TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Leviticus 4:27–35. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
I.Here is the law of the sin-offering for a common person, which differs from that for a ruler only in this, that a private person might bring either a kid or a lamb, a ruler only a kid; and that for a ruler must be a male, for the other a female: in all the circumstances of the management of the offering they agreed. Observe,
1.The case supposed: If any one of the common people sin through ignorance, Lev 4:27. The prophet supposes that they were not so likely as the great men to know the way of the Lord, and the judgment of their God (Jer 5:4), and yet, if they sin through ignorance, they must bring a sin-offering. Note, Even sins of ignorance need to be atoned for by sacrifice. To be able to plead, when we are charged with sin, that we did it ignorantly, and through the surprise of temptation, will not bring us off if we be not interested in that great plea, Christ hath died, and entitled to the benefit of that. We have all need to pray with David (and he was a ruler) to be cleansed from secret faults, the errors which we ourselves do not understand or are not aware of, Psa 19:12.
2.That the sins of ignorance committed by a single person, a common obscure person, did require a sacrifice; for, as the greatest are not above the censure, so the meanest are not below the cognizance of the divine justice. None of the common people, if offenders, were overlooked in a crowd.
3.That a sin-offering was not only admitted, but accepted, even from one of the common people, and an atonement made by it, Lev 4:31, Lev 4:35. Here rich and poor, prince and peasant, meet together; they are both alike welcome to Christ, and to an interest in his sacrifice, upon the same terms. See Job 34:19.
II.From all these laws concerning the sin-offerings we may learn,
1.To hate sin, and to watch against it. That is certainly a very bad thing to make atonement for which so many innocent and useful creatures must be slain and mangled thus.
2.To value Christ, the great and true sin-offering, whose blood cleanses from all sin, which it was not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away. Now, if any man sin, Christ is the propitiation (Jo1 2:1, Jo1 2:2), not for Jews only, but for Gentiles. And perhaps there was some allusion to this law concerning sacrifices for sins of ignorance in that prayer of Christ's, just when he was offering up himself a sacrifice, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.
Continue studying Leviticus 4:28 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
Leviticus 4:28 provides specific instructions for an individual Israelite, often referred to as a "common person," to make atonement for an unintentional sin. Upon discovering such a transgression, the individual was divinely mandated to bring a particular offering—a female kid of the goats, free from any defect—to the tabernacle. This animal would then be sacrificed to secure expiation for their sin, thereby restoring their standing within the covenant community and ensuring their continued fellowship with a holy God. This detailed provision profoundly underscores the pervasive nature of sin, even when not deliberately committed, and highlights God's gracious and meticulous provision for reconciliation.
Context
Literary Context
Leviticus 4 initiates a comprehensive exposition of various sin offerings (Hebrew: chaṭṭâʼâh, חַטָּאת), which are distinct from other sacrificial categories such as burnt offerings (עֹלָה) or peace offerings (שְׁלָמִים). The chapter systematically delineates the required atonement procedures for unintentional sins committed by different segments of the Israelite community, moving in a descending order of social hierarchy: the anointed priest (Leviticus 4:1-12), the entire congregation (Leviticus 4:13-21), a ruler (Leviticus 4:22-26), and finally, an individual "common person" (Leviticus 4:27-35). This structured presentation underscores the universal reality that sin, irrespective of the perpetrator's status, defiles the individual and the community, necessitating a specific, divinely ordained purification to maintain the sanctity of the covenant relationship. The meticulous progression highlights God's comprehensive provision for addressing sin at every level of Israelite society.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Israel, the sacrificial system was the cornerstone of their covenant relationship with Yahweh, providing the divinely instituted means by which a holy God could dwell among His people in a fallen world. Sins were broadly categorized into two types: intentional (presumptuous, often carrying severe penalties like being "cut off" from the community, as seen in Numbers 15:30-31) and unintentional. Leviticus 4 specifically addresses unintentional sins—those committed through ignorance, oversight, weakness, or a lack of awareness—for which atonement was graciously provided. The crucial trigger for the offering was the sin "coming to his knowledge" (Leviticus 4:28), signifying that even if unknown at the moment of transgression, the objective defilement of sin required immediate address once revealed. This highlights God's absolute holiness and the seriousness of any breach of His law within the sacred covenant described throughout the book of Leviticus. The specific animal and its blemish-free condition were not arbitrary but deeply symbolic, reflecting the purity and perfection required for an acceptable offering to a holy God.
