Exodus 29:12
New International Version
Take some of the bull’s blood and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger, and pour out the rest of it at the base of the altar.

New Living Translation
Put some of its blood on the horns of the altar with your finger, and pour out the rest at the base of the altar.

English Standard Version
and shall take part of the blood of the bull and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger, and the rest of the blood you shall pour out at the base of the altar.

Berean Standard Bible
Take some of the blood of the bull and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger; then pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar.

King James Bible
And thou shalt take of the blood of the bullock, and put it upon the horns of the altar with thy finger, and pour all the blood beside the bottom of the altar.

New King James Version
You shall take some of the blood of the bull and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger, and pour all the blood beside the base of the altar.

New American Standard Bible
Then you shall take some of the blood of the bull and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger; and you shall pour out all the rest of the blood at the base of the altar.

NASB 1995
“You shall take some of the blood of the bull and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger; and you shall pour out all the blood at the base of the altar.

NASB 1977
“And you shall take some of the blood of the bull and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger; and you shall pour out all the blood at the base of the altar.

Legacy Standard Bible
You shall take some of the blood of the bull and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger; and you shall pour out all the blood at the base of the altar.

Amplified Bible
And you shall take some of the blood of the bull and with your finger put it on the horns of the altar [of burnt offering], and you shall pour out the remainder of the blood at the base of the altar.

Christian Standard Bible
Take some of the bull’s blood and apply it to the horns of the altar with your finger; then pour out all the rest of the blood at the base of the altar.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Take some of the bull’s blood and apply it to the horns of the altar with your finger; then pour out all the rest of the blood at the base of the altar.

American Standard Version
And thou shalt take of the blood of the bullock, and put it upon the horns of the altar with thy finger; and thou shalt pour out all the blood at the base of the altar.

Contemporary English Version
Use a finger to smear some of its blood on each of the four corners of the altar and pour out the rest of the blood on the ground next to the altar.

English Revised Version
And thou shalt take of the blood of the bullock, and put it upon the horns of the altar with thy finger; and thou shalt pour out all the blood at the base of the altar.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Take some of the bull's blood, and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger. Pour the rest of it out at the bottom of the altar.

Good News Translation
Take some of the bull's blood and with your finger put it on the projections of the altar. Then pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar.

International Standard Version
Take some of the blood of the bull, put it on the horns of the altar with your finger, and pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar.

Majority Standard Bible
Take some of the blood of the bull and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger; then pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar.

NET Bible
and take some of the blood of the bull and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger; all the rest of the blood you are to pour out at the base of the altar.

New Heart English Bible
You shall take of the blood of the bull, and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger; and you shall pour out all the blood at the base of the altar.

Webster's Bible Translation
And thou shalt take of the blood of the bullock, and put it upon the horns of the altar with thy finger, and pour all the blood beside the bottom of the altar.

World English Bible
You shall take of the blood of the bull, and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger; and you shall pour out all the blood at the base of the altar.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and have taken of the blood of the bullock, and have put [it] on the horns of the altar with your finger, and you pour out all the blood at the foundation of the altar;

Young's Literal Translation
and hast taken of the blood of the bullock, and hast put it on the horns of the altar with thy finger, and all the blood thou dost pour out at the foundation of the altar;

Smith's Literal Translation
And take from the blood of the bullock, and give upon the horns of the altar with thy finger, and all the blood thou shalt pour at the foundation of the altar.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And taking some of the blood of the calf, thou shalt put it upon the horns of the altar with thy finger, and the rest of the blood thou shalt pour at the bottom thereof.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And taking some of the blood of the calf, you shall place it upon the horns of the altar with your finger, but the remainder of the blood you shall pour next to its base.

New American Bible
Take some of its blood and with your finger put it on the horns of the altar. All the rest of the blood you shall pour out at the base of the altar.

New Revised Standard Version
and shall take some of the blood of the bull and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger, and all the rest of the blood you shall pour out at the base of the altar.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And you shall take some of the blood of the bullock and sprinkle it upon the horns of the altar with your finger and pour all the rest of the blood at the bottom of the altar.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And take of the blood of the bull and sprinkle it on the horns of the altar with your finger and pour out all the blood on the base of the altar.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And thou shalt take of the blood of the bullock, and put it upon the horns of the altar with thy finger; and thou shalt pour out all the remaining blood at the base of the altar.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And thou shalt take of the blood of the calf, and put it on the horns of the altar with thy finger, but all the rest of the blood thou shalt pour out at the foot of the altar.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Order of the Sacrifices
11And you shall slaughter the bull before the LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. 12Take some of the blood of the bull and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger; then pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar. 13Take all the fat that covers the entrails and the lobe of the liver, and both kidneys with the fat on them, and burn them on the altar.…

Cross References
Leviticus 4:7
The priest must then put some of the blood on the horns of the altar of fragrant incense that is before the LORD in the Tent of Meeting. And he is to pour out the rest of the bull’s blood at the base of the altar of burnt offering at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.

