Numbers 15:24

KJV

Then it shall be, if [ought] be committed by ignorance without the knowledge of the congregation, that all the congregation shall offer one young bullock for a burnt offering, for a sweet savour unto the LORD, with his meat offering, and his drink offering, according to the manner, and one kid of the goats for a sin offering.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then it shall be, if ought be committed {H6213} by ignorance {H7684} without the knowledge {H5869} of the congregation {H5712}, that all the congregation {H5712} shall offer {H6213} one {H259} young {H1121}{H1241} bullock {H6499} for a burnt offering {H5930}, for a sweet {H5207} savour {H7381} unto the LORD {H3068}, with his meat offering {H4503}, and his drink offering {H5262}, according to the manner {H4941}, and one {H259} kid {H8163} of the goats {H5795} for a sin offering {H2403}.

Complete Jewish Bible

then, if it was done by mistake by the community and was not known to them, the whole community is to offer one young bull for a burnt offering as a fragrant aroma to ADONAI, with its grain and drink offerings, in keeping with the rule, and one male goat as a sin offering.

Berean Standard Bible

and if it was done unintentionally without the knowledge of the congregation, then the whole congregation is to prepare one young bull as a burnt offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD, with its grain offering and drink offering according to the regulation, and one male goat as a sin offering.

American Standard Version

then it shall be, if it be done unwittingly, without the knowledge of the congregation, that all the congregation shall offer one young bullock for a burnt-offering, for a sweet savor unto Jehovah, with the meal-offering thereof, and the drink-offering thereof, according to the ordinance, and one he-goat for a sin-offering.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 15:24 details the prescribed sacrificial procedure for the entire Israelite congregation when an unintentional sin is committed due to ignorance. This specific regulation, part of a broader set of laws concerning offerings and purity, mandates the offering of a young bullock for a burnt offering and a kid of the goats for a sin offering, along with their associated grain and drink offerings. The passage underscores God's meticulous provision for atonement, even for sins committed unknowingly by the community, thereby maintaining the holiness of the covenant relationship and ensuring the congregation's ongoing fellowship with a righteous God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 15:24 is situated within a larger block of legislation in Numbers 15, which immediately follows the devastating account of Israel's rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea and the subsequent divine judgment of forty years of wilderness wandering. This chapter serves as a renewed establishment of covenant laws and practices, preparing the new generation for entry into the Promised Land. Specifically, verses 22-31 address the critical distinction between unintentional sins (covered by sacrifice) and deliberate, "high-handed" sins (for which there was no atonement, resulting in being "cut off"). Verse 24 focuses on the corporate unintentional sin, complementing the individual unintentional sin addressed in [Numbers 15:27-29](/numbers/15-27 "Numbers 15:27-29 - Individual Unintentional Sin"). The detailed instructions for various offerings throughout [Numbers 15](/numbers/15 "Numbers 15 - Laws Concerning Offerings and Purity") demonstrate God's continued commitment to His covenant people, providing a means for them to remain holy and acceptable in His sight despite their human failings.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the wilderness encampment of the Israelites, approximately 40 years after their exodus from Egypt, as they stand on the cusp of entering Canaan. The sacrificial system, central to Israelite worship, was divinely ordained at Mount Sinai and meticulously detailed in [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - Laws of Offerings and Purity"). These laws were not merely arbitrary rituals but served as a pedagogical framework to teach Israel about God's holiness, the gravity of sin, and the necessity of atonement. The concept of corporate responsibility was deeply ingrained in ancient Near Eastern societies, where the actions of an individual or a group could bring consequences upon the entire community. For Israel, this was amplified by their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh, where the purity and obedience of the collective directly impacted God's presence and blessing among them. The offerings prescribed, such as the burnt offering and sin offering, were common forms of worship, each carrying specific theological significance understood by the people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to the overarching themes of **holiness and purity** within the covenant community. It underscores that God's standards are absolute, requiring atonement even for sins committed in ignorance, thereby emphasizing the pervasive nature of sin and the constant need for purification to maintain fellowship with a holy God. Furthermore, it highlights the theme of **corporate responsibility**, illustrating that the entire congregation bears collective accountability before God, and the actions or omissions of the group can have communal spiritual implications. This communal aspect is vital for understanding the Israelite identity as a unified people under God. Finally, the verse clearly demonstrates **God's gracious provision for atonement**, showcasing His mercy by establishing a pathway for reconciliation and cleansing even when His commands are unknowingly violated, ensuring that the covenant relationship can endure despite human fallibility.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ignorance (Hebrew, _shagag'_):** Derived from the root שָׁגַג, this term signifies an unintentional error, a mistake, or an inadvertent transgression. It sharply contrasts with deliberate, "high-handed" sin (בְּיָד רָמָה, _bĕyād rāmāh_), for which no sacrifice was acceptable under the Mosaic Law, but rather the offender was to be "cut off" from the community ([Numbers 15:30-31](/numbers/15-30 "Numbers 15:30-31 - High-Handed Sin")). The use of _shagag_ here emphasizes that even a lack of awareness or a forgotten command does not negate the need for atonement before a holy God.
* **Sweet savour (Hebrew, _reah nihoah'_):** This phrase (רֵיחַ נִיחוֹחַ) literally means "a soothing aroma" or "a pleasing odor." It is a recurring descriptor for offerings that are acceptable and pleasing to the LORD, indicating His acceptance of the sacrifice and the reconciliation it effects. It implies that the offering, when presented according to God's prescribed manner, successfully appeases divine wrath and restores fellowship.
* **Burnt offering (Hebrew, _olah'_):** The _olah_ (עֹלָה), meaning "that which goes up," was a voluntary offering entirely consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication, devotion, and general atonement for sin. Its smoke ascending to God represented the worshiper's total surrender and the acceptance of the offering by the LORD. Here, it signifies the congregation's renewed dedication and the general covering of their collective error.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then it shall be, if [ought] be committed by ignorance without the knowledge of the congregation":** This opening clause sets the specific condition for the prescribed sacrifice. It refers to a communal transgression that occurs not out of deliberate defiance, but because the congregation as a whole was unaware of the specific command being violated or simply erred inadvertently. The phrase "without the knowledge of the congregation" underscores the corporate nature of this particular sin, distinguishing it from individual, unintentional sins.
* **"that all the congregation shall offer one young bullock for a burnt offering, for a sweet savour unto the LORD, with his meat offering, and his drink offering, according to the manner":** This specifies the first required offering: a young bullock for an _olah_ (burnt offering), signifying complete dedication and general atonement. The inclusion of the "meat offering" (grain offering) and "drink offering" indicates the full complement of offerings typically accompanying a burnt offering, emphasizing the completeness and prescribed nature of the ritual. The "sweet savour" indicates God's acceptance and pleasure in this act of communal repentance and dedication.
* **"and one kid of the goats for a sin offering":** This specifies the second crucial offering: a kid of the goats for a _chatta'th_ (sin offering). Unlike the burnt offering, the sin offering had the specific purpose of purifying from sin and making propitiation for a particular transgression. Its inclusion here highlights that even sins of ignorance require specific cleansing and reconciliation to restore the community's ritual purity and right standing before God. The combination of the _olah_ and _chatta'th_ underscores the multifaceted nature of atonement required for corporate unintentional sin.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 15:24 employs **Legal Prescription** as its primary literary device, presenting a precise and detailed set of instructions for a specific scenario. The language is formal and prescriptive, characteristic of Mosaic Law, leaving no ambiguity regarding the required actions. The use of **Repetition** of sacrificial terms (burnt offering, sin offering, meat offering, drink offering) reinforces the ritualistic nature of the law and the specific components required for atonement. The phrase "sweet savour" functions as **Metaphor** and **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human sensory perception (smell) to God to convey divine acceptance and pleasure in the obedient offering, thereby affirming the efficacy of the prescribed ritual in restoring the relationship between God and His people. The careful distinction between "ignorance" and other forms of sin also demonstrates **Categorization** and **Classification**, essential for the legal framework of the covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 15:24 profoundly illustrates the foundational theological truth that all sin, whether deliberate or unintentional, separates humanity from a holy God and requires atonement. This passage underscores God's meticulous concern for the purity of His covenant community, even extending His provision for forgiveness to collective errors committed without full awareness. It reveals both the severity of sin, in that even ignorance necessitates a costly sacrifice, and the boundless mercy of God, who provides a pathway for reconciliation. This complex system of offerings, while seemingly burdensome, served to constantly remind Israel of their dependence on God's grace and the absolute necessity of a spotless sacrifice to bridge the gap created by sin. The distinction between unintentional and high-handed sin also highlights the importance of the heart's posture before God, even as it affirms that sin's objective impact on holiness remains regardless of intent.

