Leviticus 4:1 kjv
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
Leviticus 4:1 nkjv
Now the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
Leviticus 4:1 niv
The LORD said to Moses,
Leviticus 4:1 esv
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
Leviticus 4:1 nlt
Then the LORD said to Moses,
Leviticus 4 1 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference Note |
|---|---|---|
| Exod 19:9 | "Behold, I am coming to you in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you..." | God speaks directly to Moses |
| Num 12:8 | "With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly..." | Unique intimacy of God's revelation to Moses |
| Deut 5:4 | "The Lord spoke with you face to face at the mountain..." | Direct divine communication to Israel |
| Deut 34:10 | "There has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face." | Moses' unparalleled prophetic role |
| Lev 1:1 | "The Lord called Moses and spoke to him..." | Consistent introductory formula in Leviticus |
| Lev 6:24 | "The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 'Speak to Aaron...'" | Further instructions follow same pattern |
| Psa 19:7 | "The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul..." | Divine origin and perfection of God's law |
| Psa 119:89 | "Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens." | Eternal nature and divine foundation of God's word |
| Isa 40:8 | "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever." | Enduring power of God's spoken word |
| John 1:17 | "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." | Moses' role as law-giver vs. Christ |
| Acts 7:38 | "He was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him at Mount Sinai..." | Moses receiving living oracles |
| Rom 3:20 | "For by works of the law no human being will be justified..." | Law's purpose in revealing sin |
| Rom 3:23 | "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God..." | Universal need for atonement |
| Heb 1:1-2 | "Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son..." | Progressive revelation culminating in Christ |
| Heb 7:12 | "For when there is a change in the priesthood, there must be a change in the law as well." | The changing nature of the Mosaic Law system |
| Heb 8:6 | "But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old..." | Christ's superior new covenant ministry |
| Heb 9:22 | "Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins." | Principle of atonement through blood |
| Heb 10:1 | "For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form..." | Law as a shadow of Christ's work |
| Gal 3:19 | "Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions..." | Law's purpose until the Seed came |
| Eph 2:1 | "And you were dead in the trespasses and sins..." | State of humanity before grace |
| 1 Pet 1:10-12 | "Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully..." | Prophetic inquiry into future grace |
Leviticus 4 verses
Leviticus 4 1 Meaning
Leviticus 4:1 introduces the divine command concerning the sin offering (chattath). It serves as a declarative statement, emphasizing that the detailed instructions about handling unintentional sin, which follow in the rest of chapter 4, originate directly from the Lord Himself, communicated through Moses. This verse establishes the divine authority and sacred nature of the sacrificial laws to be presented, particularly those dealing with human failures and the need for atonement to maintain a holy relationship with God.
Leviticus 4 1 Context
Leviticus 4:1 acts as a formal introduction to a new block of cultic legislation within the book of Leviticus, specifically detailing the "sin offering" (chattath). Chapters 1-3 have established the voluntary burnt offering (‘olah), grain offering (minchah), and fellowship offering (shelamim). With chapter 4, the focus shifts dramatically to offerings for purification and atonement for sins, which are often obligatory rather than voluntary.
The broader context of Leviticus is Israel's call to holiness and their ability to dwell in the presence of a holy God after the establishment of the Tabernacle at Sinai. Having received God's moral law (Exod 20-23) and instructions for His dwelling place (Exod 25-40), Israel now needed specific instructions on how to approach God and rectify their relationship with Him when they inevitably sinned. Leviticus systematically addresses issues of purity, defilement, and atonement, ensuring the sanctity of the Tabernacle and the nation.
Historically and culturally, the ancient Near East was rife with various cultic practices and offerings to deities. However, the Levitical system, initiated by verses like Leviticus 4:1, stands in stark contrast. While pagan religions often involved appeasement of unpredictable gods or seeking personal gain through magic and rituals, Israel's sacrificial system, rooted in divine revelation, was a structured means of maintaining covenant relationship, emphasizing divine justice, atonement, and the absolute holiness of YHWH. There is a subtle polemic against the arbitrary nature of pagan gods, as the God of Israel provides clear, precise, and consistent ways for atonement and reconciliation. This demonstrated a personal God who both demands righteousness and graciously provides the means for sinful humans to draw near.
Leviticus 4 1 Word analysis
- And (וַיְדַבֵּר - va-y'dabber): This conjunctive 'and' links the preceding divine communications, often found at the start of new sections in Leviticus (e.g., Lev 1:1; 5:1; 6:1; 7:22; 8:1). It signifies a continuation of the direct divine revelation to Moses, underscoring the ongoing nature of God's instruction for His people.
- the Lord (יהוה - YHWH): The personal covenant name of God, frequently translated as "the Lord" in English Bibles. Its use here highlights that the source of these detailed laws is not merely a general deity, but the specific God who entered into covenant with Israel, underscoring His authority, faithfulness, and the relational basis of these laws.
- spoke (דָּבַר - dabar): This Hebrew verb signifies a direct, verbal communication, a speaking forth. It is the characteristic way God imparts His will and instructions in Scripture, distinguishing it from general inspiration or human conjecture. It implies clarity, intention, and authority behind the words.
- to Moses (אֶל-מֹשֶׁה - el Mosheh): Designates Moses as the sole, divinely appointed recipient and mediator of this specific revelation for Israel. It reinforces his unique role as the human instrument through whom God communicates His covenant demands and provisions to His people.
- saying (לֵאמֹר - le'mor): A standard formula that introduces direct speech or specific content that follows. It serves to emphasize that the subsequent instructions (beginning from Lev 4:2) are the verbatim, authoritative words spoken by the Lord. It signifies a direct quotation rather than a general summary.
Words-group analysis:
- "And the Lord spoke": This phrase highlights God's initiative in revealing His will. It indicates an active, communicative God who engages directly with His people through His chosen mediator, providing necessary laws for their spiritual and communal life. This phrase is foundational for understanding the authority and divine origin of the entire Mosaic Law.
- "to Moses, saying": This completes the picture of the revelation, emphasizing that God's authoritative word is precisely delivered through Moses, establishing a chain of divine authority from God to Moses and then to the entire Israelite community. This structure authenticates the laws as originating not from human wisdom, but from divine command, setting the stage for strict adherence.
Leviticus 4 1 Bonus section
The introductory formula "And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying," appears over thirty times in the book of Leviticus. This recurring literary device underscores the book's theological emphasis: it is God's word, not human tradition or priestly innovation. This consistent pattern elevates the divine origin of every commandment, instruction, and statute contained within the Law, establishing its supreme and unwavering authority for the Israelites. The phrase further serves to structure the legal codes, often signaling a new section or a significant shift in the laws being presented, guiding the reader through the intricate details of Israel's covenant life with God.
Leviticus 4 1 Commentary
Leviticus 4:1 functions as the authoritative pronouncement preceding the instructions for the chattath or "sin offering." Far from being a mere procedural opening, it fundamentally anchors the subsequent elaborate ritual in the direct will of YHWH. The persistent repetition of "the Lord spoke to Moses" throughout Leviticus affirms that the elaborate system of offerings, purifications, and the entire cultic life of Israel was not a human invention, but a divine prescription. This foundation ensures the efficacy and legitimacy of the atonement rituals. The chapter is crucial as it transitions from voluntary offerings of worship to mandatory offerings dealing with human failure. It showcases God's wisdom and grace in providing a systematic, tangible way for His people to deal with both conscious and, uniquely, unintentional sins, demonstrating His desire for an ongoing, pure relationship even when humanity falters.