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.

If the priest {H3548} that is anointed {H4899} do sin {H2398} according to the sin {H819} of the people {H5971}; then let him bring {H7126} for his sin {H2403}, which he hath sinned {H2398}, a young {H1241}{H1121} bullock {H6499} without blemish {H8549} unto the LORD {H3068} for a sin offering {H2403}.

then, if it is the anointed cohen who sinned and thus brought guilt on the people, he is to offer ADONAI a young bull without defect as a sin offering for the sin he committed.

If the anointed priest sins, bringing guilt on the people, he must bring to the LORD a young bull without blemish as a sin offering for the sin he has committed.

if the anointed priest shall sin so as to bring guilt on the people, then let him offer for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto Jehovah for a sin-offering.

Commentary

Leviticus 4:3 outlines the specific protocol for atonement when the anointed priest, also known as the High Priest, commits a sin. This verse highlights the profound responsibility and accountability inherent in his sacred office within ancient Israel.

Context of Leviticus 4:3

The Book of Leviticus is foundational to understanding Israel's worship and walk with God under the Mosaic Law. Chapters 4-5 detail the various types of sin offerings (Hebrew: chatta't) required for unintentional sins committed by different segments of the community: the anointed priest, the whole congregation, a ruler, and a common person. This specific verse addresses the most significant case: the sin of the High Priest. As the spiritual leader and mediator between God and the people, his sin was considered especially grievous, necessitating the most costly offering โ€“ a young bullock.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Gravity of Sin, Especially in Leadership: The requirement for the High Priest to offer a costly sacrifice for his sin underscores that no one, regardless of their position or spiritual authority, is exempt from God's righteous standards. His sin was not just personal but also had implications for the entire community he represented (compare Hebrews 5:3).
  • Atonement and Cleansing: The sin offering provided a means for the priest to be ritually cleansed and for atonement to be made, restoring his ability to serve in the holy presence of God. This system foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice.
  • Holiness of God: The meticulous instructions for offerings highlight God's absolute holiness, which demands purity and righteousness from those who approach Him.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the priest that is anointed" translates the Hebrew kohen hamashiaแธฅ (ื›ึนึผื”ึตืŸ ื”ึทืžึธึผืฉึดืื™ื—ึท), explicitly referring to the High Priest. He was consecrated with special anointing oil (see Exodus 29:7) for his unique role. The term "sin offering" comes from the Hebrew word chatta't (ื—ึทื˜ึธึผืืช), which can mean both "sin" and the "offering for sin." It emphasizes the cleansing and purification aspect, rather than merely appeasement. The requirement of a "bullock without blemish" signifies the need for a perfect, unblemished sacrifice, symbolizing purity and the ultimate sacrifice to come.

Practical Application and Reflection

While the detailed sacrificial system of Leviticus is no longer practiced due to the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, this verse offers timeless principles. It reminds us that:

  • Sin is Serious: Even unintentional sins require atonement. God's standard of holiness is absolute.
  • Accountability in Leadership: Those in positions of spiritual influence bear a greater responsibility and are held to a higher standard by God, reminding us of the need for humility and integrity.
  • The Need for a Perfect Sacrifice: The unblemished bullock pointed forward to Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, whose perfect life and sacrifice provide complete and final atonement for all who believe (Hebrews 10:10). We no longer need animal sacrifices because His work is complete.
Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

Cross-References

  • Hebrews 7:27

    Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.

  • Hebrews 7:28

    For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, [maketh] the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.

  • Leviticus 9:2

    And he said unto Aaron, Take thee a young calf for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering, without blemish, and offer [them] before the LORD.

  • 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.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:21

    For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

  • Ezra 8:35

    [Also] the children of those that had been carried away, which were come out of the captivity, offered burnt offerings unto the God of Israel, twelve bullocks for all Israel, ninety and six rams, seventy and seven lambs, twelve he goats [for] a sin offering: all [this was] a burnt offering unto the LORD.

  • Hebrews 5:3

    And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.
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