Leviticus 4:12
Even the whole bullock shall he carry forth without the camp unto a clean place, where the ashes are poured out, and burn him on the wood with fire: where the ashes are poured out shall he be burnt.
Leviticus 4:12 · King James Version
Meaning
This particular verse comes from the book of Leviticus in the Old Testament and outlines the procedure for how a sin offering is to be handled by the priests. In this verse, it describes how the entire bullock is to be taken outside the camp to a clean place where the ashes are poured out. The bullock is then burned on the wood with fire in this designated area. This process is significant because it symbolizes the removal of sin from the community. The act of burning the bullock represents the punishment for sin, as fire is often associated with purification and cleansing in biblical texts. By carrying out this ritual outside the camp, it emphasizes the need to separate sin from the people in order to maintain purity within the community. The ashes being poured out symbolize the removal of sin and the cleansing of the people's transgressions. Overall, this verse highlights the importance of atonement and the need for purification in the sight of God.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the book of Leviticus, we see the detailed instructions given to the Israelites regarding the sacrificial process. The act of carrying the whole bullock outside the camp to a clean place represents the removal of sin from the community and the need for cleanliness in the sight of God. The burning of the bullock on the wood with fire symbolizes the purifying power of God's judgment and the atonement for sin. The location where the ashes are poured out is significant as it serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the need for repentance. This act of sacrifice and burning emphasizes the seriousness of sin and the need for redemption in the eyes of God. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the importance of purity, sacrifice, and atonement in the relationship between God and His people.
Leviticus 4:12 in other translations
American Standard Version
even the whole bullock shall he carry forth without the camp unto a clean place, where the ashes are poured out, and burn it on wood with fire: where the ashes are poured out shall it be burnt.
World English Bible
he shall carry the whole bull outside of the camp to a clean place, where the ashes are poured out, and burn it on wood with fire. Where the ashes are poured out, it shall be burned.
Douay-Rheims
And the rest of the body, he shall carry forth without the camp into a clean place where the ashes are wont to be poured out: and he shall burn them upon a pile of wood. They shall be burnt in the place where the ashes are poured out.
Geneva Bible (1599)
So he shall cary the whole bullocke out of the host vnto a cleane place, where the ashes are powred, and shall burne him on ye wood in the fire: where ye ashes are cast out, shall he be burnt.