Key Themes
Leviticus 4:28, in particular, and the sin offering rituals in general, contribute significantly to several overarching themes within the Pentateuch and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of God's Holiness and Justice, which demands that all sin, even unintentional, be addressed because it defiles His presence and violates His perfect standards. This leads directly to the theme of Atonement and Reconciliation, demonstrating God's gracious provision for humanity to be reconciled to Him despite their sinfulness. The emphasis on the "blemish-free" animal highlights the theme of Purity and Perfection, pointing to the ideal nature of the sacrifice required to approach God. Furthermore, the trigger of the sin "coming to knowledge" underscores Personal Responsibility and the importance of a sensitive conscience in responding to God's revealed will. Finally, the entire sacrificial system, including this specific offering, serves as a powerful Foreshadowing of Christ's Ultimate Sacrifice, laying the theological groundwork for the New Covenant's perfect atonement.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term (H2403, חַטָּאת) is central to Leviticus 4. Derived from the root H2398 (châṭâʼ), meaning "to miss the mark," chaṭṭâʼâh refers not only to the offense or act of sin itself but also, significantly, to its penalty, occasion, and the "sin offering" (or expiation) that addresses it. This dual meaning underscores that the offering is God's divinely provided remedy for the "missed mark," emphasizing His provision for reconciliation rather than merely punishment. It highlights the objective reality of sin as a deviation from God's perfect standard, regardless of human intent, and the means by which that deviation is rectified.
The phrase "if his sin... come to his knowledge" utilizes the Hebrew verb yâdaʻ (H3045, יָדַע), which means "to know," "to perceive," "to become aware," or "to ascertain by seeing." This is the crucial trigger for the obligation to bring the offering. It signifies that while the sin may have been unintentional or unnoticed at the moment of transgression, the subsequent realization of its occurrence or its implications necessitated an immediate and prescribed response. This emphasizes personal responsibility and the importance of a conscience sensitive to God's law, prompting action once awareness dawns, demonstrating that even unknown sin requires rectification once known.
The Hebrew word tâmîym (H8549, תָּמִים) means "entire," "whole," "complete," "sound," or "perfect." This stringent requirement for the sacrificial animal was consistent across various offerings in the Old Testament. It symbolized the integrity, purity, and unmarred perfection necessary for an acceptable offering to a holy God. The absence of any physical defect in the animal pointed to the ideal of blamelessness required for atonement, setting a standard that ultimately foreshadowed the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Christ, who alone truly dealt with sin.
Verse Breakdown
"Or if his sin, which he hath sinned, come to his knowledge:"
This opening clause establishes the specific condition and the triggering event for the offering. It refers to an individual Israelite—a "common person" as delineated by the preceding categories in Leviticus 4—whose transgression was not a deliberate or defiant act but rather committed unwittingly or through oversight. The critical element is the subsequent awareness or realization of the sin, which then obligates the individual to respond according to divine law. This highlights the objective nature of sin's defilement, even when unintended, and God's expectation of a response once that defilement is recognized, emphasizing that sin, once known, must be addressed.
"then he shall bring his offering, a kid of the goats, a female without blemish,"
This segment specifies the required action and the precise nature of the sacrifice. Upon realizing their sin, the individual is personally responsible to bring the designated offering to the tabernacle. The animal prescribed is a "kid of the goats," specifically a "female," which typically indicated a lower monetary value than a male animal (such as a bull or male goat, which might be required for a priest or the entire congregation, as seen in Leviticus 4:3 and Leviticus 4:14). The crucial qualification "without blemish" (tâmîym) underscores the absolute necessity of a perfect, unmarred sacrifice, symbolizing the purity and worthiness required to approach a holy God and foreshadowing the ultimate, perfect sacrifice.
"for his sin which he hath sinned."
This concluding clause explicitly states the purpose and efficacy of the offering: to make atonement for the specific unintentional sin committed by the individual. The repetition of the phrase "sin which he hath sinned" serves to emphasize the direct and undeniable connection between the transgression and the divinely mandated expiation. The offering served as the means by which the individual's defilement was addressed, allowing for the restoration of fellowship with God and the community, and ensuring the continued holiness of the tabernacle, which represented God's dwelling among His people.
