Leviticus 4:28

KJV

Or if his sin, which he hath sinned, come to his knowledge: then he shall bring his offering, a kid of the goats, a female without blemish, for his sin which he hath sinned.

KJV (with Strong's)

Or if his sin {H2403}, which he hath sinned {H2398}, come to his knowledge {H3045}: then he shall bring {H935} his offering {H7133}, a kid {H8166} of the goats {H5795}, a female {H5347} without blemish {H8549}, for his sin {H2403} which he hath sinned {H2398}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If the sin he committed becomes known to him, he is to bring as his offering a female goat without defect for the sin he committed,

Berean Standard Bible

When he becomes aware of the sin he has committed, he must bring an unblemished female goat as his offering for that sin.

American Standard Version

if his sin, which he hath sinned, be made known to him, then he shall bring for his oblation a goat, a female without blemish, for his sin which he hath sinned.

Commentary

### 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](/leviticus/4-1-12 "Leviticus 4:1-12 - Sin Offering for the Anointed Priest")), the entire congregation ([Leviticus 4:13-21](/leviticus/4-13-21 "Leviticus 4:13-21 - Sin Offering for the Whole Congregation")), a ruler ([Leviticus 4:22-26](/leviticus/4-22-26 "Leviticus 4:22-26 - Sin Offering for a Ruler")), and finally, an individual "common person" ([Leviticus 4:27-35](/leviticus/4-27-35 "Leviticus 4:27-35 - Sin Offering for an Individual")). 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](/numbers/15-30-31 "Numbers 15:30-31 - Presumptuous Sin and its Consequences")) 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](/leviticus/4-28 "Leviticus 4:28 - Individual's Sin Offering")), 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](/leviticus "Leviticus - The Book of Laws and Offerings"). 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
* **Sin (Hebrew, _chaṭṭâʼâh'_):** 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.
* **Come to his knowledge (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** 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.
* **Without blemish (Hebrew, _tâmîym'_):** 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](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - Sin Offerings")—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](/leviticus/4-3 "Leviticus 4:3 - Priest's Sin Offering") and [Leviticus 4:14](/leviticus/4-14 "Leviticus 4:14 - Congregation's Sin Offering")). 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.

* [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice and Atonement")
* [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")
* [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")

### 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
* **How does the concept of "unintentional sin" in Leviticus 4:28 challenge my contemporary understanding of sin's seriousness and pervasive nature?**
* **In what subtle ways might I be committing "unintentional sins" in my daily life, and how can a deeper awareness of God's holiness cultivate a more sensitive conscience within me?**
* **How does the specific requirement for a "blemish-free" animal in the Old Covenant deepen my appreciation for the absolute perfection and blamelessness of Christ's sacrifice?**
* **What does this verse teach me about personal responsibility in dealing with sin, even when I become aware of it only after the fact?**

### FAQ

**Why was a "kid of the goats, a female without blemish" specified for an individual's unintentional sin?**

Answer: 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](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption by Christ's Precious Blood").

**Did unintentional sins still require atonement even if the person didn't know they committed them at the time?**

Answer: 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](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - Sin Offerings for Various Classes").

**How does this Old Testament practice relate to believers in the New Covenant?**

Answer: 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](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). 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](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness and Cleansing").

### 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](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, 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](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - The Inadequacy of Animal Sacrifices")), Christ's offering was a singular, decisive act. He, being without blemish or spot (as described in [1 Peter 1:19](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Christ, the Spotless Lamb")), 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](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice and Eternal Redemption")).

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 4:23

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:

Leviticus 4:32

And if he bring a lamb for a sin offering, he shall bring it a female without blemish.

Leviticus 4:3

If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto the LORD for a sin offering.

Galatians 4:4

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

Galatians 4:5

To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

Leviticus 4:14

When the sin, which they have sinned against it, is known, then the congregation shall offer a young bullock for the sin, and bring him before the tabernacle of the congregation.

Isaiah 7:14

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.