Leviticus 4:14

When the sin, which they have sinned against it, is known, then the congregation shall offer a young bullock for the sin, and bring him before the tabernacle of the congregation.

When the sin {H2403}, which they have sinned {H2398} against it, is known {H3045}, then the congregation {H6951} shall offer {H7126} a young {H1241}{H1121} bullock {H6499} for the sin {H2403}, and bring {H935} him before {H6440} the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}.

When the sin they have committed becomes known, then the assembly is to offer a young bull as a sin offering and bring it before the tent of meeting.

when they become aware of the sin they have committed, then the assembly must bring a young bull as a sin offering and present it before the Tent of Meeting.

when the sin wherein they have sinned is known, then the assembly shall offer a young bullock for a sin-offering, and bring it before the tent of meeting.

Commentary

Leviticus 4:14 details the specific protocol for a sin offering when the entire congregation of Israel has committed an unwitting sin. This verse highlights the profound importance of communal accountability and the prescribed means of atonement within the Mosaic covenant.

Context

Leviticus Chapter 4 outlines the laws for the chatta't, or "sin offering," which was distinct from other sacrifices like the burnt offering or peace offering. It specifically addresses sins committed unintentionally or unwittingly (though later discovered), which could defile the community and disrupt its relationship with God. This chapter meticulously describes the offerings required based on who committed the sin: a priest (Leviticus 4:3), the whole congregation (our verse, Leviticus 4:13-21), a ruler (Leviticus 4:22), or an individual (Leviticus 4:27). The "tabernacle of the congregation" (or Tent of Meeting) was the central place of worship and where God's presence dwelt among His people, making it the necessary location for these sacred rituals.

Key Themes

  • Corporate Responsibility: This verse underscores the concept that an entire community can bear collective guilt for a sin, even if committed unwittingly. The actions of individuals or a group could impact the spiritual standing of the whole.
  • Atonement for Sin: The offering of a "young bullock" (a costly and significant sacrifice) for the congregation's sin emphasizes the gravity of sin and the necessity of a blood sacrifice to make atonement. This ritual temporarily cleansed the community and restored their fellowship with a holy God.
  • God's Holiness and Justice: The detailed requirements for the sin offering highlight God's absolute holiness and His demand for purity from His people. Even unintentional sins required specific acts of reconciliation to maintain the covenant relationship.
  • Divine Prescription: The precise instructions given in Leviticus demonstrate God's meticulous care in guiding Israel's worship and addressing their moral failings, ensuring that sin was not taken lightly.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "sin" and "sin offering" is chatta't (Χ—Φ·Χ˜ΦΈΦΌΧΧͺ). This dual meaning is significant: the offering itself is for sin, serving as a means to purify and cleanse from the defilement that sin brings. The term "congregation" is edah (Χ’Φ΅Χ“ΦΈΧ”), referring to the assembled community or assembly of Israel, emphasizing the collective body.

Significance and Application

Leviticus 4:14 offers timeless insights into the nature of sin and God's provision for it:

  • The Seriousness of Sin: Whether individual or communal, intentional or unwitting, sin carries consequences and requires addressing. God's standard of holiness is unwavering.
  • The Need for Atonement: The Old Testament sacrificial system, including the offering of a young bullock for the congregation's sin, continually pointed to the ultimate need for a perfect sacrifice. This finds its fulfillment in the perfect and final sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He became the ultimate sin offering for humanity, providing eternal forgiveness and cleansing by His blood.
  • Corporate Accountability Today: While the sacrificial system is fulfilled in Christ, the principle of corporate responsibility within the community remains relevant for believers. Churches and communities are called to acknowledge and address collective wrongs, seeking God's forgiveness and striving for righteousness together.
  • Confession and Repentance: Just as the sin had to be "known" for the offering to be made, so too must believers acknowledge their sins, individually and corporately, and turn to God in repentance for forgiveness through Christ.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 4:3

    If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto the LORD for a sin offering.

  • Leviticus 4:23

    Or if his sin, wherein he hath sinned, come to his knowledge; he shall bring his offering, a kid of the goats, a male without blemish:

  • Leviticus 4:28

    Or if his sin, which he hath sinned, come to his knowledge: then he shall bring his offering, a kid of the goats, a female without blemish, for his sin which he hath sinned.
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