Literary Devices
Leviticus 4:28 employs several literary devices to convey its message with precision, emphasis, and theological depth. Repetition is prominently featured, particularly with the noun "sin" (חַטָּאת, chaṭṭâʼâh) and the verbal phrase "which he hath sinned." This repetition serves to underscore the direct and undeniable link between the transgression and the divinely required atonement, reinforcing the theological truth that every sin, even if unintentional, demands a specific remedy. The phrase "come to his knowledge" functions as a triggering condition, a precise legal term that activates the individual's obligation to bring the offering, highlighting the covenantal and legalistic nature of the Mosaic law. Furthermore, the detailed specification of the animal—"a kid of the goats, a female without blemish"—is a form of precise legal language, leaving no ambiguity about the required offering. This precision also serves as profound symbolism, where the "without blemish" requirement symbolizes the purity, wholeness, and perfection necessary for an acceptable sacrifice, pointing beyond the animal to an ultimate, perfect offering that would truly satisfy God's righteous demands.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Leviticus 4:28, situated within the broader context of the Old Testament sacrificial system, profoundly illustrates several foundational theological truths. It reveals God's absolute holiness, demonstrating that even unintentional sin creates a defilement that separates humanity from Him and necessitates a divinely ordained remedy. The specific and costly nature of the offering highlights the seriousness of sin and the high price of atonement for a righteous God. Furthermore, the consistent requirement for a "blemish-free" animal across various offerings points forward to the need for a perfect sacrifice, foreshadowing the ultimate provision for sin. This intricate system, though temporary and repetitive, served as a pedagogical tool, teaching Israel about the objective nature of sin, personal responsibility, and God's gracious provision for reconciliation, all while anticipating a more perfect and permanent solution.
Reflection and Application
Leviticus 4:28, though rooted in an ancient sacrificial system, conveys profound and enduring spiritual lessons for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that sin, in all its manifestations—even those committed unknowingly, through carelessness, or by omission—is a grave matter in the eyes of a holy God. It underscores the objective reality of sin's defilement, regardless of our immediate intent or conscious awareness. This truth should cultivate within us a deep humility and a heightened sensitivity to God's righteous standards, prompting us to regularly examine our hearts, motives, and actions. While we no longer bring animal sacrifices, the underlying principle of acknowledging our sin and seeking God's gracious provision remains eternally relevant. We are called to confess our sins, trusting not in the fleeting blood of goats or bulls, but in the once-for-all, perfect, and eternally efficacious sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fully atoned for all our transgressions, whether intentional or unintentional. This leads to a profound appreciation for the finished work of Christ on the cross and the complete forgiveness, cleansing, and restoration available solely through Him.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was a "kid of the goats, a female without blemish" specified for an individual's unintentional sin?
The specific animal and its characteristics were part of God's meticulously detailed instructions for the sin offering, reflecting a divinely established hierarchy of value based on the status of the sinner and the perceived impact of the sin. A "kid of the goats" (a female goat) was a common and relatively accessible animal, making the offering feasible for the average Israelite. The universal requirement for the animal to be "without blemish" (H8549, tâmîym) was paramount for all sacrifices. This symbolized the purity, wholeness, and perfection necessary for an acceptable offering to a holy God, foreshadowing the ultimate perfect sacrifice that would truly atone for sin, as profoundly revealed in 1 Peter 1:18-19.
Did unintentional sins still require atonement even if the person didn't know they committed them at the time?
Yes, absolutely. Leviticus 4:28 explicitly states, "Or if his sin... come to his knowledge," indicating that the sin was indeed committed unknowingly at first. However, once the individual became aware of the transgression, the obligation to bring the sin offering was immediately triggered. This critically highlights the objective nature of sin before God: it created a defilement that needed to be addressed, regardless of the sinner's initial intent or awareness. God's absolute holiness demanded that any breach of His law, whether intentional or not, be expiated to maintain the purity of the covenant community and the sanctity of the tabernacle. This foundational principle is consistently emphasized throughout Leviticus 4.
How does this Old Testament practice relate to believers in the New Covenant?
In the New Covenant, the need for repeated animal sacrifices for sin has been completely and eternally fulfilled by the singular, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The "kid of the goats without blemish" served as a powerful type, pointing forward to Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. His death on the cross atoned for all sins—intentional and unintentional, known and unknown—for all who place their faith in Him. While we no longer bring animal offerings, the underlying principles remain profoundly relevant: sin is serious, it separates us from God, and it requires a divine remedy. When we become aware of our sins, we are called to confess them to God, trusting in Christ's finished work for our forgiveness and cleansing, as graciously promised in 1 John 1:9.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Leviticus 4:28, with its meticulous prescription for an unintentional sin offering, finds its profound and ultimate fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The requirement for a "kid of the goats, a female without blemish," serves as a powerful type, foreshadowing the perfect, spotless sacrifice of the Lamb of God. Unlike the Old Covenant sacrifices, which had to be repeated continually because they were inherently incapable of truly taking away sin (as explained in Hebrews 10:4), Christ's offering was a singular, decisive act. He, being without blemish or spot (as described in 1 Peter 1:19), offered Himself once for all time, securing eternal redemption for all who believe. His precious blood cleanses us from all sin, whether conscious or unconscious, intentional or unintentional, providing a complete and permanent atonement that the Levitical system could only anticipate. Through His perfect sacrifice, we now have direct, unhindered access to God, not through the blood of animals, but through the infinitely more precious blood of Christ, establishing a new and better covenant (as richly elaborated in Hebrews 9:11-14).