from שָׁגַג; a mistake or inadvertent transgression; error, ignorance, at unawares; unwittingly.
Transliteration:shᵉgâgâh
Pronunciation:sheg-aw-gaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun שְׁגָגָה (shᵉgâgâh, `{{H7684}}`) derives from the verbal root שָׁגַג (shâgag, `{{H7686}}`), meaning "to err," "to go astray," or "to commit an error unintentionally." Therefore, the core meaning of שְׁגָגָה is an "unintentional transgression," a "mistake," or an "error."
Its semantic range encompasses:
* **Inadvertence:** The primary nuance is that the action is not deliberate or premeditated. It is committed "unwittingly" or "at unawares."
* **Ignorance:** Sometimes, שְׁגָגָה implies an error due to a lack of knowledge concerning the law or the specific circumstances, though not necessarily culpable ignorance that would warrant a more severe judgment.
* **Mistake/Blunder:** It can refer to a simple misstep or oversight that deviates from what is right or expected, even if not inherently malicious.
Crucially, שְׁגָגָה stands in stark contrast to intentional, "high-handed," or "presumptuous" sin (זָדוֹן, `{{H2086}}`), which carries a significantly different legal and theological weight in biblical law.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term שְׁגָגָה appears predominantly in the legal and cultic texts of the Pentateuch, particularly in Leviticus and Numbers, where it defines the nature of certain sins requiring specific atonement.
* **Leviticus 4:2, 13, 22, 27; 5:15, 18:** These passages are foundational for understanding שְׁגָגָה. They outline the requirements for the "sin offering" (חַטָּאת, `{{H2403}}`) when an individual or the community commits an unintentional sin. The repeated phrase "if anyone sins by שְׁגָגָה" highlights that even errors committed without malicious intent still defile and necessitate a prescribed ritual for cleansing and restoration of covenant standing. This demonstrates that sin, even unintentional, has objective consequences within the covenant relationship.
* **Numbers 15:24, 27, 28, 29:** Numbers 15 reinforces the provisions for unintentional sins, both corporate and individual. This chapter explicitly contrasts שְׁגָגָה with "presumptuous sin" (literally, "with a high hand," בְּיָד רָמָה, `{{H3027}}`). While שְׁגָגָה allowed for atonement through sacrifice, presumptuous sin, characterized by defiant rebellion against God's command, resulted in the offender being "cut off from among his people" ([[Numbers 15:30-31]]), having no provision for atonement. This distinction is vital for understanding divine justice.
* **Numbers 35:11, 15; Joshua 20:3, 9:** In the context of cities of refuge, שְׁגָגָה is used to describe unintentional homicide. One who killed another "unwittingly" or "by שְׁגָגָה" could flee to these cities for protection from the avenger of blood ([[Numbers 35:11]]). This legal provision underscores God's meticulous justice, which differentiates between deliberate murder and accidental death, offering a sanctuary for the one who erred unintentionally.
* **Ecclesiastes 5:6 (Hebrew 5:5):** "Let not your mouth lead you into שְׁגָגָה." Here, שְׁגָגָה refers to a verbal error or mistake, specifically in the context of making a rash vow or failing to fulfill one. This application extends the concept beyond ritual or criminal law to personal conduct and the consequences of careless speech before God.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **שָׁגַג (shâgag, `{{H7686}}`):** The verbal root from which שְׁגָגָה is derived, meaning "to err unintentionally." The noun represents the resulting error or mistake.
* **חָטָא (chata', `{{H2398}}`) / חַטָּאת (chatta't, `{{H2403}}`):** The most common word for "sin" and "sin offering." While חָטָא can broadly refer to missing the mark (and thus encompass both intentional and unintentional sin), שְׁגָגָה specifically qualifies the nature of the חַטָּאת in many Old Testament contexts as an unintentional transgression requiring atonement.
* **עָוֹן (avon, `{{H5771}}`):** "Iniquity," "guilt," or "punishment for sin." This term often emphasizes the perversion or crookedness of an act and the guilt incurred, regardless of intent. While שְׁגָגָה focuses on the unintentional nature of the act, עָוֹן often highlights its inherent wrongness and consequences.
* **פֶּשַׁע (pesha', `{{H6588}}`):** "Transgression," "rebellion." This term typically denotes a deliberate breaking of a covenant or a rebellious act against authority. It stands in stark contrast to שְׁגָגָה, emphasizing a willful defiance rather than an inadvertent mistake.
* **זָדוֹן (zadon, `{{H2086}}`):** "Presumptuous sin," "pride," "arrogance." This word is explicitly contrasted with שְׁגָגָה in Numbers 15, signifying a sin committed with full knowledge, defiance, and contempt for God's law, for which no sacrifice was provided.
### Theological Significance
The concept of שְׁגָגָה carries profound theological implications for understanding God's character, the pervasive nature of sin, and the provisions for atonement within the Old Covenant.
* **God's Justice and Mercy:** The distinction between unintentional and intentional sin reveals God's meticulous justice. He holds individuals accountable for all deviations from His law, even those committed in ignorance or by mistake, recognizing that such actions still defile and disrupt covenant purity. Yet, His mercy is profoundly evident in providing a specific means of atonement (the sin offering) for שְׁגָגָה, a provision conspicuously absent for presumptuous sin. This demonstrates His desire for reconciliation and restoration for those who err without malicious intent.
* **Holiness of God and the Covenant:** The necessity of atonement for שְׁגָגָה underscores the absolute holiness of God and the seriousness of the covenant. Any breach, no matter how minor or unintended, compromises the purity required for fellowship with a holy God. The intricate sacrificial system for שְׁגָגָה served to cleanse the community and individuals from defilement, thereby maintaining the integrity and sanctity of the covenant relationship.
* **Human Imperfection and Sin's Pervasiveness:** The frequent mention of שְׁגָגָה in the legal codes acknowledges human fallibility. Even the most devout and well-intentioned individuals are prone to error, ignorance, and inadvertent transgression. This highlights the pervasive nature of sin, not merely as deliberate rebellion, but as an inherent aspect of the fallen human condition that necessitates divine grace and provision for cleansing.
* **Anticipation of Christ's Atonement:** While the Old Testament sacrifices for שְׁגָגָה provided temporary and repeated cleansing, they pointed forward to the ultimate and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The New Testament teaches that Christ's once-for-all sacrifice atones for all sins, including those committed out of ignorance or weakness, providing a complete and final cleansing that the Old Covenant system could not achieve. The writer of Hebrews speaks of Christ as a merciful and faithful high priest who made "propitiation for the sins of the people" ([[Hebrews 2:17]]), and who "is able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him" ([[Hebrews 7:25]]). His sacrifice covers the full spectrum of human sinfulness, including the unwitting errors represented by שְׁגָגָה.
### Summary
שְׁגָגָה (shᵉgâgâh, `{{H7684}}`) is a pivotal Hebrew term denoting an "error," "mistake," or "inadvertent transgression," emphasizing the unintentional nature of an act that deviates from God's law. Predominantly found in the Pentateuch, it precisely defines the type of sin for which the "sin offering" (חַטָּאת) was prescribed, distinguishing it sharply from defiant, "high-handed" sin (זָדוֹן). Its usage in the context of cities of refuge further illustrates its meaning of unintentional harm. Theologically, שְׁגָגָה illuminates God's nuanced justice and abundant mercy, His absolute holiness demanding atonement for all breaches, and the inherent fallibility of humanity. It underscores the pervasive nature of sin beyond deliberate rebellion and foreshadows the comprehensive and perfect atonement provided by Jesus Christ for all human failings.
TRV