Numbers 15:25

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Numbers 15:25 meticulously details God's gracious provision for the entire Israelite community to receive atonement and forgiveness for sins committed in ignorance. This verse outlines the indispensable role of the priest in mediating this corporate reconciliation through divinely prescribed offerings, specifically a sacrifice made by fire and a sin offering. It thus profoundly underscores foundational principles of the Old Covenant sacrificial system, revealing God's unwavering commitment to His people's purity, restoration, and continued fellowship despite their human frailty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 15:25 is strategically placed within a broader legal section (Numbers 15:1-41) that supplements the Mosaic Law with additional statutes concerning offerings and purity. These laws were given to the Israelites after their catastrophic rebellion at Kadesh Barnea, which resulted in the divine judgment of forty years of wilderness wandering. Specifically, verses 22-29 address unintentional sins committed by the entire congregation, distinguishing them from individual unintentional sins (Numbers 15:22-24) and, crucially, from presumptuous sins. This particular verse specifies the priestly action and the required offerings for such corporate error. It stands in stark contrast to the severe consequences outlined for defiant, "high-handed" sins in [Numbers 15:30-31](/numbers/15-30-31 "Numbers 15:30-31 - Presumptuous Sins and Their Consequences"), for which no sacrifice was prescribed, leading to the soul being "cut off" from Israel. This careful legal distinction highlights the nuanced nature of sin and God's justice and mercy within the Mosaic Law, emphasizing that while God provides for unintentional sin, He will not tolerate willful rebellion.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The laws presented in Numbers 15 were given to a nascent nation, Israel, living under the Mosaic Covenant and preparing for their eventual entry into the Promised Land. Their communal life and worship revolved entirely around the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God's presence dwelt among them. Within this sacred space, priests, who were direct descendants of Aaron, served as the divinely appointed mediators between a holy God and His covenant people. In ancient Israelite society, the concept of corporate responsibility was paramount; the sin of an individual or a group was understood to affect the entire community, potentially defiling the camp and jeopardizing the nation's covenant relationship with God. Therefore, corporate atonement was not merely a ritual but a vital necessity for maintaining the nation's spiritual health and its unique status as God's chosen people. The elaborate sacrificial system was the divinely ordained means of dealing with sin and maintaining ritual purity, signifying the gravity of sin and the absolute necessity of a blood covering for forgiveness and reconciliation.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several core theological themes that permeate the Pentateuch. First, it emphasizes **Divine Provision for Forgiveness**, demonstrating God's merciful character in establishing a clear path for reconciliation even for errors made unknowingly, thereby preventing perpetual condemnation. This highlights God's desire for His people's restoration rather than their destruction. Second, it underscores **Corporate Responsibility and Atonement**, illustrating that the "congregation of the children of Israel" could collectively err and required a unified, corporate act of atonement mediated by the priest. This reflects the communal nature of the covenant. Third, it highlights the crucial **Distinction of Sins**, particularly between unintentional sins (which required a sin offering, as seen here and extensively in [Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - Laws for Sin Offerings")) and defiant, "high-handed" sins, which carried much harsher penalties and no sacrificial remedy. This distinction reveals the moral nuance in God's law. Finally, it reiterates the **Necessity of Sacrifice** under the Old Covenant, where forgiveness and purification were inextricably linked to the shedding of blood and the presentation of specific offerings, symbolizing a substitutionary payment for sin to restore fellowship with a holy God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Atonement (Hebrew, _kâphar'_):** This verb signifies "to cover," "to expiate or condone," "to placate or cancel," and "to make reconciliation." In the context of the Mosaic sacrificial system, it refers to the ritual act by which sin is covered or removed, thereby appeasing God's righteous wrath and restoring a right relationship between the holy God and His sinful people. It implies a legal and spiritual transaction that addresses the defilement and guilt of sin, making reconciliation possible.
* **Ignorance (Hebrew, _shᵉgâgâh'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to err" or "to go astray," this noun specifically refers to "a mistake or inadvertent transgression," an "error," or an act committed "unwittingly." This term is crucial as it differentiates sins committed by oversight, accident, or lack of full awareness from those committed with deliberate defiance or malicious intent. It implies a deviation from God's law that is not born of rebellion but of human frailty or inadvertence.
* **Sin offering (Hebrew, _chaṭṭâʼâh'_):** This specific type of offering was prescribed for purification from "an offence" and its "penalty," serving as a "sacrifice, or expiation" or "purifying(-fication for sin)." The animal's blood, representing its life, was applied to the altar, symbolizing the transfer of sin and the covering of guilt. It was not merely a symbolic act but a divinely ordained means of cleansing and reconciliation for specific transgressions, particularly unintentional ones.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the priest shall make an atonement for all the congregation of the children of Israel,"**: This opening clause unequivocally establishes the central and indispensable role of the priest as the divinely appointed mediator. The act of "making atonement" is a ritual process performed by the priest on behalf of the entire community, emphasizing the corporate nature of the sin and the collective need for reconciliation with God. The phrase "all the congregation of the children of Israel" highlights the comprehensive scope of this atonement, indicating that the sin of ignorance affected the entire covenant people and required a corporate remedy.
* **"and it shall be forgiven them; for it [is] ignorance:"**: This segment explains the immediate outcome and the underlying rationale for the atonement. The direct result of the priestly action, facilitated by the prescribed offerings, is divine forgiveness. The crucial qualifier "for it [is] ignorance" (or "through error") underscores that this specific provision applies exclusively to sins committed unintentionally, distinguishing them sharply from willful transgressions that carried different, often more severe, consequences. This demonstrates God's profound mercy extended towards human frailty and oversight, providing a path for restoration even when His commands are inadvertently broken.
* **"and they shall bring their offering, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD, and their sin offering before the LORD, for their ignorance:"**: This final clause specifies the required actions and offerings from the congregation that enable the priestly atonement. The "offering, a sacrifice made by fire" refers to a burnt offering (olah), symbolizing complete dedication and propitiation. The "sin offering" (chaṭṭâʼâh) is explicitly mentioned as the primary means of purification for the specific sin of ignorance. The repetition of "for their ignorance" powerfully reinforces the precise nature of the transgression being addressed and the targeted purpose of these particular sacrifices, ensuring clarity regarding the application of this law.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 15:25 employs several literary devices to convey its crucial legal and theological directives with clarity and emphasis. The most prominent is **Legal Prescription**, as the verse functions as a direct command or instruction within the Mosaic Law, meticulously detailing a specific ritual procedure. This is characterized by imperative verbs and clear, concise language that outlines roles and actions ("the priest shall make," "they shall bring"). **Repetition** is also significantly evident, particularly in the phrase "for their ignorance," which appears twice within the verse. This strategic repetition serves to underscore the specific condition under which this atonement applies, distinguishing it definitively from other categories of sin and emphasizing the divine differentiation between types of transgressions. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Ritualistic Language**, describing the precise actions of the priest and the nature of the offerings ("sacrifice made by fire," "sin offering"). These terms are deeply embedded in the cultic practices of ancient Israel, evoking the solemnity, sacredness, and precise requirements of the atonement process, reinforcing its divine origin and significance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 15:25 profoundly illustrates God's intricate and merciful system for maintaining holiness within His covenant community, even amidst human fallibility. It reveals a God who is simultaneously just, demanding atonement for all sin, and merciful, providing a path for reconciliation even for unintentional transgressions. This provision underscores the absolute necessity of a covering for sin, regardless of its intentionality, because any deviation from God's perfect standard pollutes the covenant relationship and defiles the holy space where God dwells. The corporate nature of the sin and atonement also highlights God's concern for the holiness of the entire community, not just individuals, emphasizing the interconnectedness of His people. This elaborate system of sacrifices, particularly for sins of ignorance, foreshadows the ultimate, perfect sacrifice that would fully and finally deal with all forms of sin, providing a complete and eternal cleansing.

