Leviticus 4:13

KJV

¶ And if the whole congregation of Israel sin through ignorance, and the thing be hid from the eyes of the assembly, and they have done [somewhat against] any of the commandments of the LORD [concerning things] which should not be done, and are guilty;

KJV (with Strong's)

And if the whole congregation {H5712} of Israel {H3478} sin through ignorance {H7686}, and the thing {H1697} be hid {H5956} from the eyes {H5869} of the assembly {H6951}, and they have done {H6213} somewhat against any {H259} of the commandments {H4687} of the LORD {H3068} concerning things which should not be done {H6213}, and are guilty {H816};

Complete Jewish Bible

"'If the entire community of Isra'el inadvertently makes a mistake, with the assembly being unaware of the matter, and they do something against any of the mitzvot of ADONAI concerning things which should not be done, they are guilty.

Berean Standard Bible

Now if the whole congregation of Israel strays unintentionally and the matter escapes the notice of the assembly so that they violate any of the LORD’s commandments and incur guilt by doing what is forbidden,

American Standard Version

And if the whole congregation of Israel err, and the thing be hid from the eyes of the assembly, and they have done any of the things which Jehovah hath commanded not to be done, and are guilty;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 4:13 outlines the divine protocol for corporate sin committed by the entire congregation of Israel through ignorance, where the transgression remains unacknowledged or hidden from the community's immediate awareness. Despite the unintentional nature of the offense and its concealed status, the community is nonetheless deemed guilty before God, necessitating a specific corporate sin offering for atonement. This verse profoundly underscores the pervasive and defiling nature of sin, God's absolute holiness, and His gracious provision for reconciliation and purification, even for communal transgressions that are not deliberately committed or immediately recognized.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 4 marks a pivotal shift in the book, moving from the general voluntary offerings (burnt, grain, and peace offerings in [Leviticus 1-3](/leviticus/1-3 "Leviticus 1-3 - Voluntary Offerings")) to the mandatory sin and guilt offerings. This chapter specifically addresses unintentional sins, distinguishing between those committed by the high priest ([Leviticus 4:3](/leviticus/4-3 "Leviticus 4:3 - Sin of the Anointed Priest")), the whole congregation ([Leviticus 4:13](/leviticus/4-13 "Leviticus 4:13 - Sin of the Whole Congregation")), a ruler ([Leviticus 4:22](/leviticus/4-22 "Leviticus 4:22 - Sin of a Ruler")), and a common person ([Leviticus 4:27](/leviticus/4-27 "Leviticus 4:27 - Sin of a Common Person")). This progression from individual to corporate sin highlights the comprehensive scope of God's law and the meticulousness required for atonement across all levels of Israelite society. The detailed instructions in [Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - The Sin Offering") emphasize that even sins committed unknowingly or unintentionally require purification due to God's inherent holiness and the defiling nature of sin itself. This section lays the foundational understanding for the meticulous sacrificial system as a divinely ordained means to maintain a holy and unblemished relationship with Yahweh.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the concept of corporate responsibility was deeply ingrained in their societal and theological framework. The actions, or inactions, of individuals—especially leaders—or the collective body of the community could bring either divine blessing or judgment upon the entire nation. This principle is vividly illustrated in narratives such as Achan's sin, which led to Israel's defeat at Ai until the sin was addressed ([Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin and Defeat at Ai")). The sacrificial system, meticulously outlined in [Leviticus 1-7](/leviticus/1-7 "Leviticus 1-7 - Laws for Offerings"), was central to Israel's covenant relationship with God, providing a divinely ordained mechanism for dealing with sin, restoring broken fellowship, and maintaining ritual purity. The phrase "sin through ignorance" (Hebrew: *shagag*) was a crucial distinction, differentiating these acts from deliberate, "high-handed" or presumptuous sins, which often carried more severe, even capital, consequences ([Numbers 15:30](/numbers/15-30 "Numbers 15:30 - Presumptuous Sin")). The idea that a sin could be "hid from the eyes of the assembly" yet still incur guilt speaks to God's omniscience and the comprehensive nature of His law, which transcended human awareness or detection. The prescribed rituals for communal sin underscored the paramount importance of national holiness and the collective need for reconciliation with a perfectly holy God.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 4:13 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. First, it emphasizes the **absolute holiness of God** and the profound defilement that any sin, even unintentional, brings into His presence. This holiness necessitates a meticulous system of purification. Second, it highlights the **pervasive nature of sin**, demonstrating that sin is not merely a matter of conscious rebellion but encompasses any deviation from God's perfect standard, whether known or unknown, individual or corporate. Third, the passage underscores **corporate responsibility** within the covenant community, illustrating that the spiritual well-being of the entire nation is interconnected, and the sin of a few or a collective oversight can impact all. Finally, it reveals God's **gracious provision for atonement**, showcasing His mercy in providing a means for reconciliation and restoration even for hidden or unwitting transgressions, preventing immediate judgment and upholding the covenant relationship. This theme of divine provision for sin is foundational to understanding the entire sacrificial system and points to a greater future reality.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Congregation (Hebrew, _ʻêdâh'_):** This feminine noun refers to a stated assemblage, specifically a concourse or a formal gathering of the people. In the context of Israel, it denotes the entire community, the collective body of God's covenant people. The use of "whole congregation" emphasizes that the sin is not an isolated individual act but a communal transgression, affecting the entire collective and requiring a corporate response. This highlights the interconnectedness and shared spiritual responsibility of the Israelite nation.
