Leviticus 4 32

Leviticus 4:32 kjv

And if he bring a lamb for a sin offering, he shall bring it a female without blemish.

Leviticus 4:32 nkjv

'If he brings a lamb as his sin offering, he shall bring a female without blemish.

Leviticus 4:32 niv

"?'If someone brings a lamb as their sin offering, they are to bring a female without defect.

Leviticus 4:32 esv

"If he brings a lamb as his offering for a sin offering, he shall bring a female without blemish

Leviticus 4:32 nlt

"If the people bring a sheep as their sin offering, it must be a female with no defects.

Leviticus 4 verses

Leviticus 4 32 Meaning

Leviticus 4:32 stipulates the specific animal offering for an ordinary Israelite who has unintentionally sinned and has recognized their transgression. The requirement is to bring a female lamb that is completely perfect and free from any defect. This sacrifice, known as a sin offering (chatta'th), was designed to purify the individual from the defilement caused by their unintentional sin, thereby restoring their capacity to interact with the holy God and maintain covenant relationship.

Leviticus 4 32 Context

Leviticus chapter 4 specifically outlines the procedures for the chatta'th, or sin offering, focusing on atonement for sins committed unintentionally. The offerings vary based on the identity and status of the person or group committing the error: the high priest, the entire congregation, a tribal leader, or, as in the case of this verse, a common Israelite (nefesh). For an ordinary person, once their unintentional sin (such as unknowingly touching an unclean thing or violating a command) became known, they were obligated to bring a specific sacrifice to the tabernacle. This ensured that the purity of the Israelite camp and the tabernacle, where God resided, was maintained despite the pervasive nature of human imperfection. The strict requirements underscored the gravity of sin, even unintentional sin, in the sight of a holy God, and provided the divine mechanism for purification and continued fellowship.

Leviticus 4 32 Word analysis

• And if he bring (וְאִם יָבִיא – vəʾim yāviʾ): This phrasing establishes a conditional premise within a legal and ritual framework. It denotes the responsibility of the individual to act upon the recognition of their sin, presenting the required offering as a means of reconciliation.
• a lamb (כֶּשֶׂב – keśev): This Hebrew term denotes a young sheep. While other sacrifices permitted male animals, the option of a female lamb for a common person reflects accessibility and God's compassionate provision in the Mosaic Law. The lamb is a profound biblical type, most notably foreshadowing Jesus Christ as the ultimate sacrifice (John 1:29).
• for a sin offering (לְחַטָּאת – ləḥaṭṭāʾt): The Hebrew term chatta'th refers to the specific sacrifice for "sin" (primarily unintentional errors or ritual impurity) to cleanse defilement. It involved the blood application to purify the sanctuary from the defilement caused by human sin, thereby upholding God's presence in Israel.
• he shall bring it (וְהֵבִיא אֹתָהּ – vəhevī ʾottah): This is a direct command, emphasizing the obligatory action the individual must take once their unintentional sin is revealed. It highlights personal accountability in the process of atonement and purification.
• a female (נְקֵבָה – nəqevah): Specifies the gender of the lamb required. The choice of a female animal for the common person's sin offering provided a readily available and less costly option than the male animals typically reserved for burnt offerings or more prominent communal/priestly sin offerings.
• without blemish (תָּמִים – tamim): This essential descriptor signifies perfection, wholeness, or soundness. No physical defect or imperfection was allowed in any sacrifice to the LORD. This standard symbolized the absolute purity and perfection of the divine recipient of the offering and profoundly foreshadowed the perfect, sinless nature of Jesus Christ, the spotless Lamb of God (1 Pet 1:19).

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "a lamb for a sin offering... a female": This phrase precisely defines the identity (lamb, a clean animal, often symbolic of innocence and submission) and the purpose (purification from defilement due to unintentional sin) of the required animal. The specified gender highlights God's particular stipulations tailored to the individual's circumstances and means.
• "he shall bring it... without blemish": This combination underscores the human responsibility in performing the commanded action ("he shall bring it") alongside the divine standard for the offering's quality ("without blemish"). It implies a reverent and careful approach to God's holiness, where only perfection is suitable for atonement.

Leviticus 4 32 Bonus section

The Hebrew word for "lamb," keśev (sheep, or young sheep), and śeh (any small animal, sheep or goat) are often used interchangeably or in relation to each other. Here, keśev more precisely narrows the type of offering for this specific context. The concept of "unintentional sin" (Heb. shegagat) is crucial as it differentiates from deliberate, defiant acts against God's law. While intentional sins often resulted in the severing of one from the community (excision), unintentional sins could be atoned for through the prescribed sacrifices, demonstrating God's path to restoration for those who err unknowingly. The detailed requirements in Leviticus, though complex, fostered an ongoing awareness among the Israelites of sin's pervasive nature and the constant need for God's merciful provision for purity to maintain their sacred relationship with Him and His indwelling presence among them.

Leviticus 4 32 Commentary

Leviticus 4:32 illustrates a fundamental aspect of the Mosaic Law: God’s provision for human imperfection and sin within a covenant relationship. While specifying an animal for unintentional transgressions, this verse simultaneously reveals God's holiness and His gracious desire for His people's purification. The requirement for a "female lamb" was a practical concession for common Israelites, making the costly yet vital act of atonement accessible. However, the absolute demand that it be "without blemish" served a critical theological purpose. This unblemished quality highlighted the infinite perfection of God and the standard required for any sacrifice intended to bridge the gap between sinful humanity and divine holiness. The consistent teaching of animal sacrifice throughout the Old Testament pointed toward an ultimate, perfect offering. This shadow finds its complete substance in Jesus Christ, the blameless Lamb of God, who, in His perfect human life and sacrificial death, fully atoned for all sins (both intentional and unintentional), providing eternal purification and permanent reconciliation, transcending the temporary nature of the Old Testament offerings.