Numbers 15:28

KJV

And the priest shall make an atonement for the soul that sinneth ignorantly, when he sinneth by ignorance before the LORD, to make an atonement for him; and it shall be forgiven him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the priest {H3548} shall make an atonement {H3722} for the soul {H5315} that sinneth ignorantly {H7683}, when he sinneth {H2398} by ignorance {H7684} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}, to make an atonement {H3722} for him; and it shall be forgiven {H5545} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

The cohen will make atonement before ADONAI for the person who makes a mistake by sinning inadvertently; he will make atonement for him, and he will be forgiven -

Berean Standard Bible

And the priest shall make atonement before the LORD on behalf of the person who erred by sinning unintentionally; and when atonement has been made for him, he will be forgiven.

American Standard Version

And the priest shall make atonement for the soul that erreth, when he sinneth unwittingly, before Jehovah, to make atonement for him; and he shall be forgiven.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 15:28 outlines God's gracious provision for the individual Israelite who commits an unintentional sin, emphasizing the crucial role of the priest in performing the necessary atonement ritual. This verse reveals God's meticulous care for His covenant people, ensuring a pathway for reconciliation and forgiveness for errors committed in ignorance, thereby maintaining the sanctity of the community and the individual's relationship with the LORD.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 15:28 is situated within a broader section (Numbers 15:22-31) that details laws concerning unintentional sins committed by the community or by individuals. This passage immediately follows instructions regarding various offerings and vows, serving to underscore the importance of maintaining ritual and moral purity within the covenant community. The specific focus on "ignorant" sin in verses 22-29 stands in stark contrast to the severe consequences prescribed for "presumptuous" or "high-handed" sins in [Numbers 15:30-31](/numbers/15-30 "Numbers 15:30-31 - Presumptuous Sin"), for which no sacrifice was acceptable. This juxtaposition highlights God's nuanced justice, distinguishing between human fallibility and defiant rebellion, and providing a merciful pathway for the former while condemning the latter. The broader book of [Numbers](/numbers/1 "The Book of Numbers") chronicles Israel's journey through the wilderness, emphasizing the establishment of divine laws and the maintenance of a holy relationship with God as they prepared to enter the Promised Land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** These laws were given to the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings, a period of foundational instruction for a people being shaped into a holy nation. The tabernacle, as the central place of worship and God's dwelling, was paramount, and the Levitical priesthood served as the divinely appointed mediators between God and His people. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, sin often carried both moral and ritual implications, affecting not only the individual's standing but also the purity of the community and the land. The concept of "atonement" (Hebrew _kaphar_) was central to maintaining this purity and restoring fractured relationships. The detailed instructions for various sacrifices, including those for unintentional sins, underscore the holiness of God and the seriousness of any deviation from His commands, even if accidental, within the covenant framework. These rituals provided a tangible means for the people to acknowledge their sin, seek forgiveness, and be restored to fellowship.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 15:28 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Provision and Mercy**, demonstrating God's understanding of human frailty and His willingness to provide a means for reconciliation even for sins committed unknowingly. Secondly, it highlights the **Necessity of Atonement**, emphasizing that all sin, regardless of intent, creates a breach that requires a divine remedy, which, under the Old Covenant, was mediated through sacrifice. Thirdly, the **Role of the Priesthood** is central, as the priest is the divinely appointed agent through whom atonement is made, underscoring the sacred nature of approaching God and the need for an intermediary. Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of **God's Justice and Forgiveness**, showing that while sin has consequences, God is also ready to forgive those who follow His prescribed path, distinguishing between unintentional error and deliberate rebellion, as seen in the contrast with [Numbers 15:30](/numbers/15-30 "Numbers 15:30 - Presumptuous Sin").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Atonement (Hebrew, _kaphar_):** This verb, used twice in the verse, fundamentally means "to cover," "to purge," "to make propitiation," or "to reconcile." In the context of the sacrificial system, it refers to the ritual act by which sin is covered or purged, allowing for the restoration of a right relationship with God. It signifies the removal of divine wrath and the re-establishment of fellowship, making the sinner acceptable in God's sight. It is not merely a symbolic covering but an efficacious act that facilitates divine forgiveness.
* **Ignorantly (Hebrew, _bishgagah_):** Derived from the root _shagag_, meaning "to err," "to go astray," or "to make a mistake." When used with the preposition _bi_ (by/in), _bishgagah_ specifically denotes an action committed "by error," "unintentionally," "inadvertently," or "without knowing." This term is crucial as it distinguishes sins of oversight or unintentional transgression from those committed with a "high hand" (Hebrew _yad ramah_), which implies defiant, willful rebellion against God's known commands. The provision of atonement is specifically for this category of unintentional sin.
* **Soul (Hebrew, _nephesh_):** While often translated "soul," _nephesh_ here refers to the individual person, the living being, or the self. It emphasizes that the sin is committed by a specific individual and that the atonement is for that person. The focus is on the personal responsibility and the individual's need for reconciliation with God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the priest shall make an atonement":** This clause highlights the indispensable role of the Aaronic priesthood in the Mosaic covenant. The priest was the divinely appointed mediator, performing the specific rituals (e.g., offering a sacrifice, sprinkling blood) that God had prescribed for the covering of sin. The efficacy of the atonement was not in the human act itself but in God's ordained system and His acceptance of the ritual performed by His chosen representative.
* **"for the soul that sinneth ignorantly, when he sinneth by ignorance before the LORD":** This specifies the recipient and nature of the sin. "The soul" refers to any individual Israelite. The repetition of "sinneth ignorantly" and "by ignorance" underscores the unintentional nature of the transgression. It is not a sin committed with deliberate defiance or malicious intent, but rather an error, an oversight, or a mistake. The phrase "before the LORD" emphasizes that even unintentional sins are known to God and affect one's standing in His holy presence, necessitating a divine remedy.
* **"to make an atonement for him; and it shall be forgiven him.":** The first part reiterates the purpose of the priestly action – to achieve atonement for the individual. The repetition of "make an atonement" emphasizes the certainty and effectiveness of the prescribed ritual. The culminating phrase, "and it shall be forgiven him," reveals the ultimate divine outcome. The purpose of the entire process is genuine divine forgiveness, restoring the individual to a right relationship with God and removing the guilt associated with the unintentional transgression. This demonstrates God's mercy and His desire for His people to remain in fellowship with Him.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. **Repetition** is prominent, particularly with the phrase "make an atonement" and "sinneth ignorantly/by ignorance." This repetition serves to emphasize the critical nature of the atonement process and to clearly define the specific type of sin being addressed. It underscores the divine provision and the certainty of forgiveness when the prescribed ritual is followed. The overall tone is **Prescriptive** and **Legal**, characteristic of the Mosaic Law, providing clear instructions and consequences within the covenant framework. This didactic style ensures no ambiguity regarding the required actions and their outcomes. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** at play within the broader chapter, setting the provision for unintentional sin against the lack of provision for presumptuous sin (Numbers 15:30-31). This contrast highlights God's discerning justice, distinguishing between human error and willful rebellion, and revealing His mercy towards the former.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 15:28 is a profound testament to God's character, revealing His holiness, justice, and profound mercy. It establishes that all sin, even if unintentional, creates a breach in the relationship with a holy God and requires a divinely appointed remedy. The detailed sacrificial system, of which this verse is a part, served as a pedagogical tool, teaching Israel the gravity of sin and the necessity of a blood covering for forgiveness. These Old Covenant rituals, however, were temporary and imperfect, requiring constant repetition because they could only "cover" sin, not truly take it away. They served as a shadow, pointing forward to the ultimate and perfect sacrifice. The concept of atonement for unintentional sin also highlights God's understanding of human fallibility and His desire to maintain fellowship with His people, providing a pathway for restoration when they stumbled inadvertently.

