Old Testament
Leviticus 4:18
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then he must smear some of the blood on the horns of the altar that stands before the LORD inside the Tent of Meeting. He must pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the burnt offering altar at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting.
Compare translations
And he shall put some of the blood upon the horns of the altar which is before the LORD, that is in the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall pour out all the blood at the bottom of the altar of the burnt offering, which is at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
What Leviticus 4:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 4:18, the process of atonement is described, where a person who has sinned must bring a sacrifice. The priest takes some of the animal's blood and applies it to the horns of the altar, which symbolizes the offering being accepted by God. The remaining blood is poured out at the base of the altar, signifying the complete surrender of the sacrifice. This ritual emphasizes the seriousness of sin and the need for a blood sacrifice to restore the relationship between the sinner and God. The act of smearing blood on the altar represents purification and the covering of sin, while pouring out the blood signifies the life of the animal being given in place of the sinner. This practice was central to the sacrificial system in ancient Israel, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's commands and the need for atonement for wrongdoing.
How to apply Leviticus 4:18 to your life
Understanding the significance of sacrifice helps us appreciate the concept of atonement in our lives. We can reflect on our own actions and seek forgiveness, recognizing the importance of repentance and the need for a restored relationship with God.
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 Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, 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.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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 4:18
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 4:18
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 4:18 teach about atonement?
Leviticus 4:18 outlines the ritual of atonement for sin, where a person must bring a sacrifice. The priest applies some of the animal's blood to the horns of the altar, symbolizing God's acceptance of the offering. The remaining blood is poured out at the base of the altar, representing the complete surrender of the sacrifice. This emphasizes the seriousness of sin and the necessity of a blood sacrifice to restore the relationship between the sinner and God.
Why is blood significant in Leviticus 4:18?
In Leviticus 4:18, blood symbolizes life and the seriousness of sin. The act of smearing blood on the altar signifies purification and the covering of sin, while pouring out the blood represents the life of the animal being given in place of the sinner. This ritual underscores the belief that atonement for sin requires a sacrifice, reflecting the gravity of disobedience to God's commands.
How can we apply Leviticus 4:18 to our lives today?
Leviticus 4:18 encourages us to reflect on our actions and seek forgiveness for our wrongdoings. Understanding the significance of sacrifice helps us appreciate the concept of atonement in our lives. We can practice repentance, recognizing the need for a restored relationship with God. This verse reminds us of the importance of obedience and the seriousness of sin, prompting us to live in a way that honors our commitment to God.
What does the altar represent in Leviticus 4:18?
In Leviticus 4:18, the altar represents a sacred space where sacrifices are made to God. It symbolizes the meeting point between God and humanity, where atonement for sin occurs. The horns of the altar, where blood is smeared, signify God's acceptance of the offering. This ritual emphasizes the importance of approaching God with humility and the recognition of our need for forgiveness and restoration.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.