Leviticus 4:23

Translation
King James Version
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:
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KJV (with Strong's)
Or if his sin H2403, wherein he hath sinned H2398, come to his knowledge H3045; he shall bring H935 his offering H7133, a kid H8163 of the goats H5795, a male H2145 without blemish H8549:
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Complete Jewish Bible
If the sin which he committed becomes known to him, he is to bring as his offering a male goat without defect,
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Berean Standard Bible
When he becomes aware of the sin he has committed, he must bring an unblemished male goat as his offering.
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American Standard Version
if his sin, wherein he hath sinned, be made known to him, he shall bring for his oblation a goat, a male without blemish.
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World English Bible Messianic
if his sin, in which he has sinned, is made known to him, he shall bring as his offering a goat, a male without defect.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
If one shewe vnto him his sinne, which he hath committed, the shall he bring for his offring an hee goat without blemish,
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Young's Literal Translation
or his sin wherein he hath sinned hath been made known unto him, then he hath brought in his offering, a kid of the goats, a male, a perfect one,
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See also
Leviticus 4:14Romans 8:3Leviticus 5:4Numbers 15:24Numbers 28:15Leviticus 4:28Numbers 7:22
In the KJVVerse 2,819 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Leviticus 4:23 establishes the specific protocol for a ruler in ancient Israel who becomes aware of an unintentional sin. This verse mandates the presentation of a particular sacrifice—a male kid of the goats, without blemish—as a sin offering (chatta'th). It underscores the profound seriousness of all sin, regardless of intent, and highlights God's gracious provision within the covenant for atonement, purification, and the restoration of fellowship, ensuring that even unwitting transgressions could be addressed and forgiven.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Leviticus chapter 4 meticulously outlines the laws concerning the chatta'th, or "sin offering," which was distinct from other sacrifices and specifically addressed sins committed unintentionally, out of ignorance, or by oversight, rather than defiant, high-handed transgressions. The chapter systematically details offerings for different categories of people: the anointed priest (Leviticus 4:3), the whole congregation (Leviticus 4:13), a ruler (Leviticus 4:22), and a common person (Leviticus 4:27). Leviticus 4:23 falls directly within the section addressing the sin of a ruler, following the general principle established in Leviticus 4:22, and specifies the required offering once the sin is recognized. This careful delineation of offerings based on social status underscores that all members of the covenant community, from the highest to the lowest, were accountable to God's holy standards and required atonement for their failings.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Israel, the concept of sin was deeply intertwined with the nation's covenant relationship with Yahweh and their ritual purity. The Tabernacle, and later the Temple, served as the dwelling place of God's holy presence, and any sin, intentional or unintentional, defiled the community and created a barrier between the people and God. The Mosaic Law provided a comprehensive system of sacrifices to maintain the holiness of the camp and to restore fellowship. Unintentional sins, while not defiant, still violated God's perfect standard and required atonement. The phrase "come to his knowledge" points to a crucial aspect of ancient Near Eastern law and theology, where awareness of a transgression triggered the obligation to rectify it. The offering of a "kid of the goats, a male without blemish" was a prescribed, accessible sacrifice for individuals, signifying a valuable, perfect substitute offered in place of the sinner, demonstrating God's merciful provision for reconciliation even in cases of unwitting transgression.
  • Key Themes: This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of God's Holiness and Purity, emphasizing that even unintentional defilement cannot stand in His presence. It highlights the pervasive nature of Sin's Impact, demonstrating that all human failing, regardless of intent, requires divine intervention. Crucially, it underscores Divine Provision for Atonement, showcasing God's gracious initiative to provide a means for His people to be cleansed and restored to fellowship, rather than being cut off. The specific requirements for the offering also reinforce the theme of Substitutionary Sacrifice, where an innocent life is offered in place of the guilty. Finally, the emphasis on the sin "coming to his knowledge" points to the importance of Conscience and Accountability within the covenant community, prompting appropriate action once awareness of transgression dawns, a principle echoed in passages like Psalm 19:12.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Sin (Hebrew, chaṭṭâʼâh', H2403): This pivotal Hebrew term (H2403, חַטָּאת) carries a dual meaning, referring both to the "offense" or "habitual sinfulness" itself and the "sacrifice" or "expiation" designed to atone for it. This linguistic connection powerfully emphasizes that the offering directly addresses and deals with the very problem of sin. It signifies a deviation from a standard, a missing of the mark, or a failure to meet God's righteous requirements. In the context of Leviticus 4, it specifically denotes unintentional transgressions, highlighting their defiling nature despite lack of malice.
  • Come to his knowledge (Hebrew, yâdaʻ', H3045): The verb yâdaʻ (H3045, יָדַע) means "to know," "to perceive," or "to become aware." In this context, it implies more than mere intellectual apprehension; it suggests a recognition, acknowledgment, and perhaps even a conviction of the transgression. It signifies the point at which the individual transitions from unwitting error to conscious responsibility, prompting the necessary action of bringing an offering. This highlights the importance of personal accountability once truth is revealed, demonstrating that God's grace is activated upon human recognition and response.
  • Without blemish (Hebrew, tâmîym', H8549): The term tâmîym (H8549, תָּמִים) signifies "entire," "complete," "perfect," "sound," or "without defect." This requirement for the sacrificial animal was absolute across all offerings presented to God. It underscored the sanctity of the offering and the perfection of God, to whom it was presented. An unblemished animal symbolized the purity and wholeness necessary for an acceptable sacrifice, foreshadowing the ultimate, perfect sacrifice that would truly remove sin.

