Book of Leviticus - Chapter 1 - Verse 4

In this verse from the book of Leviticus, the act of putting one's hand on the head of a burnt offering symbolizes the transfer of sin from the individual to the animal being sacrificed. By laying hands on the offering, the person is acknowledging their guilt and sin, and by transferring it to the animal, they are seeking atonement for their wrongdoing. The burnt offering was a way for the individual to seek forgiveness and reconcile with God. Through this act, the person was making amends for their sins and seeking to restore their relationship with the divine. The acceptance of the burnt offering signified that God had received the sacrifice and forgiven the person, allowing them to be cleansed of their sins and start anew. This practice was a central part of ancient Israelite ritual and served as a way for individuals to seek forgiveness and spiritual cleansing.

In the theological interpretation of Leviticus 1:4, the act of placing one's hand on the head of the burnt offering symbolizes the transfer of sins from the person to the animal. This gesture represents the idea of substitutionary atonement, where the innocent animal bears the guilt of the individual offering the sacrifice. By laying hands on the offering, the individual acknowledges their own sinfulness and the need for forgiveness through the shedding of blood. The acceptance of the burnt offering by God signifies that the atonement has been made, and the relationship between the individual and God has been restored. This act foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who becomes the ultimate atonement for the sins of all mankind through his death on the cross.