Leviticus 4:2
New International Version
“Say to the Israelites: ‘When anyone sins unintentionally and does what is forbidden in any of the LORD’s commands—

New Living Translation
“Give the following instructions to the people of Israel. This is how you are to deal with those who sin unintentionally by doing anything that violates one of the LORD’s commands.

English Standard Version
“Speak to the people of Israel, saying, If anyone sins unintentionally in any of the LORD’s commandments about things not to be done, and does any one of them,

Berean Standard Bible
“Tell the Israelites to do as follows with one who sins unintentionally against any of the LORD’s commandments and does what is forbidden by them:

King James Bible
Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a soul shall sin through ignorance against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which ought not to be done, and shall do against any of them:

New King James Version
“Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘If a person sins unintentionally against any of the commandments of the LORD in anything which ought not to be done, and does any of them,

New American Standard Bible
“Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘If a person sins unintentionally in any of the things which the LORD has commanded not to be done, and commits any of them,

NASB 1995
“Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘If a person sins unintentionally in any of the things which the LORD has commanded not to be done, and commits any of them,

NASB 1977
“Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘If a person sins unintentionally in any of the things which the LORD has commanded not to be done, and commits any of them,

Legacy Standard Bible
“Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘If a person sins unintentionally in any of the things which Yahweh has commanded not to be done, and he does any one of them,

Amplified Bible
“Speak to the children of Israel, ‘If a person sins unintentionally in any of the things which the LORD has commanded not to be done, and commits any of them—

Christian Standard Bible
“Tell the Israelites: When someone sins unintentionally against any of the LORD’s commands and does anything prohibited by them —

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Tell the Israelites: When someone sins unintentionally against any of the LORD’s commands and does anything prohibited by them—”

American Standard Version
Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If any one shall sin unwittingly, in any of the things which Jehovah hath commanded not to be done, and shall do any one of them:

Contemporary English Version
to say to the community of Israel: Offer a sacrifice to ask forgiveness when you sin by accidentally doing something I have told you not to do.

English Revised Version
Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If any one shall sin unwittingly, in any of the things which the LORD hath commanded not to be done, and shall do any one of them:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Tell the Israelites: If a person unintentionally does something wrong-even one thing that is forbidden by any of the LORD's commands-this is what he must do.

Good News Translation
to tell the people of Israel that anyone who sinned and broke any of the LORD's commands without intending to, would have to observe the following rules.

International Standard Version
"Speak to the Israelis and tell them that if a person inadvertently sins with respect to any of the LORD's commands that should not be violated, but nevertheless he disobeys one of them,

Majority Standard Bible
?Tell the Israelites to do as follows with one who sins unintentionally against any of the LORD?s commandments and does what is forbidden by them:

NET Bible
"Tell the Israelites, 'When a person sins by straying unintentionally from any of the Lord's commandments which must not be violated, and violates any one of them--

New Heart English Bible
"Speak to the children of Israel, saying, 'If anyone sins unintentionally, in any of the things which the LORD has commanded not to be done, and does any one of them:

Webster's Bible Translation
Speak to the children of Israel, saying, If a soul shall sin through ignorance against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which ought not to be done, and shall violate any of them:

World English Bible
“Speak to the children of Israel, saying, ‘If anyone sins unintentionally, in any of the things which Yahweh has commanded not to be done, and does any one of them,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
“Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, When a person sins through ignorance against any of the commands of YHWH [regarding things] which are not to be done, and has done [something] against one of these—

Young's Literal Translation
Speak unto the sons of Israel, saying, When a person doth sin through ignorance against any of the commands of Jehovah regarding things which are not to be done, and hath done something against one of these --

Smith's Literal Translation
Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, When a soul shall sin in error from all the commands of Jehovah which shall not be done, and doing from after any of them:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Say to the children of Israel: The soul that sinneth through ignorance, and doth any thing concerning any of the commandments of the Lord, which he commanded not to be done:

Catholic Public Domain Version
Say to the sons of Israel: The soul which will have sinned through ignorance, and concerning any of the commandments of the Lord that he instructed not to be done, if anything at all has been done:

New American Bible
Tell the Israelites: When a person inadvertently does wrong by violating any one of the LORD’s prohibitions—

