Lexical Summary agnoéma: Error, sin of ignorance, mistake Original Word: ἀγνόημα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance a sin of ignoranceFrom agnoeo; a thing ignored, i.e. Shortcoming -- error. see GREEK agnoeo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom agnoeó Definition a sin of ignorance NASB Translation ignorance (1), sins (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 51: ἀγνόημαἀγνόημα (τος τό, a sin (strictly, that committed through ignorance or thoughtlessness (A. V. error)): Hebrews 9:7 (1 Macc. 13:39; Tobit 3:3; Sir. 23:2); cf. ἀγνοέω, c. (and Trench, § lxvi.). Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope The noun ἀγνόημα (plural genitive ἀγνοημάτων) denotes “sins committed in ignorance,” actions that violate God’s will without conscious rebellion. Although unintended, they remain genuine transgressions that alienate the sinner from God and call for atonement. Old Testament Background The Torah distinguishes unintentional offences from high-handed rebellion. Leviticus 4 and 5 outline specific sin offerings “when someone sins unintentionally” (Leviticus 4:2). Numbers 15:22-29 provides corporate and individual procedures for such cases, while Numbers 15:30-31 contrasts willful defiance, for which no sacrifice is prescribed. Psalm 19:12 prays, “Who can discern his own errors? Cleanse me from my hidden faults,” revealing an awareness that sins of ignorance lurk even in the godliest life. The Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16) climaxed the sacrificial calendar by covering the accumulated, often unknown, defilements of the nation. Hebrews 9:7 and the Day of Atonement Hebrews 9:7 recalls that “only the high priest entered the second room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins committed in ignorance by the people.” By selecting ἀγνοημάτων, the writer pinpoints the Levitical focus on unintentional defilement. The annual restriction and repeated sacrifice underscore Old-Covenant insufficiency: access to God was limited, conscience was never finally cleansed, and the people remained dependent on a mediator who himself needed atonement. Theological Significance 1. Universality of Guilt. Even sincere worshipers transgress unknowingly; holiness demands satisfaction for every offence. Christ’s Fulfillment “Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come… He entered the greater and more perfect tabernacle… not by the blood of goats and calves but by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:11-12). His sacrifice accomplishes what the Day of Atonement only anticipated: “how much more will the blood of Christ… cleanse our consciences from dead works to serve the living God?” (Hebrews 9:14). The once-for-all offering covers both known and unknown sins, granting confident access to the Father (Hebrews 10:19-22). Pastoral and Practical Implications • Self-Examination: Believers pray with David, “Search me, O God” (Psalm 139:23-24), trusting the Spirit to expose hidden faults. Historical Church Understanding Early liturgies routinely confess “sins voluntary and involuntary, in knowledge and in ignorance,” reflecting Hebrews 9:7. Augustine distinguished “sins of infirmity” from obstinate rebellion; Gregory the Great urged pastors to teach penitents about hidden faults. Reformation catechisms retained daily confession for unknown transgressions, affirming continual dependence on Christ’s priesthood. Related Concepts and Cross-References Leviticus 4; 5:14-19; 16; Numbers 15:22-29; Psalm 19:12; Psalm 139:23-24; Luke 23:34; Acts 3:17; 17:30; 1 Timothy 1:13; Hebrews 10:26-29; 1 John 1:5-10. Summary ἀγνόημα in Hebrews 9:7 encapsulates Scripture’s teaching that sins of ignorance are real, costly, and beyond human self-remedy. The Old-Covenant provisions highlighted the need; the New Covenant in Christ supplies the perfect, eternal answer, freeing the conscience and empowering grateful service to God. Forms and Transliterations αγνόημά αγνοηματων αγνοημάτων ἀγνοημάτων agnoematon agnoemáton agnoēmatōn agnoēmátōnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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