Leviticus 4:6
New International Version
He is to dip his finger into the blood and sprinkle some of it seven times before the LORD, in front of the curtain of the sanctuary.

New Living Translation
dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle it seven times before the LORD in front of the inner curtain of the sanctuary.

English Standard Version
and the priest shall dip his finger in the blood and sprinkle part of the blood seven times before the LORD in front of the veil of the sanctuary.

Berean Standard Bible
The priest is to dip his finger in the blood and sprinkle some of it seven times before the LORD, in front of the veil of the sanctuary.

Berean Literal Bible
and the priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and he shall sprinkle from the blood seven times before the face of YHWH, the face of the veil of the Holy Place.

King James Bible
And the priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle of the blood seven times before the LORD, before the vail of the sanctuary.

New King James Version
The priest shall dip his finger in the blood and sprinkle some of the blood seven times before the LORD, in front of the veil of the sanctuary.

New American Standard Bible
and the priest shall dip his finger in the blood and sprinkle some of the blood seven times before the LORD, in front of the veil of the sanctuary.

NASB 1995
and the priest shall dip his finger in the blood and sprinkle some of the blood seven times before the LORD, in front of the veil of the sanctuary.

NASB 1977
and the priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle some of the blood seven times before the LORD, in front of the veil of the sanctuary.

Legacy Standard Bible
and the priest shall dip his finger in the blood and sprinkle some of the blood seven times before Yahweh in front of the veil of the sanctuary.

Amplified Bible
and the priest shall dip his finger in the blood and sprinkle some of it seven times before the LORD in front of the veil (curtain) of the sanctuary.

Berean Annotated Bible
The priest is to dip his finger in the blood and sprinkle some of it seven times before the LORD {YHWH}, in front of the veil of the sanctuary.

Christian Standard Bible
The priest is to dip his finger in the blood and sprinkle some of it seven times before the LORD in front of the curtain of the sanctuary.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The priest is to dip his finger in the blood and sprinkle some of it seven times before the LORD in front of the veil of the sanctuary.

American Standard Version
and the priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle of the blood seven times before Jehovah, before the veil of the sanctuary.

Contemporary English Version
dip a finger in the blood, and sprinkle some of it seven times toward the sacred chest behind the curtain.

English Revised Version
and the priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle of the blood seven times before the LORD, before the veil of the sanctuary.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The priest will dip his finger in it and sprinkle some of the blood seven times in the LORD's presence facing the canopy in the holy place.

Good News Translation
He shall dip his finger in the blood and sprinkle it in front of the sacred curtain seven times.

International Standard Version
The priest is to dip his finger in the blood and sprinkle some of the blood seven times in the LORD's presence in front of the curtain of the sanctuary.

NET Bible
The priest must dip his finger in the blood and sprinkle some of it seven times before the LORD toward the front of the veil-canopy of the sanctuary.

New Heart English Bible
The priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle some of the blood seven times before the LORD, before the veil of the sanctuary.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle of the blood seven times before the LORD, before the vail of the sanctuary.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
The priest is to dip his finger in the blood and sprinkle some of it seven times before the LORD, in front of the veil of the sanctuary.

World English Bible
The priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle some of the blood seven times before Yahweh, before the veil of the sanctuary.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and the priest has dipped his finger in the blood, and sprinkled of the blood seven times before YHWH, at the front of the veil of the holy place;

Berean Literal Bible
and the priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and he shall sprinkle from the blood seven times before the face of YHWH, the face of the veil of the Holy Place.

Young's Literal Translation
and the priest hath dipped his finger in the blood, and sprinkled of the blood seven times before Jehovah, at the front of the vail of the sanctuary;

Smith's Literal Translation
And the priest dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkled from the blood seven times before Jehovah, before the vail of the holy place.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And having dipped his finger in the blood, he shall sprinkle with it seven times before the Lord, before the veil of the sanctuary.

Catholic Public Domain Version
and having dipped his finger into the blood, he shall sprinkle it seven times in the sight of the Lord, opposite the veil of the Sanctuary.

New American Bible
where, dipping his finger in the blood, he shall sprinkle some of it seven times before the LORD, toward the veil of the sanctuary.

New Revised Standard Version
The priest shall dip his finger in the blood and sprinkle some of the blood seven times before the LORD in front of the curtain of the sanctuary.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the priest shall dip his finger in the blood and sprinkle of the blood seven times before the LORD before the veil of the sanctuary.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the Priest shall dip his finger in the blood and he shall sprinkle some blood seven times before LORD JEHOVAH at the face of the veil of the Holy Place of the Tent.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle of the blood seven times before the LORD, in front of the veil of the sanctuary.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the priest shall dip his finger into the blood, and sprinkle of the blood seven times before the Lord, over against the holy veil.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Laws for Sin Offerings
5Then the anointed priest shall take some of the bull’s blood and bring it into the Tent of Meeting. 6The priest is to dip his finger in the blood and sprinkle some of it seven times before the LORD, in front of the veil of the sanctuary. 7The 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.…

Cross References
The priest is to dip his finger in the blood

Exodus 29:12
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.

