Leviticus 4:2

KJV

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a soul shall sin through ignorance against any of the commandments of the LORD [concerning things] which ought not to be done, and shall do against any of them:

KJV (with Strong's)

Speak {H1696} unto the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, saying {H559}, If a soul {H5315} shall sin {H2398} through ignorance {H7684} against any of the commandments {H4687} of the LORD {H3068} concerning things which ought not to be done {H6213}, and shall do {H6213} against any {H259} of them {H2007}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"Tell the people of Isra'el: 'If anyone sins inadvertently against any of the mitzvot of ADONAI concerning things which should not be done, if he does any one of them,

Berean Standard Bible

“Tell the Israelites to do as follows with one who sins unintentionally against any of the LORD’s commandments and does what is forbidden by them:

American Standard Version

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If any one shall sin unwittingly, in any of the things which Jehovah hath commanded not to be done, and shall do any one of them:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 4:2 initiates the detailed instructions for the sin offering (_chatta't_), specifically addressing transgressions committed "through ignorance" or unintentionally. This foundational verse establishes that even non-deliberate moral failings against the LORD's divine commandments necessitate atonement, thereby underscoring God's absolute holiness, the pervasive and defiling nature of sin, and His gracious provision for reconciliation within the covenant relationship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 4:2 marks the beginning of a pivotal section (Leviticus 4:1-5:13) that meticulously outlines the regulations for the _chatta't_, or sin offering. This section follows the instructions for the burnt offering ([Leviticus 1](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Burnt Offering")) and the grain offering ([Leviticus 2](/leviticus/2 "Leviticus 2 - The Grain Offering")), which were primarily voluntary expressions of worship, dedication, and thanksgiving. In contrast, the sin offering addresses the mandatory requirement for atonement due to specific transgressions that inherently defile the individual or the community, thereby disrupting their fellowship with a holy God. The placement of the sin offering immediately after the voluntary offerings highlights a theological progression within the sacrificial system: from approaching God in devotion to confronting the inevitable reality of sin that arises, even unintentionally, within the covenant community. The subsequent verses in [Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - The Sin Offering") systematically detail the specific procedures for various categories of individuals—the high priest, the entire congregation, a leader, and a common person—underscoring the universal human need for divine atonement.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The instructions contained within the book of Leviticus were delivered to the "children of Israel" shortly after their miraculous exodus from Egyptian bondage and the solemn establishment of the Mosaic Covenant at Mount Sinai. At this juncture, Israel was a nascent nation, preparing to enter the Promised Land, and the Tabernacle, symbolizing God's immanent presence among His people, had just been consecrated. While many ancient Near Eastern cultures possessed concepts of ritual purity and atonement for offenses, the Israelite system was distinct due to its divine origin and its profound emphasis on the ethical and spiritual dimensions of sin, transcending mere ritual defilement. The concept of "sin through ignorance" (_bishgaga_) held particular significance. Unlike "high-handed" or defiant sins (as exemplified in [Numbers 15:30-31](/numbers/15-30-31 "Numbers 15:30-31 - High-Handed Sin")), for which there was often no prescribed sacrifice and severe consequences, unintentional sins were understood as a failure to meet God's objective standards of holiness, even if the individual was unaware of their transgression. This provision underscored God's profound mercy and His desire to maintain the purity of His people and the sanctity of His dwelling place among them.