* [Leviticus 4:13-21](/leviticus/4-13 "Leviticus 4:13-21 - Sin Offering for the Whole Congregation")
* [Hebrews 9:7](/hebrews/9-7 "Hebrews 9:7 - High Priest's Annual Sacrifice for Sins of Ignorance")
* [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness of Sins")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific sacrificial rituals of the Old Testament have been fulfilled and superseded by the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the principles embedded in Numbers 15:24 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This passage compels us to recognize the pervasive nature of sin, reminding us that even our unknown or forgotten transgressions impact our standing before a holy God. It cultivates a deep humility, acknowledging that our human fallibility means we may inadvertently fall short of God's perfect standards. More importantly, it magnifies the glorious grace of God, who, even under the Old Covenant, provided a meticulous system for atonement, demonstrating His unwavering desire for reconciliation. For us, this means embracing the complete and final atonement offered through Christ, trusting that His blood covers all our sins—known and unknown—and motivates us to live with greater awareness, seeking to align every aspect of our lives with His will. It also calls the church to corporate humility and repentance, recognizing that a community can collectively err and needs to seek God's grace together.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "sins of ignorance" challenge my understanding of sin and personal responsibility?**
* **In what ways might my community (church, family, nation) be unknowingly acting contrary to God's will, and what is our collective responsibility?**
* **How does the provision for unintentional sin in the Old Testament deepen my appreciation for the all-sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice for all my sins?**

### FAQ

**Why did God require sacrifices for sins committed in ignorance?**

Answer: God required sacrifices for sins committed in ignorance primarily to underscore His absolute holiness and the pervasive nature of sin. Even if a transgression was unintentional or unknown, it still violated God's perfect standard and created a breach in the covenant relationship. The sacrificial system, as outlined in passages like [Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - Sin Offerings"), served as a constant reminder that sin, regardless of intent, has consequences and requires divine intervention for reconciliation. It taught the Israelites that access to God's presence and blessing was contingent upon purity and atonement, cultivating a deep reverence for His commands and a profound awareness of their need for His mercy. This provision for unintentional sin also highlighted God's immense grace, offering a path to restoration rather than immediate judgment for every misstep.

