Leviticus 4 27

Leviticus 4:27 kjv

And if any one of the common people sin through ignorance, while he doeth somewhat against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which ought not to be done, and be guilty;

Leviticus 4:27 nkjv

'If anyone of the common people sins unintentionally by doing something against any of the commandments of the LORD in anything which ought not to be done, and is guilty,

Leviticus 4:27 niv

"?'If any member of the community sins unintentionally and does what is forbidden in any of the LORD's commands, when they realize their guilt

Leviticus 4:27 esv

"If anyone of the common people sins unintentionally in doing any one of the things that by the LORD's commandments ought not to be done, and realizes his guilt,

Leviticus 4:27 nlt

"If any of the common people sin by violating one of the LORD's commands, but they don't realize it, they are still guilty.

Leviticus 4 verses

Leviticus 4 27 Meaning

Leviticus 4:27 outlines the specific procedure for an ordinary Israelite who has unintentionally committed a sin that violates a divine prohibition, but later recognizes their transgression. This verse details that upon realizing their guilt, they are to bring a female goat without blemish as a sin offering to make atonement for their inadvertent wrong action. It emphasizes God's provision for dealing with human fallibility within the covenant.

Leviticus 4 27 Context

Leviticus chapter 4 outlines the regulations for the sin offering (ḥaṭṭāʾt). This offering specifically addresses sins committed unintentionally, as opposed to defiant or high-handed sins. The chapter details a graded system for atonement, distinguishing the type and amount of sacrifice based on the identity of the sinner: the high priest (verses 3-12), the whole congregation (verses 13-21), a leader (verses 22-26), and finally, in verse 27, a common person. This structured approach highlights the seriousness of sin, even if unintended, and God's merciful provision for its atonement to maintain purity and fellowship within the covenant community. The historical context is ancient Israel, after their exodus from Egypt, being instructed on how to live as a holy nation in God's presence at the tabernacle. The regulations demonstrate God's grace in dealing with human imperfection and maintaining relationship with His people.

Leviticus 4 27 Word analysis

• If anyone: Indicates a general application to any individual among the common populace.

• of the common people (עַם הָאָרֶץ - ʿam hāʾāreṣ): Literally "people of the land." This term distinguishes an ordinary Israelite, a layman, from specific roles like the High Priest (Lv 4:3), the entire congregation (Lv 4:13), or a leader/ruler (Lv 4:22). It refers to the general population.

• sins unintentionally (בְּשִׁגְגָה - bišgāgâ): This is a crucial phrase. It signifies a sin committed out of error, ignorance, accident, or inadvertence, not with willful defiance or premeditated rebellion against God. It contrasts sharply with "high-handed" or "presumptuous" sin, for which no sacrifice was available (Num 15:30-31).

• in doing any of the things that the LORD has commanded not to be done: This refers to sins of commission—violating a negative command, a prohibition ("thou shalt not..."). The sin involves performing an action that God forbade.

• and realizes his guilt: This highlights a critical condition. The atonement process begins once the individual becomes aware of their transgression. It implies conviction of sin and acceptance of responsibility, initiating the steps toward repentance and reconciliation.

• then he shall bring: The divine instruction on the required response.

• for his offering: Specifically, a sin offering (ḥaṭṭāʾt), which served not just to cover the sin but to cleanse and purify from its defiling effect, especially on the tabernacle.

• a goat, a female: The specific animal prescribed for the common person's sin offering. The gender and species of the animal are precisely stipulated, reflecting the graded system of sacrifices according to the status of the sinner.

• without blemish (תָּמִים - tāmîm): Perfect, whole, complete, sound. This requirement applies to all sacrificial animals. It symbolizes the holiness of God and the perfection required for a sacrifice that represents purity and makes atonement. This foreshadows the unblemished Lamb of God, Jesus Christ (1 Pet 1:19).

• for his sin which he has committed: Reinforces the purpose of the offering: to address and atone for the specific inadvertent sin that was committed.

• "sins unintentionally... and realizes his guilt": This phrase underlines that atonement is not automatic upon transgression. It requires recognition and acknowledgment of the sin by the offender, leading to a proactive step of seeking reconciliation through the prescribed means.

• "common people... female goat": This illustrates the hierarchical structure of the Law, where different categories of people had distinct sacrifices for the same type of sin, signifying the graded responsibility and corresponding level of atonement requirement.

Leviticus 4 27 Bonus section

The Hebrew word for "sin offering," ḥaṭṭāʾt, can also be translated as "purification offering." This broader meaning highlights that the sacrifice not only addresses the guilt of sin but also cleanses the defilement that sin creates. In Leviticus, sin, even if unintentional, contaminates the sacred space (tabernacle/temple) where God dwells. The sin offering, through its various rituals (e.g., blood sprinkling), served to purify the altar and the tabernacle from such defilement, allowing God to continue dwelling among His people. Thus, this offering maintained the sanctity of God's dwelling place, making ongoing fellowship possible despite human imperfection. The focus is as much on restoring holiness to the sacred space as it is on covering the individual's transgression.

Leviticus 4 27 Commentary

Leviticus 4:27 demonstrates God's profound mercy and careful provision for His covenant people. Even unintentional sins, which stem from human weakness or ignorance rather than outright rebellion, created defilement and required atonement to maintain holiness in God's presence. The ḥaṭṭāʾt (sin offering) functioned to purify both the sinner and, crucially, the tabernacle, which could be defiled by the accumulation of sins.

The stipulation for a common person to bring a female goat, unlike the high priest's bull or the leader's male goat, underscores the Levitical law's detailed and differentiated approach to responsibility and atonement based on social standing. However, the unifying requirement for all sacrifices to be "without blemish" powerfully points forward to the absolute perfection of Christ, the ultimate, once-for-all sin offering, whose unblemished life and sacrifice perfectly atoned for all sin, intentional or unintentional (Heb 9:14, 10:10-14). The animal sacrifices in Leviticus served as a tutor, revealing the pervasive nature of sin, the necessity of blood atonement, and guiding humanity to understand their deep need for a perfect Redeemer. This verse reveals God's way of dealing with human failing within the Old Covenant, paving the way for understanding the greater forgiveness found in Christ (Col 2:13-14).