Verse Breakdown

  • "Or if his sin, wherein he hath sinned, come to his knowledge;": This opening clause establishes the conditional nature of the offering. It presupposes that the individual (specifically a ruler, as per the preceding Leviticus 4:22) has committed an unintentional sin, but only upon the realization or conviction of this sin does the obligation to act arise. The repetition of "his sin, wherein he hath sinned" (using H2403 for "sin" and H2398 for "sinned") emphasizes the reality and personal ownership of the transgression, even if it was committed unwittingly. The crucial element is the moment of awareness, which triggers the need for atonement, demonstrating God's system of grace and responsibility.
  • "he shall bring his offering, a kid of the goats, a male without blemish:": This clause specifies the required action and the precise nature of the sacrifice. Upon becoming aware of the sin, the individual is commanded to "bring" (H935, bôwʼ) a specific animal: a "kid of the goats" (using H8163 sâʻîyr for "kid" and H5795 ʻêz for "goats"), indicating a young male goat. The critical qualification "male" (H2145, zâkâr) and "without blemish" (H8549, tâmîym) reiterates the standard of perfection and strength required for all sacrifices presented to a holy God. This particular offering was prescribed for a ruler (and later for a common person), distinguishing it from the offerings for the high priest or the whole congregation, which typically involved a bull. The act of bringing the offering (H7133, qorbân) was an act of obedience, humility, and faith in God's provision for forgiveness.

Literary Devices

Leviticus 4:23 employs several key literary devices that enhance its instructional clarity and theological depth. The most prominent is the Conditional Statement, introduced by "Or if," which sets up a clear scenario where a specific action (bringing an offering) is contingent upon a preceding event (the sin coming to knowledge). This structure is typical of legal codes, clearly defining the circumstances under which a law applies. Repetition is subtly used in "his sin, wherein he hath sinned," which emphasizes the reality and personal nature of the transgression, even if unintentional, underscoring that sin is a violation of God's standard regardless of intent. Furthermore, the verse utilizes Symbolism, where the "kid of the goats, a male without blemish" serves as a potent symbol. The "kid of the goats" symbolizes a valuable, living substitute, while "without blemish" symbolizes the perfection and purity required for an acceptable offering, pointing forward to a greater, ultimate sacrifice. The entire passage is cast in Legal Language, characteristic of the Mosaic Law, providing clear, prescriptive instructions for religious observance and atonement, reflecting God's orderly and just character.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Leviticus 4:23 profoundly illustrates several core theological truths. It underscores God's absolute holiness and the pervasive nature of sin, demonstrating that even unintentional transgressions require divine intervention for atonement. God's provision of the chatta'th reveals His mercy and grace, offering a pathway for reconciliation and the restoration of fellowship with a holy God, rather than immediate judgment. This system highlights the principle of substitutionary atonement, where an innocent life is offered in place of the guilty, emphasizing the costliness of sin and the necessity of a blood sacrifice for cleansing. The meticulous detail in the law also reveals God's desire for His people to live in purity and to be aware of the gravity of their actions, even those done in ignorance, fostering a sensitive conscience within the covenant community.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Leviticus 4:23, though rooted in ancient sacrificial practices, offers timeless spiritual lessons for believers today. It reminds us that all sin, whether intentional or unintentional, carries weight and creates a separation from God's perfect holiness. The moment a sin "comes to our knowledge"—through the conviction of the Holy Spirit, the study of God's Word, or the loving correction of others—we are called to respond with humility and repentance. This verse challenges us to cultivate a sensitive conscience, to be quick to acknowledge our failings, and to seek forgiveness, trusting in God's abundant grace. It fosters a deeper appreciation for the comprehensive nature of God's provision for sin, moving us beyond superficial understanding to a profound gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice that cleanses us from all unrighteousness. We are invited to live in the freedom of Christ's finished work, knowing that even our unknown sins are covered by His blood, prompting us to walk in greater awareness and obedience.