* **Thing (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to speak," this versatile noun refers to a "word," "matter," or "thing." Here, it signifies the specific action or event that constitutes the sin. The phrase "the thing be hid" underscores that the transgression, though objectively a violation of God's command, was not immediately apparent or recognized by the community. This points to the objective reality of sin as a breach of divine law, independent of human perception or awareness.
* **Guilty (Hebrew, _ʼâsham'_):** This primitive root verb signifies "to be guilty," "to offend," or "to be liable." When the congregation is declared "guilty," it means they are held legally and spiritually accountable for the transgression, standing in a state of culpability before God. This term emphasizes that even unintentional sins have real consequences in God's sight, creating a spiritual debt or defilement that must be expiated through the prescribed sacrificial ritual to restore the community's righteous standing and purity before Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if the whole congregation of Israel sin through ignorance":** This opening clause establishes the specific scenario: a corporate transgression committed by the entire covenant community. The crucial phrase "through ignorance" (or "unwittingly") emphasizes that the sin was unintentional, not a deliberate act of rebellion or defiance against God's commandments. This distinction is vital, as it sets this category of sin apart from presumptuous or high-handed sins, which carried different, often more severe, penalties.
* **"and the thing be hid from the eyes of the assembly":** This specifies that the sin is not immediately apparent, recognized, or understood by the community at large. It might be a collective oversight, a misunderstanding of a particular law, or a communal practice that inadvertently violates God's commands, remaining undetected until later revelation, a prophetic word, or the manifestation of divine consequence. This highlights God's omniscience; even hidden sins are known to Him and carry spiritual weight.
* **"and they have done [somewhat against] any of the commandments of the LORD [concerning things] which should not be done":** This clarifies the nature of the transgression: it is an action (an act of commission) that violates a negative command, specifically "things which should not be done." The sin is not an omission but an active doing of something forbidden, even if done unknowingly. This underscores that God's commandments are absolute and comprehensive, and any deviation, whether intentional or not, constitutes a breach of His holy standard.
* **"and are guilty;":** This final declaration confirms the legal and spiritual status of the congregation. Despite the ignorance and the hidden nature of the sin, the community is held accountable and is in a state of culpability before God. This "guilt" necessitates a specific ritual of atonement to cleanse the congregation and restore their righteous standing, demonstrating the profound seriousness with which God views all sin and the necessity of expiation for any defilement.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 4:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The primary device is **Legal Language**, framing the verse as a conditional statute ("And if...") followed by a clear consequence and the implicit need for prescribed action. This precise, prescriptive, and formulaic language is characteristic of the entire book of Leviticus, underscoring the divine origin and binding nature of the Mosaic Law. There is a strong **Emphasis** on corporate responsibility, shifting the focus from individual transgressions to the collective guilt of the "whole congregation of Israel." This highlights the profound interconnectedness of the covenant community and the shared spiritual consequences of their actions or collective oversights. The phrase "hid from the eyes of the assembly" introduces a subtle **Paradox** or **Irony**: a sin can be unknown to humans yet perfectly known to God, still incurring real guilt and defilement. This underscores God's perfect knowledge, His absolute holiness, and the all-encompassing nature of His moral law, which even unintentional errors offend. The verse also functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, as the inherent need for atonement for hidden or unintentional sin points to the profound and comprehensive nature of sin itself, which ultimately requires a perfect, all-sufficient sacrifice beyond the temporary provisions of the Old Covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 4:13 profoundly illustrates the pervasive nature of sin and God's absolute holiness. Even unintentional, corporate transgressions, hidden from human awareness, incurred guilt and necessitated atonement, demonstrating that sin is not merely about malicious intent but about any deviation from God's perfect standard. This underscores the comprehensive scope of God's law and the serious defilement that sin, in any form, brings upon individuals and communities. The provision of a sin offering, even for such hidden sins, reveals God's gracious character, providing a path for reconciliation and purification rather than immediate judgment. This divine provision for atonement for unintentional sin points forward to the ultimate and perfect sacrifice that would fully address humanity's deep-seated need for comprehensive cleansing.