Leviticus 8:15
Moses slaughtered the bull, took some of the blood, and applied it with his finger to all four horns of the altar, purifying the altar. He poured out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar and consecrated it so that atonement could be made on it.

Leviticus 16:18
Then he shall go out to the altar that is before the LORD and make atonement for it. He is to take some of the bull’s blood and some of the goat’s blood and put it on all the horns of the altar.

Hebrews 9:22
According to the law, in fact, nearly everything must be purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

Leviticus 4:18
He is also to put some of the blood on the horns of the altar that is before the LORD in the Tent of Meeting, and he must pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar of burnt offering at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.

Leviticus 4:25
Then the priest is to take some of the blood of the sin offering with his finger, put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering, and pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar.

Leviticus 4:30
Then the priest is to take some of its blood with his finger, put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering, and pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar.

Leviticus 4:34
Then the priest is to take some of the blood of the sin offering with his finger, put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering, and pour out the rest of its blood at the base of the altar.

Leviticus 9:9
The sons of Aaron brought the blood to him, and he dipped his finger in the blood and applied it to the horns of the altar. And he poured out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar.

Hebrews 9:12-14
He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption. / For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that their bodies are clean, / how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God!

Leviticus 17:11
For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for your souls upon the altar; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.

Hebrews 10:4
because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

Revelation 5:9
And they sang a new song: “Worthy are You to take the scroll and open its seals, because You were slain, and by Your blood You purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.

Revelation 7:14
“Sir,” I answered, “you know.” So he replied, “These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Hebrews 13:11-12
Although the high priest brings the blood of animals into the Holy Place as a sacrifice for sin, the bodies are burned outside the camp. / And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate, to sanctify the people by His own blood.


Treasury of Scripture

And you shall take of the blood of the bullock, and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger, and pour all the blood beside the bottom of the altar.

the blood

Leviticus 8:15
And he slew it; and Moses took the blood, and put it upon the horns of the altar round about with his finger, and purified the altar, and poured the blood at the bottom of the altar, and sanctified it, to make reconciliation upon it.

Leviticus 9:9
And the sons of Aaron brought the blood unto him: and he dipped his finger in the blood, and put it upon the horns of the altar, and poured out the blood at the bottom of the altar:

Leviticus 16:14,18,19
And he shall take of the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it with his finger upon the mercy seat eastward; and before the mercy seat shall he sprinkle of the blood with his finger seven times…

the horns

Exodus 27:2
And thou shalt make the horns of it upon the four corners thereof: his horns shall be of the same: and thou shalt overlay it with brass.

Exodus 30:2
A cubit shall be the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof; foursquare shall it be: and two cubits shall be the height thereof: the horns thereof shall be of the same.

Exodus 38:2
And he made the horns thereof on the four corners of it; the horns thereof were of the same: and he overlaid it with brass.

pour all

Leviticus 4:7,18,25,30,34
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 tabernacle of the congregation; 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 tabernacle of the congregation…

Leviticus 5:9
And he shall sprinkle of the blood of the sin offering upon the side of the altar; and the rest of the blood shall be wrung out at the bottom of the altar: it is a sin offering.

Leviticus 9:9
And the sons of Aaron brought the blood unto him: and he dipped his finger in the blood, and put it upon the horns of the altar, and poured out the blood at the bottom of the altar:

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Altar Base Blood Bottom Bull Bullock Bull's Draining Finger Foundation Horns Ox Part Pour Remaining Rest
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Altar Base Blood Bottom Bull Bullock Bull's Draining Finger Foundation Horns Ox Part Pour Remaining Rest
Exodus 29
1. The sacrifice and ceremonies of consecrating the priests and the altar
38. The continual burnt offerings
45. God's promise to dwell among the children of Israel














Take some of the bull’s blood
The Hebrew word for "take" is "laqach," which implies an intentional and purposeful action. In the context of the consecration of Aaron and his sons, this act of taking the blood signifies the deliberate and sacred nature of the priestly duties. Blood, in Hebrew "dam," is a powerful symbol of life and atonement throughout the Scriptures. The bull, a significant sacrificial animal, represents strength and service, and its blood is a vital element in the purification and sanctification process.

