Leviticus 4:2

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:

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}:

"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,

“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:

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

Leviticus 4:2 introduces the regulations for the sin offering (Hebrew: chatta't), specifically addressing sins committed "through ignorance" or unintentionally. This verse lays the groundwork for understanding how the ancient Israelites were to deal with their moral failings, even when they were not deliberate acts of rebellion against God's law.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in the Book of Leviticus (Chapters 4-5) detailing various types of offerings and sacrifices required under the Mosaic Law. Following the burnt offering and grain offering, the sin offering addresses the need for atonement for specific transgressions. It underscores the absolute holiness of God and the pervasive nature of sin, even those committed without full awareness. The instructions are given to "the children of Israel," emphasizing communal and individual responsibility within the covenant relationship with the LORD.

Key Themes

  • Accountability for Unintentional Sin: The passage highlights that sin, regardless of intent, separates a person from God's perfect standard. Even if a "soul" (nephesh, representing the whole person) sins "through ignorance," atonement is required. This demonstrates that God's law is objective and binding, not dependent on human awareness alone.
  • God's Provision for Atonement: Despite the strictness of the law, God mercifully provided a means for reconciliation. The sin offering was a divine provision to cleanse and restore the individual or community to a right relationship with Him, preventing unconfessed sin from accumulating.
  • The Nature of Sin: This verse broadens the understanding of sin beyond willful defiance to include actions that fall short of God's commandments due to error, oversight, or lack of knowledge. It teaches that all sin carries consequences and requires a divine remedy.

Linguistic Insights

The key phrase "sin through ignorance" translates the Hebrew word bishgaga (בִּשְׁגָגָה), which means "by mistake," "unintentionally," or "through error." This term is crucial as it distinguishes these sins from "high-handed" or defiant sins (Numbers 15:30-31), for which there was generally no atoning sacrifice under the Mosaic Law. The emphasis on bishgaga reveals God's compassion and desire to provide a path to forgiveness for human frailty.

Practical Application

While the sacrificial system of Leviticus has been fulfilled in Christ, the principles remain highly relevant. Leviticus 4:2 reminds us that:

It encourages us to cultivate a sensitive conscience, to seek God's Word for guidance, and to humbly confess our known and unknown sins, trusting in His merciful provision for our redemption.

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

Cross-References

  • Psalms 19:12 (5 votes)

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

  • Leviticus 4:27 (4 votes)

    ¶ 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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Numbers 15:22 (3 votes)

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

  • Numbers 15:29 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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;