Questions for Reflection

  • How sensitive is my conscience to sin, even those I might commit unintentionally?
  • What is my immediate response when a sin, previously unrecognized, comes to my knowledge?
  • How does the concept of an "unblemished" offering in Leviticus deepen my appreciation for Christ's perfect sacrifice?
  • In what ways does God's provision for unintentional sin reveal His character of both justice and mercy?

FAQ

What constitutes an "unintentional sin" in the context of Leviticus?

Answer: An "unintentional sin" (Hebrew: shagag) in Leviticus refers to a transgression committed unknowingly, by accident, or through error or oversight, rather than with deliberate defiance or a "high hand" against God's commands. It's a sin that occurs without malicious intent or a conscious desire to rebel. Examples might include inadvertently touching something unclean (Leviticus 5:2), or failing to perform a ritual duty due to ignorance. Even though unintentional, such sins still defiled the individual and the community, requiring atonement to restore ritual purity and fellowship with God.

Why was a "kid of the goats, a male without blemish" specified for this offering?

Answer: The specific animal offering was prescribed based on the status of the sinner and the type of sin. A "kid of the goats" (a young male goat) was a valuable, yet more accessible, animal than a bull, which was required for the high priest or the entire congregation (Leviticus 4:3). The requirement "without blemish" was universal for all sacrifices, signifying the perfection and purity necessary for an offering presented to a holy God. It ensured the sacrifice was of the highest quality, symbolizing the unblemished nature of the substitute required for atonement, and reflecting God's demand for excellence in worship.

Is the concept of "unintentional sin" still relevant for Christians today, given that we are under grace and not the Mosaic Law?

Answer: While Christians are no longer bound by the sacrificial system of the Mosaic Law, the underlying principle of unintentional sin remains profoundly relevant. We still commit sins unknowingly, through ignorance, or by failing to live up to God's perfect standard in ways we may not immediately perceive. The New Testament teaches that all sin, regardless of intent, separates us from God's perfect holiness. However, our atonement is found not in animal sacrifices, but in the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:10). The relevance lies in cultivating a sensitive conscience, acknowledging our ongoing need for God's grace, and trusting in Christ's complete forgiveness for all our sins, known and unknown, intentional and unintentional (1 John 1:9).

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Leviticus 4:23, with its detailed instruction for the sin offering of an unblemished male goat, finds its profound and ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "kid of the goats, a male without blemish" powerfully prefigures the spotless Lamb of God who came to take away the sin of the world. Just as the Levitical sacrifice was required for sins committed in ignorance, Christ's atoning work covers the entirety of human sin—not only our conscious transgressions but also our unwitting failings, our inherited sin nature, and the very defilement that separates us from God. He is the perfect, blameless sacrifice (1 Peter 1:19) whose blood cleanses us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:7). Unlike the temporary and repeated animal sacrifices, Christ's offering was a once-for-all sacrifice that perfectly and eternally atoned for sin, making it possible for us to stand righteous before a holy God. He became our chatta'th, the very sin offering, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). This ultimate fulfillment provides complete and lasting forgiveness, far surpassing the temporary cleansing of the Old Covenant sacrifices.

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Commentary on Leviticus 4 verses 22–26

Observe here, 1. That God takes notice of and is displeased with the sins of rulers. Those who have power to call others to account are themselves accountable to the ruler of rulers; for, as high as they are, there is a higher than they. This is intimated in that the commandment transgressed is here said to be the commandment of the Lord his God, Lev 4:22. He is a prince to others, but let him know the Lord is a God to him. 2. The sin of the ruler which he committed through ignorance is supposed afterwards to come to his knowledge (Lev 4:23), which must be either by the check of his own conscience or by the reproof of his friends, both which we should all, even the best and greatest, not only submit to, but be thankful for. What we have done amiss we should be very desirous to come to the knowledge of. That which I see not, teach thou me, and show me wherein I have erred, are prayers we should put up to God every day, that though through ignorance we fall into sin we may not through ignorance lie still in it. 3. The sin-offering for a ruler was to be a kid of the goats, not a bullock, as for the priest and the whole congregation; nor was the blood of his sin-offering to be brought into the tabernacle, as of the other two, but it was all bestowed upon the brazen altar (Lev 4:25); nor was the flesh of it to be burnt, as that of the other two, without the camp, which intimated that the sin of a ruler, though worse than that of a common person, yet was not so heinous, nor of such pernicious consequence, as the sin of the high priest, or of the whole congregation. A kid of the goats was sufficient to be offered for a ruler, but a bullock for a tribe, to intimate that the ruler, though major singulis - greater than each, was minor universis - less than the whole. It is bad when great men give bad examples, but worse when all men follow them. 4. It is promised that the atonement shall be accepted and the sin forgiven (Lev 4:26), that is, if he repent and reform; for otherwise God swore concerning Eli, a judge in Israel, that the iniquity of his house should not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever, Sa1 3:14.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 22–26. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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