Leviticus 4:3

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 4:3 meticulously details the sacrificial protocol for an unintentional sin committed by the anointed priest, specifically the High Priest. This instruction highlights the profound weight of responsibility associated with his sacred office, mandating the most significant and costly atonement—an unblemished young bullock—to purify himself and, by extension, the entire community from the defilement his transgression incurs, thereby preserving the sanctity of the tabernacle and the covenant relationship with God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 4 initiates a pivotal section (chapters 4-5) dedicated to the *chatta't* (sin offering) and *asham* (guilt offering). These sacrifices were divinely ordained to address sins committed unintentionally, in ignorance, or through negligence, distinguishing them sharply from presumptuous, high-handed sins which often incurred the severe penalty of being "cut off" from the community. Chapter 4 systematically delineates the specific sin offerings required, graded according to the identity and status of the transgressor. The progression moves from the High Priest (vv. 3-12), to the entire congregation (vv. 13-21), then to a tribal ruler (vv. 22-26), and finally to a common individual (vv. 27-35). This hierarchical structure of offerings, ranging from the most expensive (a bull for the priest or congregation) to less costly animals (a male goat for a ruler, a female goat or lamb for an ordinary person), powerfully underscores a graded system of accountability. The High Priest's sin carries the greatest weight, reflecting his unique and indispensable role as the nation's spiritual representative and mediator before God, as seen in the broader context of [Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The intricate sacrificial system was the very heart of ancient Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh, emphasizing His absolute holiness, unapproachable purity, and the necessity of ritual and moral cleanness for His people to dwell in His presence. The High Priest, consecrated through a sacred anointing with oil (as meticulously prescribed in [Exodus 29:7](/exodus/29-7 "Exodus 29:7 - Anointing of Aaron") and [Leviticus 8:12](/leviticus/8-12 "Leviticus 8:12 - Aaron's Consecration")), served as the spiritual head of the nation and the primary intercessor between God and Israel. His duties were manifold, encompassing daily priestly functions and the singular annual entry into the Most Holy Place on the Day of Atonement. Given his unparalleled proximity to God's holiness and his representative function for the entire nation, any sin committed by the High Priest was not merely a private failing but a transgression with profound national implications. Such a sin was perceived as potentially defiling the sanctuary itself and jeopardizing the integrity of the covenant relationship. The stringent requirement for a costly, unblemished bullock therefore underscored both the immense gravity of his sin and the meticulous nature of God's demands for purity in all aspects of worship and community life.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 4:3 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **God's Holiness and Purity**. The detailed regulations for addressing sin, even unintentional sin, highlight the absolute and unyielding nature of God's holiness, which cannot tolerate any defilement. Closely related is the theme of **Atonement and Reconciliation**, as the prescribed offerings provide a divinely appointed means for temporary cleansing and restoration of the covenant relationship, emphasizing God's gracious provision for a sinful people. The verse also underscores the theme of **Accountability and Representation**, particularly for those in positions of spiritual authority. The High Priest's sin, though personal, has communal ramifications, demonstrating that leadership carries a heightened responsibility and that the spiritual state of leaders directly impacts the spiritual well-being of the community they represent. This concept is foundational to understanding the priestly role throughout the Old Testament, from Aaron's consecration in [Exodus 29](/exodus/29 "Exodus 29 - Consecration of Priests") to the later prophetic critiques of unfaithful priests. Finally, the meticulous nature of the instructions points to the theme of **Divine Order and Precision**, revealing God's precise and orderly approach to worship and the maintenance of a holy relationship with His people, a theme echoed in the construction of the tabernacle in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25-31 "Exodus 25-31 - Instructions for the Tabernacle").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Priest (Hebrew, _kôhên'_):** (H3548) This term refers to one officiating in sacred rites, specifically a priest. In the context of Leviticus, it denotes a descendant of Aaron, set apart for service in the tabernacle. The High Priest, as the chief *kôhên*, held the most sacred and influential position, serving as the primary mediator between God and Israel. His role involved offering sacrifices, burning incense, and entering the Most Holy Place, making his spiritual purity paramount for the nation's well-being.
* **Anointed (Hebrew, _mâshîyach'_):** (H4899) Derived from the verb "to anoint," this term signifies a consecrated person, set apart for a special office through the pouring of sacred oil. In this verse, "anointed" specifically refers to the High Priest, whose anointing symbolized his divine appointment, unique holiness, and the impartation of authority for his sacred duties. This consecration elevated his status, making his actions, especially his sins, carry profound implications for the entire community. This is the same root word from which "Messiah" is derived, pointing to a future, ultimate Anointed One.
* **Sin Offering (Hebrew, _chaṭṭâʼâh'_):** (H2403) While the root *châṭâʼ* means "to miss the mark" or "to go astray," *chaṭṭâʼâh* as a noun refers primarily to an "offence" or "sin," and by extension, the "sacrifice" or "expiation" for that sin. In Leviticus 4, it specifically designates the "purification offering." This offering was designed to cleanse from defilement caused by unintentional sin, restoring ritual purity and allowing the individual or community to re-enter a state of fellowship with a holy God. It was not merely about appeasement but about purification and the removal of the barrier created by sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people;":** This initial clause identifies the specific individual whose sin is being addressed: the "anointed priest," unequivocally referring to the High Priest. The phrase "according to the sin of the people" is crucial. It does not mean his sin is *like* the people's sin in nature, but rather that his sin has an impact *upon* the people, bringing guilt or defilement upon the entire community he represents. His unique status means his transgression, even if unintentional, carries a public and communal dimension, necessitating a response that addresses the broader implications of his failure.
* **"then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto the LORD for a sin offering.":** This clause prescribes the precise remedy for the High Priest's transgression. The "young bullock" (from Strong's H1241 `bâqâr` and H1121 `bên`, and H6499 `par`) was the most valuable and costly animal in the Israelite sacrificial system, signifying the extreme gravity of the High Priest's sin and the immense cost required for its atonement. The condition "without blemish" (H8549 `tâmîym`) emphasizes the absolute perfection and purity demanded for anything presented to the holy LORD, symbolizing the unblemished nature of the atonement God requires. This offering, explicitly designated as a "sin offering" (*chaṭṭâʼâh*), was ritualistically performed to purify the High Priest and, by extension, the sanctuary and the people, from the defilement caused by his transgression, thereby restoring his capacity to minister and ensuring the continued purity of the covenant relationship.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 4:3 masterfully employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound theological truths. **Repetition** is prominently featured in the phrase "for his sin, which he hath sinned," serving to underscore the High Priest's personal culpability and the certainty of his transgression, even if unintentional. This reiteration emphasizes the gravity and the undeniable need for a specific, prescribed remedy. The verse also utilizes powerful **Symbolism**, where the "young bullock without blemish" is far more than a mere animal; it is a potent symbol of purity, immense value, and the perfect sacrifice necessary to address sin. The animal's perfection points directly to the absolute holiness of God and the unblemished character of the atonement He demands. Furthermore, the entire sacrificial system, including this specific instruction, functions as profound **Typology**. The High Priest, in his role as mediator, and the sin offering, providing temporary ritual cleansing, both serve as types that foreshadow a greater, ultimate reality: the perfect High Priest, Jesus Christ, and His singular, perfect, and once-for-all sacrifice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 4:3 offers profound theological insights into God's character and the nature of sin. It unequivocally demonstrates God's absolute holiness and the pervasive, defiling nature of sin, even when committed unintentionally. No individual, regardless of their spiritual authority or consecrated position, is exempt from God's righteous standards or the necessary process of purification. The High Priest's sin, though personal in its origin, carried communal ramifications, powerfully illustrating the interconnectedness of sin and its defiling impact on the entire covenant community. This meticulous instruction underscores God's precise care for purity in worship and His gracious provision for reconciliation when His holy standards are violated, even inadvertently. It establishes a foundational principle that sin, in any form, requires a costly atonement to restore fellowship and maintain the sanctity of the divine-human relationship.