**What is the difference between the burnt offering and the sin offering in this verse?**

Answer: In [Numbers 15:24](/numbers/15-24 "Numbers 15:24 - Corporate Unintentional Sin Offering"), both a burnt offering (_olah_) and a sin offering (_chatta'th_) are required for corporate unintentional sin, each serving a distinct purpose. The **burnt offering** (young bullock) was entirely consumed on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication, devotion, and general atonement. It represented the worshiper's total surrender to God and was seen as a "sweet savour," indicating God's acceptance of the offering and the worshiper. It covered the general state of sinfulness and renewed the covenant relationship. The **sin offering** (kid of the goats), on the other hand, was specifically designed to purify from sin and make propitiation for a particular transgression. Its primary function was to cleanse ritual impurity and atone for specific acts of sin, thereby restoring the offender (or in this case, the congregation) to a state of ritual purity and right standing before God. While the burnt offering was more about general reconciliation and devotion, the sin offering directly addressed the defilement caused by the specific sin.

**Does this Old Testament law have any relevance for Christians today?**

Answer: Absolutely. While the specific sacrificial rituals have been fulfilled in Christ, the underlying theological principles of [Numbers 15:24](/numbers/15-24 "Numbers 15:24 - Corporate Unintentional Sin Offering") remain highly relevant for Christians. Firstly, it teaches us about the **seriousness of all sin**, emphasizing that even unknown or unintentional transgressions are offensive to a holy God. This should cultivate humility and a desire for greater alignment with God's will. Secondly, it magnifies **God's gracious provision for forgiveness**. Just as God provided a means for Israel to be cleansed, He has provided the ultimate and perfect sacrifice in Jesus Christ, whose blood atones for all our sins—intentional or unintentional ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Atonement Through Blood")). This assures us of complete forgiveness through faith in Him. Finally, it highlights the concept of **corporate responsibility** within the church. Just as the Israelite congregation bore collective responsibility, the church today is called to communal repentance, prayer, and seeking God's will together, recognizing that the actions and omissions of the body can have collective spiritual implications ([1 Corinthians 12:26](/1_corinthians/12-26 "1 Corinthians 12:26 - Mutual Suffering and Honor")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 15:24, with its detailed prescriptions for atoning for communal sins of ignorance, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The repeated need for blood sacrifices, particularly for sins committed unknowingly, underscores humanity's pervasive sinfulness and inability to perfectly adhere to God's holy law, even in ignorance. This constant requirement for atonement, symbolized by the "sweet savour" of an acceptable offering, pointed forward to the one true "sweet savour" offering: Jesus Christ. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose single, perfect sacrifice on the cross atoned for all sins—past, present, and future, known and unknown ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")). Unlike the Old Testament priests who offered sacrifices "day after day, year after year" for sins, Jesus entered the heavenly sanctuary [once for all](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ Entered Once for All") to obtain eternal redemption. His blood cleanses us not only from deliberate transgressions but also from those "sins of ignorance" that we may not even be aware of, fulfilling the spirit of this law by providing a perfect and complete purification ([Hebrews 9:7](/hebrews/9-7 "Hebrews 9:7 - High Priest's Annual Sacrifice for Sins of Ignorance") speaks of the high priest making atonement for the "errors of the people"). In Christ, the burdensome and temporary shadow of the sacrificial system gives way to the glorious reality of a perfect High Priest and a final, all-sufficient atonement, enabling us to approach God with confidence, knowing our sins are fully covered by His grace ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")).

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 4:13

¶ And if the whole congregation of Israel sin through ignorance, and the thing be hid from the eyes of the assembly, and they have done [somewhat against] any of the commandments of the LORD [concerning things] which should not be done, and are guilty;

Leviticus 4:21

And he shall carry forth the bullock without the camp, and burn him as he burned the first bullock: it [is] a sin offering for the congregation.

Numbers 28:15

And one kid of the goats for a sin offering unto the LORD shall be offered, beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering.

Leviticus 5:15

If a soul commit a trespass, and sin through ignorance, in the holy things of the LORD; then he shall bring for his trespass unto the LORD a ram without blemish out of the flocks, with thy estimation by shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering:

Numbers 15:8

And when thou preparest a bullock [for] a burnt offering, or [for] a sacrifice in performing a vow, or peace offerings unto the LORD:

Numbers 15:10

And thou shalt bring for a drink offering half an hin of wine, [for] an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.