Leviticus 4:33

And he is to lay his hand on the head of the sin offering and slaughter it as a sin offering at the place where the burnt offering is slaughtered.

Study Bible

He shall lay his hand on the head
This phrase signifies the act of identification and transference. In Hebrew, the word for "lay" is "samakh," which means to lean or rest upon. This act symbolizes the transfer of the individual's sin to the animal, making it a substitute for the sinner. Historically, this practice underscores the personal responsibility and acknowledgment of sin, as the offerer must physically connect with the sacrifice, illustrating the gravity of sin and the need for atonement.

of the sin offering
The term "sin offering" in Hebrew is "chatat," which refers to a sacrifice made specifically for unintentional sins. This offering is distinct from other sacrifices, emphasizing the need for purification and reconciliation with God. The sin offering highlights the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin, even when committed unintentionally, and the necessity of maintaining a right relationship with God through prescribed means.

and slaughter it
The act of slaughtering, or "shachat" in Hebrew, is a solemn and sacred duty performed by the offerer. This action represents the cost of sin, which is death, as outlined in Romans 6:23. The shedding of blood is a critical component of atonement, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood was shed for the remission of sins. This act is a vivid reminder of the sacrificial system's role in pointing to the need for a perfect and final sacrifice.

as a sin offering
Reiterating the purpose of the sacrifice, this phrase emphasizes the specific role of the offering in addressing sin. The repetition underscores the importance of understanding the function and significance of each type of offering within the Levitical system. It serves as a precursor to the New Testament revelation of Christ as the ultimate sin offering, fulfilling the law and providing eternal redemption.

at the place of the burnt offering
This location is significant, as the burnt offering, or "olah" in Hebrew, was a sacrifice of complete consecration to God. The sin offering being slaughtered at the same place signifies the interconnectedness of the offerings and the comprehensive nature of atonement and dedication. It highlights the necessity of both reconciliation and devotion in the believer's life, pointing to the holistic nature of worship and relationship with God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Offerer
The individual bringing the sin offering, representing the sinner seeking atonement.

2. The Priest
The mediator who performs the sacrificial rites, symbolizing the role of Christ as our High Priest.

3. The Sin Offering
A sacrificial animal, typically a goat, representing the atonement for unintentional sins.

4. The Altar
The place where sacrifices are made, symbolizing the presence of God and the place of atonement.

5. The Tabernacle
The dwelling place of God among His people, where the sacrificial system was carried out.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Sin
Sin requires atonement, highlighting its seriousness and the need for reconciliation with God.

The Role of the Mediator
The priest's role foreshadows Christ's mediatory work, reminding us of our need for a Savior.

The Act of Confession
Laying hands on the offering symbolizes confession and identification with the sacrifice, encouraging us to confess our sins.

The Cost of Atonement
The sacrifice of an animal points to the costliness of atonement, ultimately fulfilled in Christ's sacrifice.

The Holiness of God
The sacrificial system underscores God's holiness and the need for purity in approaching Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the act of laying hands on the sin offering relate to our understanding of confession and repentance today?

2. In what ways does the role of the priest in Leviticus 4:33 point to the work of Jesus Christ as our High Priest?

3. How can understanding the cost of the sin offering deepen our appreciation for the sacrifice of Jesus?

4. What does the requirement of a sin offering teach us about the nature of sin and its impact on our relationship with God?

5. How can we apply the principles of atonement and forgiveness found in Leviticus 4:33 to our daily walk with Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 9:22
This verse highlights the necessity of blood for the forgiveness of sins, connecting the Old Testament sacrificial system to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

Isaiah 53:6
This passage speaks of the iniquity of us all being laid on Christ, paralleling the laying of hands on the sin offering.

1 John 1:9
This verse emphasizes confession and forgiveness, reflecting the purpose of the sin offering in Leviticus.

Romans 3:25
Discusses Jesus as the propitiation for our sins, fulfilling the role of the sin offering.

Hebrews 10:10
Speaks of the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus, contrasting with the repeated sacrifices in Leviticus.