* [Leviticus 4:27-31](/leviticus/4-27 "Leviticus 4:27-31 - Sin Offering for an Individual") - Details the specific sin offering for an individual who sins unintentionally.
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Necessity of Blood for Forgiveness") - States that "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins," underscoring the universal principle of atonement.
* [Romans 3:23-25](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23-25 - Justification Through Christ's Atonement") - Explains that all have sinned and fall short of God's glory, but are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus, whom God presented as a sacrifice of atonement.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific sacrificial rituals of the Old Testament are no longer binding for believers today, Numbers 15:28 offers timeless theological truths that profoundly shape our understanding of God, sin, and salvation. It reveals a God who is both perfectly holy, requiring a remedy for every sin, and infinitely merciful, providing a way for reconciliation even when we err unknowingly. This should cultivate a deep sense of humility and gratitude within us, recognizing that our own fallibility and proneness to sin, even in thought or omission, still require divine grace. It compels us to diligently seek to understand and obey God's will, knowing that even unintentional transgressions affect our walk with Him. Ultimately, this passage directs our gaze to the perfect and final atonement accomplished by Jesus Christ, reminding us that His sacrifice covers all our sins—known and unknown, intentional and unintentional—providing a complete and eternal forgiveness that the Old Covenant sacrifices could only foreshadow. Our response should be one of humble reliance on His finished work and a life lived in grateful obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's provision for unintentional sin in Numbers 15:28 reveal His character, particularly His mercy and justice?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the seriousness of *all* sin, even those committed in ignorance, in the eyes of a holy God?**
* **How does understanding the Old Testament's provision for unintentional sin deepen our appreciation for the complete and final atonement of Jesus Christ?**

