Leviticus 4:25
וְלָקַ֨ח הַכֹּהֵ֜ן מִדַּ֤ם הַֽחַטָּאת֙ בְּאֶצְבָּעֹ֔ו וְנָתַ֕ן עַל־קַרְנֹ֖ת מִזְבַּ֣ח הָעֹלָ֑ה וְאֶת־דָּמֹ֣ו יִשְׁפֹּ֔ךְ אֶל־יְסֹ֖וד מִזְבַּ֥ח הָעֹלָֽה׃
Sequential Ritual Actions: וְלָקַ֨ח… וְנָתַ֕ן… יִשְׁפֹּ֔ךְ
The verse progresses through a sequence of wayyiqtol verbs:
- וְלָקַ֨ח — “and he shall take” (Qal wayyiqtol 3ms from ל־ק־ח)
- וְנָתַ֕ן — “and he shall put” (Qal wayyiqtol 3ms from נ־ת־ן)
- יִשְׁפֹּ֔ךְ — “he shall pour out” (Qal imperfect 3ms from ש־פ־ך)
This sequence defines the priest’s precise duties in handling the blood of the sin offering, emphasizing ritual order and sacred space.
Prepositional Detail: מִדַּ֤ם הַֽחַטָּאת
מִדַּ֤ם הַֽחַטָּאת (“from the blood of the sin offering”) uses the preposition מִן (“from”) attached to דָּם (“blood”), specifying the source of the material being manipulated. The definite article on הַֽחַטָּאת identifies the blood with a specific sacrifice — the sin offering already presented.
Instrument of Action: בְּאֶצְבָּעֹ֔ו
בְּאֶצְבָּעֹ֔ו (“with his finger”) uses the preposition בְּ (“with, by means of”) plus אֶצְבַּע (“finger”) and the pronominal suffix ־וֹ (“his”). Ritual actions in Leviticus often specify instruments to emphasize priestly care and ceremonial exactness.
Sacred Placement: עַל־קַרְנֹ֖ת מִזְבַּ֣ח הָעֹלָ֑ה
עַל (“upon”) introduces the location where the blood is placed: the קַרְנֹ֖ת (“horns”) of the מִזְבַּח הָעֹלָה (“altar of the burnt offering”). Horns were sacred protrusions on each corner of the altar, symbolizing strength and divine protection.
Pouring Blood: יִשְׁפֹּ֔ךְ אֶל־יְסֹ֖וד מִזְבַּ֥ח הָעֹלָֽה
The blood not placed on the horns is poured out אֶל־יְסֹוד (“at the base”) of the altar. יְסֹוד means “foundation” or “base.” This twofold handling — placement and pouring — ensures full ritual use of the offering’s blood according to divine command.
Parsing Table: Key Forms in Leviticus 4:25
| Hebrew Word | Root | Form | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| וְלָקַח | ל־ק־ח | Qal wayyiqtol (3ms) | “He shall take” — start of ritual procedure |
| וְנָתַן | נ־ת־ן | Qal wayyiqtol (3ms) | “He shall put” — applying blood to altar |
| יִשְׁפֹּךְ | ש־פ־ך | Qal imperfect (3ms) | “He shall pour out” — remaining blood disposal |
| יְסֹוד | י־ס־ד | Noun (ms) | “Foundation, base” — altar structure |
The Grammar of Ritual Precision
In Leviticus, grammar frames obedience. Sequential wayyiqtol forms guide the ritual’s flow; detailed prepositional phrases locate each act; instrumental clauses enforce priestly exactness. Nothing is random — every action and every word serves to uphold the sanctity of the offering. The structure of the ritual mirrors the structure of the Hebrew syntax: deliberate, orderly, holy.