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 4:2 contributes significantly to several overarching theological and narrative themes found throughout the book of Leviticus and the Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **God's Absolute Holiness**, which demands a corresponding holiness from His covenant people. The verse emphasizes the **Pervasive Nature of Sin**, demonstrating that sin is not merely a deliberate act of rebellion but also any deviation from God's perfect standard, even if committed unknowingly. This leads to the theme of **Atonement and Reconciliation**, as God graciously provides a means—the sin offering—to bridge the gap created by sin and restore fellowship. The distinction between unintentional and intentional sin, as seen here and in passages like [Numbers 15:27-31](/numbers/15-27-31 "Numbers 15:27-31 - Unintentional vs. Presumptuous Sin"), highlights God's **Justice and Mercy**, showing His discernment of culpability while simultaneously extending grace. Ultimately, the meticulous regulations for purity and sacrifice, initiated by this verse, underscore God's unwavering commitment to maintaining a **Pure Covenant Community** in His presence, a theme foundational to Israel's identity and worship (see [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Clean and Unclean Animals") for further examples of purity laws).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Soul (Hebrew, _nephesh'_ H5315):** From נָפַשׁ, meaning properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or mental). In this context, "soul" refers to the entire person, the living being, encompassing the totality of one's life and existence. When the text states "If a soul shall sin," it emphasizes that the whole individual, in their complete being and actions, is accountable before God, signifying that sin, even unintentional, impacts the entire person and their relationship with the divine.
* **Sin through ignorance (Hebrew, _châṭâʼ_ H2398, _shᵉgâgâh'_ H7684):** The verb _châṭâʼ_ (from חָטָא) is a primitive root meaning properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin. The noun _shᵉgâgâh_ (from שָׁגָג) means a mistake or inadvertent transgression; error, ignorance, at unawares; unwittingly. Combined, "sin through ignorance" denotes an action that violates God's law without deliberate intent, premeditation, or malicious defiance. This crucial distinction sets it apart from "high-handed" sin, which was a rebellious and defiant act against God's known will, for which no sin offering was prescribed. The provision for _shᵉgâgâh_ highlights God's compassion for human frailty and His desire to provide a path to restoration for those who err unknowingly.
* **Commandments of the LORD (Hebrew, _mitsvâh_ H4687, _Yᵉhôvâh'_ H3068):** The noun _mitsvâh_ (from צָוָה) means a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the Law). _Yᵉhôvâh_ (from הָיָה) refers to the self-Existent or Eternal, the Jewish national name of God. This phrase underscores the divine origin and absolute authority of the laws being transgressed. These are not human statutes but direct commands from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. The subsequent phrase, "concerning things which ought not to be done," specifically refers to negative commandments or prohibitions ("thou shalt not..."), indicating that even an unintentional violation of a divine prohibition requires atonement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Speak unto the children of Israel, saying":** This is a standard legislative formula frequently employed in Leviticus, signaling that the ensuing instructions are a direct, authoritative divine communication from the LORD, delivered through Moses, to the entire Israelite community. It underscores both the communal and individual responsibility to attentively heed and faithfully obey God's sacred laws.
* **"If a soul shall sin through ignorance":** This pivotal clause introduces the specific scenario that necessitates the sin offering. The term "soul" (_nephesh_) signifies any person, highlighting the universal applicability of this law to all individuals within the covenant community. The phrase "through ignorance" (_bishgaga_) precisely defines the nature of the transgression—it is unintentional, an error, or an oversight, distinctly not a deliberate act of rebellion or defiance.
* **"against any of the commandments of the LORD [concerning things] which ought not to be done":** This segment specifies the object and nature of the transgression. The sin is committed against God's divine commands, particularly those that prohibit certain actions (negative commandments). This clarifies that even if an individual is unaware of the specific command or the full implications of their transgression, the objective standard of God's holy law has been violated.
* **"and shall do against any of them":** This final clause describes the actual commission of the forbidden act. Despite the absence of malicious intent or full awareness, the action itself constitutes a transgression. This necessitates a prescribed ritual for purification and atonement to restore the individual to a right relationship with God and to maintain the purity of the covenant community.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs a clear **Legal Formulary**, which is characteristic of the Mosaic Law. This structure is precise, prescriptive, and declarative, ensuring clarity and leaving no ambiguity regarding the requirements for atonement. The use of the conditional "If" ("If a soul shall sin...") sets up a distinct **Case Law** structure, outlining specific circumstances and their required responses within the legal framework. There is also an implicit **Contrast** between the unintentional sin described here and the "high-handed" or defiant sin mentioned elsewhere (e.g., [Numbers 15:30-31](/numbers/15-30-31 "Numbers 15:30-31 - Presumptuous Sin")), which carried different, often more severe, consequences. This contrast highlights God's justice in distinguishing between levels of culpability while also emphasizing His profound mercy in providing a means of atonement even for sins committed unknowingly.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 4:2 offers profound insights into God's absolute holiness and the pervasive nature of sin. It teaches that sin is not merely a deliberate act of rebellion but also any failure to conform to God's perfect standard, even if committed unknowingly or unintentionally. This objective understanding of sin underscores that human ignorance does not negate the reality or consequences of transgression before a holy God. Yet, in His boundless mercy, God graciously provided a means for atonement and reconciliation through the sin offering, demonstrating His profound desire to maintain fellowship with His people despite their inherent fallenness and proneness to error. This provision reveals God's compassion and His unwavering commitment to purity within the covenant community, foreshadowing a greater, ultimate provision for all sin.

