Leviticus 4:27

KJV

¶ 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;

KJV (with Strong's)

And if any {H259} one {H5315} of the common {H776} people {H5971} sin {H2398} through ignorance {H7684}, while he doeth {H6213} somewhat against any {H259} of the commandments {H4687} of the LORD {H3068} concerning things which ought not to be done {H6213}, and be guilty {H816};

Complete Jewish Bible

"'If an individual among the people commits a sin inadvertently, doing something against any of the mitzvot of ADONAI concerning things which should not be done, he is guilty.

Berean Standard Bible

And if one of the common people sins unintentionally and does what is prohibited by any of the LORD’s commandments, he incurs guilt.

American Standard Version

And if any one of the common people sin unwittingly, in doing any of the things which Jehovah hath commanded not to be done, and be guilty;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 4:27 meticulously details the divine provision for a common Israelite who commits an unintentional sin, underscoring God's absolute holiness which demands atonement even for unwitting transgressions. This verse reveals the pervasive nature of sin and the universal human need for a divinely appointed means of reconciliation, ensuring that every member of the covenant community, regardless of social standing, could find restoration and maintain fellowship with a holy God. It powerfully illustrates God's profound grace and mercy in providing a pathway for forgiveness and cleansing, even when an offense was committed without full knowledge or malicious intent.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 4:27 serves as the culminating provision in a series of specific sin offerings outlined in [Leviticus chapter 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - Laws for Sin Offerings"), which systematically addresses sins committed "through ignorance" or "unwittingly" (Hebrew: *shagagah*). The chapter begins with the sin of the high priest ([Leviticus 4:3](/leviticus/4-3 "Leviticus 4:3 - High Priest's Sin Offering")), progresses to the sin of the entire congregation ([Leviticus 4:13](/leviticus/4-13 "Leviticus 4:13 - Congregation's Sin Offering")), then to the sin of a ruler ([Leviticus 4:22](/leviticus/4-22 "Leviticus 4:22 - Ruler's Sin Offering")), and finally concludes with the common person. This structured progression emphasizes the comprehensive reach of God's law and the universal requirement for atonement, demonstrating that no individual or group, from the highest spiritual authority to the most ordinary citizen, was exempt from the need for a sin offering when a commandment was transgressed, even unintentionally. The placement of [Leviticus 4:27](/leviticus/4-27 "Leviticus 4:27 - Sin Offering for the Common Person") at the end of this hierarchical sequence underscores the universal application of these principles of guilt and divine provision within the covenant community.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, sin was understood not merely as a moral failing but as a profound breach of covenant with Yahweh and a defilement of the sacred space where His presence resided (the Tabernacle). The divinely instituted legal system of Israel meticulously distinguished between "high-handed" or defiant sins (which often carried severe penalties, including "cutting off" from the community, as seen in [Numbers 15:30-31](/numbers/15-30-31 "Numbers 15:30-31 - Punishment for Presumptuous Sin")) and unintentional sins, or sins of ignorance, which are the focus of [Leviticus chapter 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - Laws for Sin Offerings"). The sacrificial system provided the divinely appointed means for addressing these unintentional transgressions, allowing individuals to be cleansed, purified, and restored to a right relationship with God and the community. This system profoundly highlighted the absolute holiness of God, before whom even an unwitting deviation from His standards rendered one "guilty" and necessitated a specific, costly act of atonement to maintain the purity of the covenant relationship and the sanctity of the community.

