za.raq describes scattering or splashing material, chiefly blood onto or around an altar.

The verb most often describes priests or other worshipers distributing sacrificial blood onto, against, or around an altar. It also describes scattering other materials—soot, coals, dust, seed, and fragments—and in a few clauses placing water or grey hair upon persons.

1. Splashing sacrificial blood at the altar · dominant

   The Qal forms occur in sacrificial actions where blood is directed to the altar: in Leviticus 1:5 the APB renders the clause “dash the blood against the altar on all sides,” and in Leviticus 9:12 it renders Aaron's action as dashing blood around the altar. Exodus 24:6 likewise places half of the blood on the altar, while 2 Chronicles 29:22 repeatedly describes priests applying the blood of slaughtered animals there.

   Leviticus 1:5Leviticus 9:12Exodus 24:62 Chronicles 29:22Numbers 18:172 Kings 16:15
2. Scattering material over a place or target · common

   Outside the altar setting, the verb describes material being thrown or distributed over a stated target. In Exodus 9:10 the APB renders Moses scattering kiln soot toward the sky; in Ezekiel 10:2 it renders the imperative as scattering coals over the city; and in Job 2:12 dust is scattered upon the mourners' heads. Isaiah 28:25 uses the imperfect in the farmer's scattering of dill, while 2 Chronicles 34:4 has fragments scattered over graves.

   Exodus 9:10Ezekiel 10:2Job 2:12Isaiah 28:252 Chronicles 34:4Exodus 9:8
3. Sprinkling upon persons for cleansing or description · occasional

   The verb can have a person as the target rather than an altar or place. In Ezekiel 36:25 the first-person sequential perfect accompanies clean water being sprinkled upon “you,” and Numbers 19:13 describes water of impurity not being sprinkled on an unclean person. Hosea 7:9 uses a feminine singular perfect in the clause where grey hair is “sprinkled on him.”

   Ezekiel 36:25Numbers 19:13Numbers 19:20Hosea 7:9Exodus 24:8

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB varies among “scattered,” “sprinkled,” “splashed,” and “dashed” in these clauses, especially when blood is directed at an altar. Because it is a whole-verse translation, those English variations should not by themselves establish separate meanings.