* [Hebrews 5:1-3](/hebrews/5-1-3 "Hebrews 5:1-3 - The High Priest's Need for Atonement")
* [Numbers 15:27-29](/numbers/15-27-29 "Numbers 15:27-29 - Unintentional Sins and Offerings")
* [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned and Fall Short")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 4:3, despite its ancient context within the Israelite sacrificial system, provides enduring and profound principles for contemporary believers. It confronts us with the sobering truth of sin's pervasive nature, reminding us that even our unintentional transgressions are offensive to a holy God and necessitate a divine remedy. For those who hold positions of leadership, particularly in spiritual capacities, this verse serves as a potent and humbling warning: accountability is directly proportional to influence. The sins of leaders, even those committed unknowingly, have far-reaching and often detrimental consequences, impacting those they serve and potentially hindering the spiritual health and purity of the entire community. This calls for profound humility, diligent self-examination, and an unwavering reliance on God's grace for purification and guidance. Ultimately, this passage directs our gaze beyond the temporary efficacy of animal sacrifices to the perfect and ultimate provision God has made for our sin. It compels us to deeply consider the infinite cost of our own redemption and to strive to live lives that authentically reflect the holiness of the One who paid that ultimate, immeasurable price.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the High Priest's need for a sin offering challenge my understanding of spiritual authority and accountability in modern leadership?**
* **In what subtle ways might my own "unintentional" sins still have a defiling impact on my personal walk with God or on my community?**
* **What does the costly nature of the required bullock reveal about God's standard of holiness and the profound gravity of sin?**