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 4:27 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **God's Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing that God's character is utterly separate from sin, and therefore, His people must also strive for purity to dwell in His presence. Even unintentional sin defiles and requires purification. Another key theme is the **Pervasiveness and Objective Nature of Sin**, demonstrating that sin is not merely a subjective feeling of guilt but an objective violation of God's perfect law, incurring culpability regardless of intent. This underscores the universal human condition of sinfulness, as articulated later in [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned"). Furthermore, the verse highlights **God's Gracious Provision for Atonement**, revealing His merciful character in establishing a means for forgiveness and restoration for His people, rather than immediate judgment. This provision, through the sacrificial system, foreshadows the ultimate and perfect atonement found in Christ, a theme central to the book of [Hebrews](/hebrews/9 "Hebrews 9 - The Superior Sacrifice of Christ"). Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Covenant Relationship and Community Purity**, as the sin offerings were essential for maintaining the integrity of Israel's covenant with God and ensuring the holiness of the community in which God tabernacled.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sin (Hebrew, _châṭâʼ'_):** This term (חָטָא, H2398) is a primitive root meaning "to miss." Figuratively and generally, it means to "sin," by inference, "to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent." It encompasses any deviation from God's standard, whether intentional or not, indicating a failure to hit the mark of divine righteousness. In this context, it emphasizes that even an unwitting act constitutes a transgression against God's holy law.
* **Ignorance (Hebrew, _shᵉgâgâh'_):** This noun (שְׁגָגָה, H7684) derives from a root meaning "to wander" or "to err." It specifically denotes "a mistake or inadvertent transgression; error, ignorance, at unawares; unwittingly." This term is crucial for distinguishing the nature of the offense in Leviticus 4, highlighting that the sin was committed without full knowledge, deliberate intent, or malicious rebellion against a known commandment.
* **Guilty (Hebrew, _ʼâsham'_):** This verb (אָשֵׁם, H816) means "to be guilty; by implication to be punished or perish." It signifies incurring legal or moral liability, to be held responsible for an offense. In Leviticus 4:27, it declares that despite the lack of malicious intent, the common person is objectively "culpable" or "accountable" before God for the transgression, necessitating the prescribed atonement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if any one of the common people sin through ignorance":** This opening clause precisely identifies the subject of the law as "any one of the common people" (עַם הָאָרֶץ, *ʿam hāʾāreṣ*, literally "people of the land"), clearly distinguishing them from the high priest, the entire congregation, or a ruler, who were addressed earlier in the chapter. The phrase "sin through ignorance" (בִּשְׁגָגָה, *bishgāgāh*) immediately qualifies the nature of the transgression, emphasizing its unintentional character and setting it apart from deliberate, high-handed rebellion. This highlights God's meticulous concern for all His people and His awareness of human fallibility.
* **"while he doeth [somewhat against] any of the commandments of the LORD [concerning things] which ought not to be done":** This specifies the precise nature of the transgression: an active violation ("doeth [somewhat against]") of a negative commandment ("things which ought not to be done"). It clarifies that the sin is not an omission (failing to perform a commanded action) but an active doing of something forbidden, albeit unwittingly. The phrase "any of the commandments of the LORD" underscores the divine origin and absolute authority of the law, making any breach, intentional or not, a serious offense against God Himself and His perfect will.
* **"and be guilty":** This concluding phrase declares the legal and spiritual status of the individual. Despite the unintentional nature of the sin, the person is declared "guilty" ('אָשֵׁם, *ʾāshēm*). This pronouncement of objective guilt necessitates the prescribed sin offering, demonstrating that even an unwitting violation of God's holy law created a barrier that required divine provision for reconciliation and cleansing. It underscores that God's standard of holiness is absolute, and sin, in any form, carries culpability.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 4:27, situated within its broader chapter, employs several significant literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. The most prominent is **Legal Formula**, which characterizes the entire book of Leviticus. The precise, conditional language ("And if any one... sin... and be guilty") is typical of ancient Near Eastern legal codes, establishing clear parameters for transgression, culpability, and the prescribed remedy. This formulaic structure lends authority and clarity to the divine instructions. There is also a strong element of **Categorization** or **Classification**, as [Leviticus chapter 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - Laws for Sin Offerings") systematically addresses different societal strata (high priest, congregation, ruler, common person) in descending order of social standing and responsibility. This demonstrates the universal applicability of the sin offering laws across all levels of Israelite society, emphasizing that no one is exempt from accountability before God. Finally, the **Repetition** of the concept of "sin through ignorance" (or "unwittingly") throughout [Leviticus chapter 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - Laws for Sin Offerings") serves as a powerful rhetorical device. This reiteration emphasizes the pervasive nature of sin, the absolute holiness of God, and the meticulousness of His law, before whom no transgression, however minor or unintentional, could go unaddressed. These devices collectively contribute to the comprehensive scope, divine authority, and theological depth of God's instructions to Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 4:27 offers profound theological insights into God's character and the nature of sin. It reveals God's absolute holiness, demonstrating that even unintentional transgressions incur guilt before His righteous standard. This highlights the objective reality of sin as a violation of God's perfect law, irrespective of human awareness or intent, challenging any notion that ignorance negates culpability. Furthermore, it underscores the universal need for atonement, as every member of the covenant community, from the highest priest to the common person, required a divinely appointed sacrifice to rectify their standing. This gracious provision by God for unintentional sins speaks volumes about His mercy and His profound desire to maintain fellowship with His people, offering a pathway for cleansing and restoration rather than immediate condemnation. It meticulously sets the stage for a deeper understanding of the ultimate, perfect sacrifice that would fully and finally deal with the sin problem.