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 16:14
And he is to take some of the bull’s blood and sprinkle it with his finger on the east side of the mercy seat; then he shall sprinkle some of it with his finger seven times before the mercy seat.
and sprinkle some of it seven times

Numbers 19:4
Eleazar the priest is to take some of its blood on his finger and sprinkle it seven times toward the front of the Tent of Meeting.

Leviticus 14:51
Then he shall take the cedar wood, the hyssop, the scarlet yarn, and the live bird, dip them in the blood of the slaughtered bird and the fresh water, and sprinkle the house seven times.

Leviticus 14:7
Seven times he shall sprinkle the one to be cleansed of the skin disease. Then he shall pronounce him clean and release the live bird into the open field.
before the LORD,

Exodus 29:42
For the generations to come, this burnt offering shall be made regularly at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting before the LORD, where I will meet you to speak with you.

Leviticus 1:3
If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he is to present an unblemished male. He must bring it to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting for its acceptance before the LORD.

Deuteronomy 16:16
Three times a year all your men are to appear before the LORD your God in the place He will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles. No one should appear before the LORD empty-handed.
in front of the veil of the sanctuary.

Exodus 30:6
Place the altar in front of the veil that is before the ark of the Testimony—before the mercy seat that is over the Testimony—where I will meet with you.

Exodus 26:33
And hang the veil from the clasps and place the ark of the Testimony behind the veil. So the veil will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.

Hebrews 9:3
Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place,
Hebrews 9:13-14
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!

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.

Hebrews 9:7
But only the high priest entered the second room, and then only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance.

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


Treasury of Scripture

And the priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle of the blood seven times before the LORD, before the veil of the sanctuary.

dip

Leviticus 4:17,25,30,34
And the priest shall dip his finger in some of the blood, and sprinkle it seven times before the LORD, even before the vail…

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 14:16,18,27
And the priest shall dip his right finger in the oil that is in his left hand, and shall sprinkle of the oil with his finger seven times before the LORD: …

Leviticus 25:8
And thou shalt number seven sabbaths of years unto thee, seven times seven years; and the space of the seven sabbaths of years shall be unto thee forty and nine years.

Leviticus 26:18,24,28
And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins…

Jump to Previous
Blood Curtain Dip Dipped Drops Finger Front Holy Part Priest Sanctuary Seven Shaking Sprinkle Sprinkled Times Vail Veil
Jump to Next
Blood Curtain Dip Dipped Drops Finger Front Holy Part Priest Sanctuary Seven Shaking Sprinkle Sprinkled Times Vail Veil
Leviticus 4
1. The sin offering of ignorance
3. for the priest
13. for the congregation
22. for the ruler
27. for any of the people












The priest is to dip his finger in the blood
This 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 Priest
The priest acts as a mediator between God and the people, performing the sacrificial rituals to atone for sins.

2. The LORD
Refers 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 Sanctuary
This 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 Blood
Represents life and is used in the sacrificial system for atonement, symbolizing the seriousness of sin and the need for purification.

5. The Sanctuary
The sacred space where God's presence dwelt among His people, emphasizing the holiness required to approach God.
Teaching Points
The Seriousness of Sin
The 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 Mediator
The 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 Blood
Blood 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 God
The 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 Christ
The 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.


summary

Leviticus 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 priest
הַכֹּהֵ֛ן (hak·kō·hên)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3548: Priest

is to dip
וְטָבַ֧ל (wə·ṭā·ḇal)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2881: To dip, to immerse

his finger
אֶצְבָּע֖וֹ (’eṣ·bā·‘ōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 676: Something to sieze with, a finger, a toe

in the blood
בַּדָּ֑ם (bad·dām)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1818: Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed

and sprinkle
וְהִזָּ֨ה (wə·hiz·zāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5137: To spurt, spatter, sprinkle

some of
מִן־ (min-)
Preposition
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

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

seven
שֶׁ֤בַע (še·ḇa‘)
Number - feminine singular
Strong's 7651: Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number

times
פְּעָמִים֙ (pə·‘ā·mîm)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 6471: A beat, foot, anvil, occurrence

before
לִפְנֵ֣י (lip̄·nê)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

the LORD,
יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

in front of
פְּנֵ֖י (pə·nê)
Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

the veil
פָּרֹ֥כֶת (pā·rō·ḵeṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 6532: A separatrix, screen

of the sanctuary.
הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ׃ (haq·qō·ḏeš)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6944: A sacred place, thing, sanctity


Links
Leviticus 4:6 NIV
Leviticus 4:6 NLT
Leviticus 4:6 ESV
Leviticus 4:6 NASB
Leviticus 4:6 KJV

Leviticus 4:6 BibleApps.com
Leviticus 4:6 Biblia Paralela
Leviticus 4:6 Chinese Bible
Leviticus 4:6 French Bible
Leviticus 4:6 Catholic Bible

OT Law: Leviticus 4:6 The priest shall dip his finger (Le Lv Lev.)
Leviticus 4:5
Top of Page
Top of Page