### FAQ
**Why was the High Priest's sin considered so serious, requiring such a costly offering?**

Answer: The High Priest occupied a uniquely sacred and pivotal position as the chief mediator between God and Israel. He was consecrated by special anointing and served as the spiritual representative of the entire nation, bearing their sins symbolically on the Day of Atonement. Because of his unparalleled proximity to God's holiness in the tabernacle and his indispensable role in interceding for the people, his sin was not merely a private transgression. It was seen as directly defiling the sanctuary itself and potentially bringing guilt upon the entire congregation, disrupting the covenant relationship. The costly offering of a young bullock, the most expensive animal in the sacrificial system, underscored the immense gravity of his transgression and the profound need for purification to restore the sanctity of worship and the covenant relationship. This is further emphasized by the High Priest's personal sin offering on the Day of Atonement in [Leviticus 16:6](/leviticus/16-6 "Leviticus 16:6 - Aaron's Sin Offering on Atonement Day").

**What is the difference between "sin offering" and other types of offerings in Leviticus?**

Answer: The "sin offering" (*chatta't*) in Leviticus 4 was specifically designed for unintentional sins or sins committed in ignorance, which caused ritual defilement or disrupted the covenant relationship. Its primary focus was purification and cleansing. Other major offerings included:
* The **"burnt offering"** (*olah*), detailed in [Leviticus 1](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Burnt Offering"), was a voluntary act of devotion and general atonement, completely consumed on the altar, symbolizing total surrender and dedication to God.
* The **"grain offering"** (*minchah*), described in [Leviticus 2](/leviticus/2 "Leviticus 2 - The Grain Offering"), was an offering of devotion and thanksgiving, often accompanying other sacrifices, symbolizing the dedication of one's labor and sustenance to God.
* The **"peace offering"** (*shelamim*), outlined in [Leviticus 3](/leviticus/3 "Leviticus 3 - The Peace Offering"), was for fellowship, thanksgiving, or the fulfillment of a vow, and parts were shared between God, the priest, and the offerer, symbolizing communion.
* The **"guilt offering"** (*asham*), found in [Leviticus 5:14-6:7](/leviticus/5-14-6-7 "Leviticus 5:14-6-7 - The Guilt Offering"), addressed specific sins involving restitution or damage, requiring compensation in addition to the sacrifice. Each offering had a distinct purpose, though all pointed to aspects of relationship with God and the fundamental need for atonement.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 4:3 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who uniquely embodies and transcends the roles of both the High Priest and the unblemished sin offering. The earthly High Priest, though divinely appointed and consecrated, remained a fallible human being, perpetually needing to offer sacrifices for his own sins before he could intercede for the people ([Hebrews 5:3](/hebrews/5-3 "Hebrews 5:3 - The High Priest's Need for Atonement")). Jesus, however, is our "great high priest who has passed through the heavens" ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")), one who is "holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens" ([Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Christ's Superior Priesthood")). He had no sin of His own for which to atone, yet He willingly became the perfect, unblemished "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The costly and perfect young bullock, required for the High Priest's sin, powerfully foreshadowed Jesus' infinitely valuable and flawless sacrifice on the cross. This sacrifice was offered "once for all" ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")), providing eternal redemption and purification that the repeated shedding of the blood of bulls and goats could never achieve ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection, Jesus, our ultimate High Priest, offered Himself as the supreme sin offering, forever cleansing us from all sin and granting us direct, confident access to God's holy presence.

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

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.