the historical existence and roles of Moses and Aaron, given limited archaeological evidence?What Does Leviticus 4:6 Mean
The priest is to dip his finger in the blood- God appoints the priest as the mediator, literally handling the blood that stands in for the sinner’s life (Leviticus 17:11).
- Blood from the sin offering has just been caught at the altar; the priest’s immediate contact with it underscores that forgiveness is hands-on, costly, and real (Hebrews 9:22; 13:11-12).
- Today we see the same pattern fulfilled in Christ, our High Priest, who “entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood” (Hebrews 9:12).
and sprinkle some of it seven times- Sprinkling spreads the atoning blood; sevenfold repetition speaks of completeness and perfection (Leviticus 14:7;Numbers 19:4).
- Each flick of blood visually announces, “This sin is fully covered.”
- At Calvary, one sacrifice achieved what repetitive sprinkling only pictured: “How much more will the blood of Christ… cleanse our consciences” (Hebrews 9:13-14).
before the LORD- The action happens in God’s presence, not merely before people. The sinner’s real problem is with the LORD, and He alone grants pardon (Exodus 25:22;Psalm 51:4).
- By placing the blood where God observes it, the priest shows that reconciliation is God-ward first. Through Jesus we now “have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood” (Hebrews 10:19).
in front of the veil of the sanctuary- The veil guarded the Holy of Holies, the earthly throne room of God (Exodus 26:33). Sprinkling in front, not behind, reminds Israel that sin still blocks direct access.
- This barrier stood until the moment Christ died, when “the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom” (Matthew 27:51), declaring that His blood opened the way (Hebrews 10:20).
- The placement drives home both the seriousness of sin and the hope of a coming, veil-tearing Redeemer.
summaryLeviticus 4:6 pictures a hands-on, perfect, God-centered remedy for sin—blood applied by the priest, seven times, directly before the LORD yet still outside the veil. Every detail foreshadows Jesus, whose own blood brings full, once-for-all cleansing and opens the very presence of God to all who trust Him.
(6)
And the priest shall dip his finger.--The different treatment of the blood is here to be noticed. Whilst in the case of the other sacrifices the priest threw the blood upon the walls of the altar of burnt offering (see
Leviticus 1:5), in the sin offering before us the high priest is first of all to dip his finger seven times in the blood, and sprinkle it before the Lord. The finger, according to the rules which obtained during the second Temple, was that of the right hand, as the blood was always taken and sprinkled with the right hand. Seven, being a complete number, is used for the perfect finishing of a work. Hence the seven days of creation (
Genesis 2:2-3); seven branches were in the golden candlestick (
Exodus 25:37;
Exodus 37:23); seven times the blood was sprinkled on the day of atonement (
Leviticus 16:14); seven times was the oil sprinkled upon the altar when it was consecrated (
Leviticus 8:11); seven days were required for consecrating the priests (
Leviticus 8:35); seven days were necessary for purifying the defiled (
Leviticus 12:2;
Numbers 19:19); seven times Naaman washed in the Jordan (
2Kings 5:10;
2Kings 5:14); seven days Jericho was besieged, and seven priests with seven trumpets blew when the walls fell down (Joshua 6); the lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God (
Revelation 5:6); seven seals are on God's book (
Revelation 1:5), &c. . . .
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The priestהַכֹּהֵ֛ן(hak·kō·hên)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3548:Priestis to dipוְטָבַ֧ל(wə·ṭā·ḇal)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2881:To dip, to immersehis fingerאֶצְבָּע֖וֹ(’eṣ·bā·‘ōw)Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 676:Something to sieze with, a finger, a toein the bloodבַּדָּ֑ם(bad·dām)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1818:Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshedand sprinkleוְהִזָּ֨ה(wə·hiz·zāh)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5137:To spurt, spatter, sprinklesome ofמִן־(min-)Preposition
Strong's 4480:A part of, from, out ofitהַדָּ֜ם(had·dām)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1818:Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshedsevenשֶׁ֤בַע(še·ḇa‘)Number - feminine singular
Strong's 7651:Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite numbertimesפְּעָמִים֙(pə·‘ā·mîm)Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 6471:A beat, foot, anvil, occurrencebeforeלִפְנֵ֣י(lip̄·nê)Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440:The facethe LORD,יְהוָ֔ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelin front ofפְּנֵ֖י(pə·nê)Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440:The facethe veilפָּרֹ֥כֶת(pā·rō·ḵeṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 6532:A separatrix, screenof the sanctuary.הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ׃(haq·qō·ḏeš)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6944:A sacred place, thing, sanctity
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OT Law: Leviticus 4:6 The priest shall dip his finger (Le Lv Lev.) 