* [Numbers 15:27-29](/numbers/15-27-29 "Numbers 15:27-29 - Laws for Unintentional Sins")
* [Psalm 19:12](/psalms/19-12 "Psalm 19:12 - Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults.")
* [Hebrews 9:7](/hebrews/9-7 "Hebrews 9:7 - The High Priest's Annual Atonement for Sins of Ignorance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 4:13 serves as a profound and humbling reminder that God's standards are absolute, and that sin, in any form, carries real consequences that defile and separate. For us today, this ancient law challenges us to consider the depth and breadth of our own sinfulness, recognizing that even our blind spots, our unintentional errors, and our collective oversights as communities can grieve a holy God and require His comprehensive grace. It calls us to profound humility, encouraging diligent self-examination and communal introspection, prompting us to ask if there are ways we, as individuals or as a collective (family, church, organization, or nation), might be inadvertently violating God's commands or neglecting His will. This verse prompts us to seek God's mercy not only for known transgressions but also for "hidden faults," trusting in His perfect knowledge and comprehensive forgiveness. It powerfully reinforces the truth that our need for a Savior is profound and all-encompassing, covering every facet of our brokenness and our deviation from God's glory, even the sins we are unaware of.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the concept of "sin through ignorance" in Leviticus 4:13 reveal about God's standard of holiness, and how does this challenge my understanding of sin beyond mere intentional wrongdoing?**
* **In what ways might my community (e.g., family, church, workplace, or even nation) be collectively guilty of "hidden" or "unintentional" sins, and what is our shared responsibility to identify and address them before God?**
* **How does the provision for atonement for unintentional sin in Leviticus 4:13 deepen my appreciation for the all-encompassing and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who covers all our transgressions?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the sin being "hid from the eyes of the assembly"?**

Answer: The phrase "hid from the eyes of the assembly" is profoundly significant because it highlights that even sins unknown or undetected by the human community still incurred guilt and defilement before God. This emphasizes God's omniscience—His perfect knowledge of all things—and the comprehensive nature of His law. It means that the objective reality of sin, as a violation of God's holiness, exists independently of human awareness, recognition, or intent. The purpose of the prescribed ritual was not just to address known transgressions but also to cleanse the community from any defilement, whether recognized or not, ensuring their continued ritual purity and right standing in the covenant relationship with Yahweh. This concept is beautifully echoed in [Psalm 19:12](/psalms/19-12 "Psalm 19:12 - Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults!"), where the psalmist prays for forgiveness for unknown sins, acknowledging God's perfect sight.

**How does this verse relate to corporate responsibility in modern contexts?**

Answer: While the specific sacrificial rituals of Leviticus are no longer practiced, the underlying principle of corporate responsibility remains highly relevant for communities today. Just as the ancient Israelite congregation bore collective guilt for unintentional communal sins, modern communities—whether families, churches, organizations, or nations—can incur collective spiritual consequences for shared actions, inactions, or systemic issues that violate God's moral principles. This might involve communal blind spots regarding social injustice, complicity in societal wrongs, or shared neglect of spiritual disciplines. [Leviticus 4:13](/leviticus/4-13 "Leviticus 4:13 - Sin of the Whole Congregation") reminds us that a community's spiritual health is deeply interconnected and that collective repentance and seeking God's mercy are vital, even for sins that are not immediately apparent to all members. This principle encourages communal self-examination and a shared commitment to righteousness, fostering a sense of shared accountability and the necessity for corporate humility before God, as seen in calls for corporate repentance throughout biblical history, such as in [Joel 2:12-17](/joel/2-12-17 "Joel 2:12-17 - Call to Repentance").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 4:13, with its emphasis on atonement for unintentional and even hidden corporate sin, powerfully foreshadows the comprehensive and all-sufficient work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sacrificial system, though divinely ordained, was inherently limited; it required repeated offerings and could not truly take away sin, only cover it temporarily and ritually ([Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins")). The very need for a specific offering for sins committed "through ignorance" highlights the pervasive and insidious nature of sin, extending beyond conscious rebellion to every deviation from God's perfect standard, even those we are unaware of. Jesus, as the perfect Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offered Himself as the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all")). His shed blood not only atones for our known, deliberate transgressions but also for our "sins of ignorance"—the countless ways we fall short of God's glory, even those we are unaware of, as the high priest entered the Most Holy Place annually to make atonement for the sins of the people, including those committed in ignorance ([Hebrews 9:7](/hebrews/9-7 "Hebrews 9:7 - The High Priest's Annual Atonement for Sins of Ignorance")). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection, Christ provides a complete and eternal cleansing, making us truly guilt-free before God and establishing a new covenant where forgiveness is absolute and eternal for all who believe, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness ([Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13-14 "Colossians 2:13-14 - He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 5:17

And if a soul sin, and commit any of these things which are forbidden to be done by the commandments of the LORD; though he wist [it] not, yet is he guilty, and shall bear his iniquity.

Leviticus 5:2

Or if a soul touch any unclean thing, whether [it be] a carcase of an unclean beast, or a carcase of unclean cattle, or the carcase of unclean creeping things, and [if] it be hidden from him; he also shall be unclean, and guilty.

Leviticus 5:5

And it shall be, when he shall be guilty in one of these [things], that he shall confess that he hath sinned in that [thing]:

Hosea 5:15

I will go [and] return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early.

1 Corinthians 11:27

Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink [this] cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

Hebrews 10:26

For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

Hebrews 10:29

Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?