Numbers 8:12
And the Levites shall lay their hands upon the heads of the bullocks: and thou shalt offer the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering, unto the LORD, to make an atonement for the Levites.
Original Language Analysis
יִסְמְכ֣וּ
shall lay
H5564
יִסְמְכ֣וּ
shall lay
Strong's:
H5564
Word #:
2 of 18
to prop (literally or figuratively); reflexively, to lean upon or take hold of (in a favorable or unfavorable sense)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְדֵיהֶ֔ם
their hands
H3027
יְדֵיהֶ֔ם
their hands
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
4 of 18
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
עַ֖ל
H5921
עַ֖ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
רֹ֣אשׁ
upon the heads
H7218
רֹ֣אשׁ
upon the heads
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
6 of 18
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
הַפָּרִ֑ים
of the bullocks
H6499
הַפָּרִ֑ים
of the bullocks
Strong's:
H6499
Word #:
7 of 18
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
וַֽ֠עֲשֵׂה
and thou shalt offer
H6213
וַֽ֠עֲשֵׂה
and thou shalt offer
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
8 of 18
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָֽאֶחָ֤ד
and the other
H259
הָֽאֶחָ֤ד
and the other
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
10 of 18
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
חַטָּ֜את
for a sin offering
H2403
חַטָּ֜את
for a sin offering
Strong's:
H2403
Word #:
11 of 18
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָֽאֶחָ֤ד
and the other
H259
הָֽאֶחָ֤ד
and the other
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
13 of 18
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
עֹלָה֙
for a burnt offering
H5930
עֹלָה֙
for a burnt offering
Strong's:
H5930
Word #:
14 of 18
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
לַֽיהוָ֔ה
unto the LORD
H3068
לַֽיהוָ֔ה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
15 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לְכַפֵּ֖ר
to make an atonement
H3722
לְכַפֵּ֖ר
to make an atonement
Strong's:
H3722
Word #:
16 of 18
to cover (specifically with bitumen)
Cross References
Exodus 29:10And thou shalt cause a bullock to be brought before the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands upon the head of the bullock.Hebrews 9:22And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.Leviticus 8:14And he brought the bullock for the sin offering: and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the bullock for the sin offering.Leviticus 1:4And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him.Numbers 8:8Then let them take a young bullock with his meat offering, even fine flour mingled with oil, and another young bullock shalt thou take for a sin offering.
Historical Context
The Levitical consecration occurred in the second year after the Exodus (Numbers 1:1). Hand-laying on sacrifices was a standard ritual transferring the offerer's sins to the victim, but here the Levites themselves had already been presented as living offerings (v.11).
Questions for Reflection
- Why must even those called to ministry first receive atonement through sacrifice?
- How do the twin offerings of cleansing and dedication apply to your Christian calling?
- What does it mean that the Levites laid hands on the sacrifice after being offered themselves?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The Levites shall lay their hands upon the heads of the bullocks (וְסָמְכוּ הַלְוִיִּם אֶת־יְדֵיהֶם, vesamkhu)—this semikha (hand-laying) transfers identity and guilt to the sacrifice. One bullock becomes a sin offering (chattat), the other a burnt offering (olah), covering both cleansing from defilement and total consecration to God. To make an atonement for the Levites (לְכַפֵּר עַל־הַלְוִיִּם, lekhaper) uses the root meaning 'to cover'—their sins must be atoned before they can minister.
Even those set apart for holy service require blood atonement. The dual sacrifice—sin and burnt offering together—establishes the pattern: forgiveness first, then dedication. This foreshadows Christ's single sacrifice accomplishing both purposes (Hebrews 10:10-14).