Old Testament
Leviticus 17:4
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
and does not bring it to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting to offer it to the LORD in front of the LORD's tabernacle, blood will be charged to that person; he has shed blood, and that person will be cut off from his people.
Compare translations
And bringeth it not unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, to offer an offering unto the LORD before the tabernacle of the LORD; blood shall be imputed unto that man; he hath shed blood; and that man shall be cut off from among his people:
What Leviticus 17:4 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse emphasizes the importance of proper worship and sacrifice in the Israelite community. It states that if someone sacrifices an animal but does not bring it to the designated place of worship, they are guilty of shedding blood. This act is serious because it disregards God's established order for sacrifices, which were meant to be done in a specific way to maintain holiness and community integrity. The consequence of this action is severe: the person will be cut off from their people, indicating a loss of community and relationship with God. This reflects the seriousness of approaching God in the right manner and the communal aspect of worship in ancient Israel. It serves as a reminder that worship is not just a personal act but also a communal responsibility, and failing to adhere to God's instructions can lead to dire consequences.
How to apply Leviticus 17:4 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of following God's guidelines in our worship and spiritual practices. It reminds us that our relationship with God is not just personal but also affects our community. We should strive to honor God in the way He has instructed us, ensuring our actions align with His will.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Leviticus 17:4
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Leviticus 17:4
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Leviticus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Leviticus 17:4 mean?
Leviticus 17:4 means that if someone sacrifices an animal outside the designated place of worship, they are guilty of shedding blood and will be cut off from their community. This highlights the importance of following God's instructions for worship.
What is the significance of blood in Leviticus 17:4?
In Leviticus 17:4, blood represents life and the seriousness of sacrifice. The verse indicates that improper handling of sacrifices leads to guilt and separation from the community, emphasizing the sanctity of worship.
Why is proper worship important in Leviticus 17:4?
Proper worship is important in Leviticus 17:4 because it reflects obedience to God's established order. Failing to worship correctly not only affects the individual but also the integrity of the entire community.
What happens if someone ignores Leviticus 17:4?
If someone ignores Leviticus 17:4 by not bringing their sacrifice to the designated place, they will be considered guilty of shedding blood and will be cut off from their people, indicating serious consequences for disobedience.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.