apply it to the horns of the altar
The "horns" of the altar, "qeren" in Hebrew, are symbolic of power and salvation. In ancient Near Eastern culture, horns were often associated with strength and authority. By applying the blood to the horns, the priests were symbolically transferring the atoning power of the sacrifice to the altar, which was central to Israel's worship and sacrificial system. This act underscores the necessity of atonement and the centrality of sacrifice in approaching a holy God.

with your finger
The use of the "finger," "etsba" in Hebrew, indicates a personal and direct involvement in the ritual. This detail emphasizes the intimate and hands-on nature of the priestly role. The finger, as a tool of precision, signifies the careful and deliberate application of the blood, ensuring that the act of atonement is carried out with exactness and reverence.

then pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar
The act of pouring out the blood, "shaphak" in Hebrew, at the "base" or "yesod" of the altar, signifies the complete offering of life to God. The base of the altar represents the foundation of the sacrificial system, and the pouring out of the blood symbolizes the total surrender and dedication required in worship. This act of pouring out is a vivid reminder of the cost of atonement and the seriousness of sin, pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, whose blood was poured out for the redemption of humanity.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who is receiving instructions from God on how to consecrate Aaron and his sons as priests.

2. Aaron and his sons
The first priests of Israel, who are being consecrated for their priestly duties.

3. The Altar
A sacred place where sacrifices are made to God, symbolizing His presence and the atonement for sin.

4. The Bull
An animal used for the sin offering, representing the atonement for the sins of the priests.

5. The Tabernacle
The dwelling place of God among His people, where the altar is located.
Teaching Points
The Significance of Blood in Atonement
Blood is central to the atonement process, symbolizing life and the seriousness of sin. In the New Covenant, Jesus' blood fulfills this requirement once and for all.

The Role of the Altar
The altar is a place of sacrifice and meeting with God. In our lives, we must have a 'spiritual altar' where we regularly meet with God in prayer and repentance.

Consecration for Service
Just as Aaron and his sons were set apart for service, believers today are called to be consecrated for God's purposes, living lives that reflect His holiness.

Symbolism of the Horns of the Altar
The horns represent strength and power. Applying blood to them signifies the power of atonement and the strength found in God's forgiveness.

The Base of the Altar
Pouring the blood at the base signifies the foundation of our faith, which is built on the sacrificial work of Christ.(12) Thou shalt take of the blood . . . and put it upon the horns of the altar.--It has been already noticed that the virtue of the altar was considered to reside especially in its horns; hence fugitives clung to them (1Kings 1:50; 1Kings 2:28). In all sin offerings it was required (1) That some of the victim's blood should be smeared upon the altar's horns; and (2) That the remainder should be poured at its base (Leviticus 4:7; Leviticus 4:18; Leviticus 4:30; Leviticus 4:34). . . . Verse 12. - Thou shalt take of the blood, and put it upon the horns of the altar. The virtue of the altar was regarded as residing especially in its horns. Here expiation was obtained by the blood - "which is the life " - of the victim being first smeared upon the four horns, and then the remainder poured out at the altar's base. Such was the usual practice with "sin-offerings" (Leviticus 4:7) whereof this was to be the first example.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Take some
וְלָֽקַחְתָּ֙ (wə·lā·qaḥ·tā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3947: To take

of the blood
מִדַּ֣ם (mid·dam)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1818: Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed

of the bull
הַפָּ֔ר (hap·pār)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6499: Young bull, steer

and put
וְנָתַתָּ֛ה (wə·nā·ṯat·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

[it] on
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the horns
קַרְנֹ֥ת (qar·nōṯ)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 7161: A horn, a flask, cornet, an elephant's tooth, a corner, a peak, a ray, power

of the altar
הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ (ham·miz·bê·aḥ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4196: An altar

with your finger;
בְּאֶצְבָּעֶ֑ךָ (bə·’eṣ·bā·‘e·ḵā)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 676: Something to sieze with, a finger, a toe

then pour out
תִּשְׁפֹּ֔ךְ (tiš·pōḵ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 8210: To spill forth, to expend, to sprawl out

the rest
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

of the blood
הַדָּ֣ם (had·dām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1818: Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed

at
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the base
יְס֖וֹד (yə·sō·wḏ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3247: Foundation, base

of the altar.
הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃ (ham·miz·bê·aḥ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4196: An altar


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OT Law: Exodus 29:12 You shall take of the blood (Exo. Ex)
Exodus 29:11
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