### FAQ

**What is the difference between "ignorant" and "presumptuous" sin in the Old Testament?**

Answer: In the Old Testament, particularly within the Mosaic Law, a crucial distinction is made between "ignorant" (Hebrew _bishgagah_) and "presumptuous" (Hebrew _yad ramah_, literally "with a high hand") sins. An "ignorant" sin, as described in [Numbers 15:28](/numbers/15-28 "Numbers 15:28 - Atonement for Ignorant Sin"), is one committed unintentionally, inadvertently, or through oversight. These were sins where the individual was unaware they were violating a command, or they committed it by mistake. For such sins, God mercifully provided a pathway for atonement through specific sacrifices, as detailed in [Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - Sin Offerings"). In contrast, a "presumptuous" sin, mentioned in [Numbers 15:30-31](/numbers/15-30 "Numbers 15:30-31 - Presumptuous Sin"), is committed with full knowledge, deliberate intent, and often with a defiant attitude against God's revealed will. It is an act of open rebellion. For these "high-handed" sins, no sacrifice was prescribed; instead, the individual was to be "cut off from among his people," signifying severe judgment, often death or excommunication, because they had despised the word of the LORD. This distinction highlights God's nuanced justice, offering mercy for human fallibility while condemning willful rebellion.

**Does this verse mean unintentional sins are less serious to God?**

Answer: While God provided a different remedy for unintentional sins compared to presumptuous ones, it does not mean that unintentional sins were considered trivial or inconsequential. All sin, by its very nature, is a transgression against God's holy character and His perfect law, and thus it separates humanity from Him. Numbers 15:28, by requiring an atonement for ignorant sin, underscores that even sins committed unknowingly still require a divine remedy to restore fellowship and remove guilt. The distinction lies not in the inherent seriousness of the sin's impact on God's holiness, but in the sinner's intent and attitude. God, in His mercy, provided a means for reconciliation for those who erred without malicious intent, demonstrating His desire for His people to remain in communion with Him, even amidst their human imperfections.

**How does this Old Testament law apply to Christians today?**

Answer: Numbers 15:28, like much of the Old Testament sacrificial law, does not apply literally to Christians today because the entire system was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. However, its underlying theological principles remain profoundly relevant. Firstly, it teaches us about God's unchanging character: His absolute holiness, which demands a remedy for all sin (even unintentional ones), and His boundless mercy, which provides that remedy. Secondly, it highlights the universal truth that sin, in all its forms, separates us from God and requires atonement. Thirdly, and most importantly, it serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the perfect and final atonement accomplished by Jesus Christ. The repeated, temporary sacrifices for ignorant sins pointed to the "once for all" sacrifice of Christ, who perfectly atoned for all sins—intentional and unintentional—for those who believe in Him. Thus, it deepens our appreciation for the sufficiency and completeness of Christ's work on the cross.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 15:28, with its provision for atonement for unintentional sins, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament priest, making atonement for the "soul that sinneth ignorantly," was a type and shadow of Christ, our great High Priest, who "has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself" ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). The temporary, repeated sacrifices for sins committed in ignorance pointed to the singular, eternal, and all-sufficient sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. His blood, unlike that of bulls and goats, truly cleanses us from all sin, including those we commit unknowingly or inadvertently, because His atonement is perfect and comprehensive ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption") and [Hebrews 10:14](/hebrews/10-14 "Hebrews 10:14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Through Christ, we have a mediator who not only atoned for our sins but also continually intercedes for us before the Father ([1 John 2:1-2](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1-2 - Christ Our Advocate")). Thus, Numbers 15:28 beautifully anticipates the boundless grace and complete forgiveness offered to us through the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, covering every transgression, known and unknown, by the power of His once-for-all sacrifice ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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 4:35

And he shall take away all the fat thereof, as the fat of the lamb is taken away from the sacrifice of the peace offerings; and the priest shall burn them upon the altar, according to the offerings made by fire unto the LORD: and the priest shall make an atonement for his sin that he hath committed, and it shall be forgiven him.