* [Numbers 15:27-31](/numbers/15-27-31 "Numbers 15:27-31 - Unintentional vs. High-Handed Sin")
* [Psalm 19:12](/psalms/19-12 "Psalm 19:12 - Hidden Faults and Presumptuous Sins")
* [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 4:2, while rooted in an ancient sacrificial system, holds profound and enduring relevance for believers today. It challenges our often-limited understanding of sin, reminding us that sin encompasses not only willful rebellion but also any deviation from God's perfect standard, even those transgressions we commit unknowingly or through oversight. This truth cultivates a deeper sense of humility, prompting us to acknowledge that our own awareness is not the ultimate measure of our standing before a perfectly holy God. It encourages us to cultivate a sensitive conscience, to diligently immerse ourselves in God's Word for guidance, and to humbly confess both our known and unknown sins, trusting implicitly in God's merciful provision for our redemption. This verse ultimately points us to the glorious sufficiency of Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the law and became the ultimate sin offering, making full and final atonement for all our transgressions, whether conscious or unconscious, thereby securing our complete reconciliation with God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Leviticus 4:2 challenge our modern understanding of sin as primarily a deliberate act?**
* **In what ways might we unknowingly transgress God's commands or fall short of His standards in our daily lives?**
* **How does God's provision for unintentional sin deepen our appreciation for His mercy and grace?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the objective nature of God's law and our accountability to it, regardless of our awareness?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between "sin through ignorance" and intentional sin in the Old Testament?**

Answer: In the Old Testament, particularly under the Mosaic Law, a crucial distinction was made between "sin through ignorance" (_bishgaga_) and "high-handed" or intentional sin (_yad ramah_). "Sin through ignorance," as described in [Leviticus 4:2](/leviticus/4-2 "Leviticus 4:2 - Sin Through Ignorance"), refers to an unintentional transgression, an error, or an oversight. For such sins, God mercifully provided the sin offering as a means of atonement and purification, allowing the individual to be restored to fellowship. In contrast, "high-handed" sin (e.g., [Numbers 15:30-31](/numbers/15-30-31 "Numbers 15:30-31 - Presumptuous Sin")) involved a deliberate, defiant, and rebellious act against God's known commands, often accompanied by contempt for His authority. For these sins, there was generally no atoning sacrifice prescribed under the Mosaic Law; instead, the individual was to be "cut off from among his people," signifying a severe consequence, often capital punishment or excommunication, as such an act directly challenged the covenant relationship and God's sovereignty.

**Does God hold us accountable for sins we don't know we committed?**

Answer: Yes, Leviticus 4:2 clearly indicates that God holds individuals accountable for sins committed "through ignorance." This highlights the objective nature of God's law and His absolute holiness. Sin is not merely defined by human intent or awareness, but by whether an action or inaction deviates from God's perfect standard. Even if one is unaware of having transgressed, the act itself still creates a defilement or a breach in the relationship with a holy God. This is why God graciously provided a means of atonement for such sins in the Old Testament sacrificial system. For believers today, this principle underscores the need for a sensitive conscience and reliance on the comprehensive atonement of Jesus Christ, who died not only for our known sins but also for those we may have committed unknowingly, ensuring complete reconciliation with God and perfect cleansing from all unrighteousness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 4:2, with its provision for unintentional sins, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sin offering, though divinely instituted, was a temporary and incomplete shadow, requiring repeated sacrifices for ongoing transgressions, including those committed unknowingly. Christ, however, entered once for all into the holy place, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own precious blood, having obtained eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")). He is the perfect Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bearing the full weight and penalty for all sin—known and unknown, intentional and unintentional. His single, perfect sacrifice on the cross fully satisfied God's righteous demands, cleansing us from all unrighteousness ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). Through His atoning death, Jesus became our final and complete sin offering ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")), making it possible for us to stand justified and holy before God, not by our own merit or awareness, but by His perfect work on our behalf, securing eternal access and fellowship.

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

Psalms 19:12

Who can understand [his] errors? cleanse thou me from secret [faults].

Leviticus 4:27

¶ 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;

Hebrews 9:7

But into the second [went] the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and [for] the errors of the people:

James 3:10

Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

Numbers 15:22

¶ And if ye have erred, and not observed all these commandments, which the LORD hath spoken unto Moses,

Numbers 15:29

Ye shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance, [both for] him that is born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them.

Leviticus 4:13

¶ 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;