* [Leviticus 4:13-21](/leviticus/4-13-21 "Leviticus 4:13-21 - Sin Offering for the Whole Congregation")
* [Hebrews 9:7](/hebrews/9-7 "Hebrews 9:7 - The High Priest and Sins of Ignorance")
* [Acts 17:30](/acts/17-30 "Acts 17:30 - God Overlooks Times of Ignorance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 15:25 offers profound spiritual lessons for believers today, reminding us of the enduring truth that all sin, even that committed unknowingly, creates a barrier between us and a holy God and ultimately requires atonement. While we are no longer under the Old Covenant sacrificial system, this verse deepens our appreciation for God's meticulous provision for forgiveness and His unwavering commitment to a pure and restored relationship with His people. It challenges us to cultivate a humble and contrite heart, acknowledging our inherent sinfulness and our capacity for unintentional wrongdoing, recognizing that our understanding of God's will is imperfect. We are called to be vigilant in our walk, to grow continually in our understanding of God's Word, and to quickly confess any sin that the Holy Spirit brings to our awareness, trusting implicitly in the perfect and complete atonement provided by Christ. This passage also subtly reminds us of our corporate responsibility as the body of Christ; the spiritual health, purity, and witness of the church are profoundly impacted by the collective actions and attitudes of its members, calling us to mutual accountability and prayer for one another.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Numbers 15:25 highlight the seriousness of all sin, even unintentional sin, in God's eyes?**
* **What does the requirement for corporate atonement teach us about the interconnectedness and responsibility within a community of faith today?**
* **How does understanding God's provision for "ignorance" under the Old Covenant deepen your appreciation for the comprehensive nature of Christ's sacrifice?**
* **In what ways might we today commit "sins of ignorance," and how should we respond to them in light of the New Covenant's provision?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between an "unintentional sin" and a "presumptuous sin" in the Mosaic Law?**