* [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned and Fall Short of the Glory of God")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without the Shedding of Blood There Is No Forgiveness")
* [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession, Forgiveness, and Cleansing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 4:27 serves as a profound and humbling reminder that God's standards are absolute and that sin, in all its forms—whether known or unknown, intentional or unintentional—creates a breach in our relationship with His perfect holiness. This ancient law should cultivate in us a deep humility and a profound awareness of our own fallibility and the pervasive nature of sin, prompting us to live with greater intentionality, vigilance, and sensitivity to God's revealed will. It challenges the modern tendency to excuse or downplay sins committed in ignorance, reminding us that our subjective awareness does not diminish the objective reality of our transgressions before God. This understanding should drive us to a greater, more profound appreciation for the comprehensive nature of Christ's atoning work, which covers all our sins—those we know and confess, and even those hidden faults or unwitting trespasses of which we are yet unaware. It calls us to regularly examine our hearts, seek God's wisdom through His Word, and rely completely on His boundless grace, knowing that even our best efforts can fall short of His glory, yet His provision for our cleansing and reconciliation is utterly complete and sufficient.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Leviticus 4:27 challenge our modern understanding of sin, particularly "unintentional" transgressions, and what does it reveal about God's character?**
* **In what ways does this verse highlight the absolute holiness of God and our constant, universal need for His grace and atonement?**
* **How should the concept of "unintentional sin" prompt us to live with greater intentionality, humility, and a deeper reliance on God's Word in our daily lives?**

### FAQ
**Does "sin through ignorance" mean God holds us accountable for sins we don't know we've committed?**

Answer: Yes, Leviticus 4:27 clearly indicates that even sins committed "through ignorance" or "unwittingly" rendered an individual "guilty" before God and required atonement. This highlights God's absolute holiness and the objective nature of sin as a violation of His perfect standard, regardless of the individual's subjective awareness or intent. The purpose of the sin offering was to cleanse the individual and restore their standing within the covenant community, demonstrating that all breaches, known or unknown, needed divine remedy. This principle underscores the pervasive nature of sin and the universal need for God's gracious provision.

**How does the sin offering for the common person differ from those for other societal groups in Leviticus 4?**

Answer: In [Leviticus chapter 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - Laws for Sin Offerings"), the type of animal required for the sin offering varied according to the social status and responsibility of the one who sinned, reflecting the greater impact of sin from those in positions of authority. For the high priest ([Leviticus 4:3](/leviticus/4-3 "Leviticus 4:3 - High Priest's Sin Offering")) and the whole congregation ([Leviticus 4:13](/leviticus/4-13 "Leviticus 4:13 - Congregation's Sin Offering")), a bull was required, symbolizing a more significant sacrifice due to their greater responsibility and the broader implications of their sin. A ruler ([Leviticus 4:22](/leviticus/4-22 "Leviticus 4:22 - Ruler's Sin Offering")) was to bring a male goat without blemish. For a common person, [Leviticus 4:27](/leviticus/4-27 "Leviticus 4:27 - Sin Offering for the Common Person") specifies a female goat without blemish, or if that was not affordable, a lamb ([Leviticus 4:32](/leviticus/4-32 "Leviticus 4:32 - Sin Offering for a Common Person (Lamb)")). This differentiation in the value of the offering underscored the hierarchical structure of Israelite society and the varying degrees of accountability, while still affirming the universal principle that all sin, regardless of perpetrator, required atonement.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 4:27, with its gracious provision for the common person's unintentional sin, finds its ultimate, perfect, and eternally sufficient fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sin offerings, including the prescribed female goat or lamb, were not ends in themselves but divinely appointed shadows pointing to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Unlike the Levitical system, which required repeated sacrifices for specific transgressions, Christ's singular offering on the cross atoned for all sin—known and unknown, intentional and unintentional, past, present, and future. His precious blood, infinitely more efficacious than that of bulls and goats, truly cleanses the conscience from dead works to serve the living God ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - The Blood of Christ Cleanses Our Conscience")). He, who knew no sin, became our sin offering, bearing our guilt and the full penalty of our transgressions, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His perfect obedience and sacrificial death, Christ fulfilled every demand of God's absolute holiness, providing a complete and eternal redemption that covers every sin, ensuring that all who believe in Him are fully reconciled and brought into an enduring covenant relationship with God, no longer needing to fear even their unknown trespasses, for the record of debt against us has been canceled and nailed to the cross ([Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13-14 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Forgiveness of Sins and Cancellation of Debt")).

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

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:

Numbers 15:27

And if any soul sin through ignorance, then he shall bring a she goat of the first year for a sin offering.

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;

Numbers 5:6

Speak unto the children of Israel, When a man or woman shall commit any sin that men commit, to do a trespass against the LORD, and that person be guilty;

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.

Exodus 12:49

One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you.

Numbers 15:16

One law and one manner shall be for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you.