Leviticus 4:32

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

And if he bring {H935} a lamb {H3532} for a sin {H2403} offering {H7133}, he shall bring {H935} it a female {H5347} without blemish {H8549}.

"'If he brings a lamb as his sin offering, he is to bring a female without defect,

If, however, he brings a lamb as a sin offering, he must bring an unblemished female.

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

Commentary

Context of Leviticus 4:32

Leviticus Chapter 4 meticulously outlines the procedures for the "sin offering" (chattath in Hebrew), a crucial sacrifice intended to atone for unintentional sins committed by various segments of the Israelite community. This chapter specifies different animals and rituals depending on whether the sin was committed by an anointed priest, the whole congregation, a ruler, or a common person. Leviticus 4:32 specifically addresses the offering required when a common individual brings a lamb for their sin offering.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Atonement for Unintentional Sin: The primary purpose of the sin offering was to provide a means for reconciliation with God when an individual inadvertently transgressed God's laws. This verse highlights God's provision for His people to maintain a right relationship with Him despite their human failings. The offering made atonement for the sin, cleansing the offerer.
  • Specific Requirements for Sacrifice:
    • The Lamb: While other offerings might require a bull or goat, for a common person bringing a lamb, it had to be a specific type.
    • Female: Uniquely, for a common person's lamb sin offering, the animal had to be a female. This contrasts with the male bull for the priest or congregation, or a male goat for a ruler, demonstrating the specific, detailed nature of God's covenant instructions.
    • Without Blemish: This was a non-negotiable requirement for virtually all sacrifices presented to God. It signified perfection, purity, and wholeness, emphasizing that only the best and most flawless could be offered to a holy God. This requirement foreshadows the ultimate perfect sacrifice.
  • God's Holiness and Justice: The meticulous nature of these laws underscored God's absolute holiness and the seriousness of sin, even unintentional sin. Every transgression, no matter how small or unintended, required a divine remedy.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "without blemish" translates the Hebrew word tamim (ΧͺΦΈΦΌΧžΦ΄Χ™Χ). This term implies "whole," "complete," "sound," or "perfect." It's not just about physical perfection but also about being fit for purpose, entirely suitable for presentation to God. This concept is vital throughout the Old Testament sacrificial system, pointing to the ideal nature of the offering.

Practical Application and Reflection

Leviticus 4:32, though detailing an ancient ritual, offers profound spiritual truths for today. The requirement of a "female without blemish" lamb pointed forward to the ultimate, perfect sacrifice that would truly take away sin. We see this fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is described as the "Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). Furthermore, the New Testament explicitly states that Christ was "without blemish and without spot" (1 Peter 1:19), perfectly fulfilling the requirement of the Old Testament sacrifices.

This verse reminds us that:

  1. Sin, even unintentional, separates us from God and requires atonement.
  2. God, in His grace, provided a way for reconciliation.
  3. The Old Testament sacrifices were shadows pointing to the perfect and final sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself once for all to fully atone for our sins, making a way for us to have complete fellowship with God.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 4:28

    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.

  • 1 Peter 2:22

    Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

  • 1 Peter 3:18

    ΒΆ For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

  • Isaiah 53:7

    He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

  • 1 Peter 2:24

    Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

  • Luke 1:35

    And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

  • John 1:29

    ΒΆ The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
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