Answer: The Mosaic Law meticulously distinguished between these two categories of sin, with vastly different consequences. An "unintentional sin" (Hebrew: *shᵉgâgâh*) refers to a transgression committed by error, oversight, or without malicious intent. This includes sins committed unknowingly, accidentally, or through a lapse in judgment. For such sins, as seen in [Numbers 15:25](/numbers/15-25 "Numbers 15:25 - Corporate Atonement for Ignorance") and [Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - Laws for Sin Offerings"), God graciously provided a path to atonement through specific sacrifices like the sin offering. In contrast, a "presumptuous sin" (Hebrew: *yad ramah*, literally "with a high hand") signifies a deliberate, defiant, and rebellious act against God's explicit commands. This is a sin committed with full knowledge and willful intent to disobey or challenge God's authority. For presumptuous sins, [Numbers 15:30-31](/numbers/15-30-31 "Numbers 15:30-31 - Presumptuous Sins and Their Consequences") states there was no prescribed sacrifice; instead, the person who committed such a sin was to be "cut off from among his people," implying excommunication or even divine judgment leading to death, because they had "despised the word of the LORD."

**Why did even unintentional sins require atonement under the Old Covenant?**

Answer: Even unintentional sins required atonement because God is absolutely holy, and any deviation from His perfect standard, whether intentional or not, constitutes a breach of His law and defiles the covenant community. Sin, by its very nature, creates a barrier between a holy God and humanity. The Old Covenant sacrificial system, including provisions like [Numbers 15:25](/numbers/15-25 "Numbers 15:25 - Corporate Atonement for Ignorance"), underscored that sin's defiling power was so pervasive that it even extended to acts committed in ignorance. This principle highlighted the gravity of sin itself, not just the intent behind it, and God's unwavering commitment to maintaining purity within His presence. It also served as a constant reminder that human beings, in their fallen state, are inherently prone to sin and always in need of divine grace and a covering for their transgressions to approach a holy God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 15:25, with its meticulous provision for corporate atonement for sins committed in ignorance, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament priest, who mediated forgiveness through the repeated offering of animal sacrifices, serves as a powerful type pointing to Christ as our [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our Great High Priest"). Unlike the Levitical priests who offered sacrifices repeatedly and for their own sins, Jesus offered Himself as the [once-for-all, perfect sacrifice](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice"), dealing definitively with all sin—both intentional and unintentional. His precious blood, shed on the cross, provides a superior and eternal atonement, not merely covering sin but profoundly [taking it away](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The forgiveness granted for "ignorance" in Numbers 15:25 foreshadows the comprehensive nature of Christ's redemptive work, which cleanses believers from all unrighteousness, including those sins of which we may not even be aware ([1 John 1:7-9](/1_john/1-7-9 "1 John 1:7-9 - Confession and Cleansing")). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Christ has made full and complete reconciliation possible, enabling us to approach God with confidence, knowing that our sins, whether known or unknown, are fully forgiven and our relationship with God is eternally restored ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")).

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 4:20

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.