Numbers 15:25

And the priest shall make an atonement for all the congregation of the children of Israel, and it shall be forgiven them; for it [is] ignorance: and they shall bring their offering, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD, and their sin offering before the LORD, for their ignorance:

And the priest {H3548} shall make an atonement {H3722} for all the congregation {H5712} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, and it shall be forgiven {H5545} them; for it is ignorance {H7684}: and they shall bring {H935} their offering {H7133}, a sacrifice made by fire {H801} unto the LORD {H3068}, and their sin offering {H2403} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}, for their ignorance {H7684}:

The cohen is to make atonement for the whole community of the people of Isra'el; and they will be forgiven; because it was a mistake; and they have brought their offering, an offering made by fire, to ADONAI, and their sin offering before ADONAI for their mistake.

The priest is to make atonement for the whole congregation of Israel, so that they may be forgiven; for the sin was unintentional and they have brought to the LORD an offering made by fire and a sin offering, presented before the LORD for their unintentional sin.

And the priest shall make atonement for all the congregation of the children of Israel, and they shall be forgiven; for it was an error, and they have brought their oblation, an offering made by fire unto Jehovah, and their sin-offering before Jehovah, for their error:

Commentary

Numbers 15:25 details the process for the collective forgiveness of the Israelite community when they inadvertently commit a sin. This verse highlights God's gracious provision for atonement, even for errors made in ignorance, underscoring the principles of the Old Covenant sacrificial system.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Numbers 15 that outlines various laws concerning offerings, particularly distinguishing between unintentional and presumptuous sins. While individual unintentional sins were covered by specific offerings (Numbers 15:22-24), this verse addresses when the entire congregation commits an error through ignorance or oversight. It stands in stark contrast to the severe consequences for presumptuous sins, for which no sacrifice was prescribed, leading to the soul being cut off from Israel (Numbers 15:31). This distinction was vital for understanding God's justice and mercy within the Mosaic Law.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision for Forgiveness: God, in His mercy, established a way for the community to be reconciled to Him even for sins committed unknowingly. This demonstrates His desire for His people's restoration rather than their perpetual condemnation.
  • Corporate Responsibility and Atonement: The verse emphasizes that the entire "congregation of the children of Israel" could collectively err and required a corporate atonement. The priest's role was crucial in mediating this forgiveness on behalf of the whole people through prescribed rituals.
  • Distinction of Sins: The phrase "for it is ignorance" (or "through error") is central. The Mosaic Law meticulously differentiated between sins committed unintentionally (often requiring a sin offering) and those committed with a high hand or defiant will, which carried much harsher penalties and no sacrificial remedy.
  • The Necessity of Sacrifice: Forgiveness under the Old Covenant was inextricably linked to the shedding of blood and the presentation of specific offerings, particularly the sin offering, symbolizing a substitutionary payment for sin.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "ignorance" (or "error") is related to shagag (שָׁגַג), meaning "to err," "to go astray," or "to commit an unintentional sin." It implies a mistake, an oversight, or a sin committed without malicious intent or defiance. This differentiates it from willful rebellion. The term "atonement" comes from kaphar (כָּפַר), which means "to cover," "to purge," or "to make reconciliation," highlighting the act of appeasing wrath and restoring a right relationship between God and His people.

Practical Application

Numbers 15:25 offers enduring spiritual lessons for believers today:

  • God's Grace for Imperfection: Even under the rigorous Old Testament law, God provided a path for forgiveness for human frailty and unintentional wrongdoing. This foreshadows His boundless grace revealed more fully in the New Covenant.
  • The Ultimate Sacrifice: The numerous animal sacrifices for sin, including those for ignorance, pointed forward to the once-for-all perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His blood provides complete and permanent atonement for all sins—intentional and unintentional—for those who believe (Hebrews 9:22).
  • Humility and Confession: While we are under grace, this verse reminds us to remain humble and acknowledge our shortcomings, even when we stumble unknowingly. God desires a contrite spirit and is faithful to forgive all who confess their sins, providing cleansing through Christ's shed blood.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 4:20

    And he shall do with the bullock as he did with the bullock for a sin offering, so shall he do with this: and the priest shall make an atonement for them, and it shall be forgiven them.

  • Hebrews 2:17

    Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto [his] brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things [pertaining] to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

  • Romans 3:25

    Whom God hath set forth [to be] a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

  • 1 John 2:2

    And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for [the sins of] the whole world.

  • Acts 13:39

    And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

  • Luke 23:34

    Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

  • Leviticus 4:26

    And he shall burn all his fat upon the altar, as the fat of the sacrifice of peace offerings: and the priest shall make an atonement for him as concerning his sin, and it shall be forgiven him.
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