Leviticus 4:22

ยถ When a ruler hath sinned, and done [somewhat] through ignorance [against] any of the commandments of the LORD his God [concerning things] which should not be done, and is guilty;

When a ruler {H5387} hath sinned {H2398}, and done {H6213} somewhat through ignorance {H7684} against any {H259} of the commandments {H4687} of the LORD {H3068} his God {H430} concerning things which should not be done {H6213}, and is guilty {H816};

"'When a leader sins and inadvertently does something against any of the mitzvot of ADONAI concerning things which should not be done, he is guilty.

When a leader sins unintentionally and does what is prohibited by any of the commandments of the LORD his God, he incurs guilt.

When a ruler sinneth, and doeth unwittingly any one of all the things which Jehovah his God hath commanded not to be done, and is guilty;

Commentary

Leviticus 4:22 is part of a detailed section in the Book of Leviticus (chapter 4) that outlines the regulations for various types of sin offerings, specifically the *chatta't* (sin offering). This particular verse addresses the scenario where a ruler commits an unintentional sin.

Context

The Book of Leviticus establishes the ceremonial laws and sacrificial system that God gave to the Israelites through Moses. Chapter 4 focuses on specific instructions for making atonement for sins committed "through ignorance" or unintentionally. God distinguishes between sins committed unknowingly and those committed defiantly or presumptuously (Numbers 15:30). The chapter details offerings for different categories of people:

This structure underscores the principle that sin, regardless of who commits it, requires atonement and that the required sacrifice varies according to the individual's status and the impact of their sin.

Key Themes

  • Accountability of Leaders: This verse highlights that even those in positions of authority, referred to as a "ruler" or *nasi* (prince/chief), are not exempt from God's law. Their actions, even if unintentional, carry significant weight and require appropriate atonement. Their sin could impact the entire community.
  • Unintentional Sin: The phrase "done somewhat through ignorance" emphasizes that God provided a way for reconciliation even for sins not committed with malicious intent. This demonstrates God's holiness, as even unwitting transgressions defile and require cleansing.
  • Guilt and Atonement: The declaration that the ruler "is guilty" (Hebrew: *'asham*) signifies culpability and the need for a specific ritual to restore the relationship with God. The subsequent verses (Leviticus 4:23-26) detail the specific sin offering required for a ruler: a male goat without blemish.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Ruler" (Hebrew: ื ึธืฉึดื‚ื™ื - *nasi*): This term typically refers to a tribal chief, prince, or leader within Israel, rather than a king. It denotes someone holding a significant position of authority and responsibility within the community.
  • "Through ignorance" (Hebrew: ืฉึฐืื’ึธื’ึธื” - *shagagah*): This word signifies unintentional error, inadvertence, or mistake. It clearly differentiates these sins from deliberate or defiant rebellion against God's commandments.
  • "Is guilty" (Hebrew: ืึธืฉึตืื - *'asham*): This verb indicates culpability, having incurred guilt, and thus being subject to the consequences or requiring a remedy. It implies that a state of unholiness or separation from God has occurred, necessitating the prescribed ritual for cleansing.

Significance and Application

Leviticus 4:22 offers timeless principles relevant for all generations:

  • Universal Accountability: No one, regardless of their status or position, is above God's law. Leaders, in particular, bear a greater responsibility, and their moral integrity is crucial for the well-being of the community they serve. This principle resonates with later biblical teachings on leadership, such as those found in Romans 13:1-7.
  • The Seriousness of All Sin: Even unintentional sins demonstrate the pervasive nature of sin and the absolute holiness of God. They highlight that human beings, by their very nature, fall short of God's perfect standard.
  • God's Provision for Forgiveness: The detailed system of sin offerings in the Old Testament, including this provision for rulers, points to God's gracious character. He is just, requiring atonement for sin, but also merciful, providing a way for reconciliation. This system ultimately foreshadowed the perfect and final sin offering of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 9:22, 1 John 2:2). Through His sacrifice, believers receive complete forgiveness and eternal redemption, fulfilling the temporary Old Testament sacrifices.

For believers today, this verse serves as a reminder of God's unchanging nature, the seriousness of sin, and the profound grace found in Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the law's demands.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“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 โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 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:

  • Leviticus 4:13

    ยถ 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;

  • Leviticus 4:27

    ยถ 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;

  • 2 Samuel 24:10

    ยถ And David's heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the LORD, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech thee, O LORD, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.

  • 2 Samuel 24:17

    And David spake unto the LORD when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father's house.

  • Numbers 31:13

    ยถ And Moses, and Eleazar the priest, and all the princes of the congregation, went forth to meet them without the camp.

  • 2 Samuel 21:1

    ยถ Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David enquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, [It is] for Saul, and for [his] bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites.
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