New Revised Standard Version
Speak to the people of Israel, saying: When anyone sins unintentionally in any of the LORD’s commandments about things not to be done, and does any one of them:
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Speak to the children of Israel, saying, If a person shall sin through ignorance against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which ought not to be done, and shall do any one of them;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
"Speak with the children of Israel and say to them: 'The soul, when it will sin in forgetfulness of any of the commandments of LORD JEHOVAH that are not done, and will do one of them:
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Speak unto the children of Israel, saying: If any one shall sin through error, in any of the things which the LORD hath commanded not to be done, and shall do any one of them:

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Speak to the children of Israel, saying, If a soul shall sin unwillingly before the Lord, in any of the commandments of the Lord concerning things which he ought not to do, and shall do some of them;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Laws for Sin Offerings
1Then the LORD said to Moses, 2“Tell the Israelites to do as follows with one who sins unintentionally against any of the LORD’s commandments and does what is forbidden by them: 3If the anointed priest sins, bringing guilt on the people, he must bring to the LORD a young bull without blemish as a sin offering for the sin he has committed.…

Cross References
Hebrews 9:7
But only the high priest entered the second room, and then only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance.

Hebrews 9:22
According to the law, in fact, nearly everything must be purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

Numbers 15:27-29
Also, if one person sins unintentionally, he is to present a year-old female goat as a sin offering. / 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. / You shall have the same law for the one who acts in error, whether he is a native-born Israelite or a foreigner residing among you.

Hebrews 10:26
If we deliberately go on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins remains,

1 John 1:8-10
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. / If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. / If we say we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar, and His word is not in us.

Romans 3:23
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Hebrews 5:2
He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and misguided, since he himself is subject to weakness.

Numbers 15:24-25
and if it was done unintentionally without the knowledge of the congregation, then the whole congregation is to prepare one young bull as a burnt offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD, with its grain offering and drink offering according to the regulation, and one male goat as a sin offering. / 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 a food offering and a sin offering, presented before the LORD for their unintentional sin.

1 Timothy 1:13
I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy.

James 4:17
Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do, yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin.

Romans 7:15-20
I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do not do. But what I hate, I do. / And if I do what I do not want to do, I admit that the law is good. / In that case, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. ...

Luke 23:34
Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots.

Acts 3:17
And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders.

Acts 17:30
Although God overlooked the ignorance of earlier times, He now commands all people everywhere to repent.

Psalm 19:12
Who can discern his own errors? Cleanse me from my hidden faults.


Treasury of Scripture

Speak to the children of Israel, saying, If a soul shall sin through ignorance against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which ought not to be done, and shall do against any of them:

through

Leviticus 5:15,17
If a soul commit a trespass, and sin through ignorance, in the holy things of the LORD; then he shall bring for his trespass unto the LORD a ram without blemish out of the flocks, with thy estimation by shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering: …

Numbers 15:22-29
And if ye have erred, and not observed all these commandments, which the LORD hath spoken unto Moses, …

Deuteronomy 19:4
And this is the case of the slayer, which shall flee thither, that he may live: Whoso killeth his neighbour ignorantly, whom he hated not in time past;

which ought

Leviticus 4:27
And if any one of the common people sin through ignorance, while he doeth somewhat against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which ought not to be done, and be guilty;

Genesis 20:9
Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said unto him, What hast thou done unto us? and what have I offended thee, that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done.

James 3:10
Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

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Children Commanded Commandments Commands Commits Error Forbidden Ignorance Inadvertence Israel Lord's Offerings Ought Sin Sins Soul Speak Unintentionally Violate
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Children Commanded Commandments Commands Commits Error Forbidden Ignorance Inadvertence Israel Lord's Offerings Ought Sin Sins Soul Speak Unintentionally Violate
Leviticus 4
1. The sin offering of ignorance
3. for the priest
13. for the congregation
22. for the ruler
27. for any of the people














Tell the Israelites
This phrase establishes the audience as the Israelites, God's chosen people, who were delivered from Egypt and given the Law at Mount Sinai. The Israelites are the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and they are in a covenant relationship with God. This covenant is central to their identity and their understanding of God's expectations for them. The instructions given here are part of the Mosaic Law, which was intended to set them apart as a holy nation.

to do as follows
This indicates that specific instructions are about to be given. The Law provided detailed guidelines for various aspects of life, including worship, morality, and community living. These instructions were not merely suggestions but were commands that required obedience. The specificity of the Law underscores the importance of holiness and order in the community.

with one who sins unintentionally
The concept of unintentional sin highlights the difference between sins committed knowingly and those done in ignorance or by accident. In the ancient Near Eastern context, intent was significant in determining guilt and the necessary atonement. This provision shows God's grace and understanding of human fallibility. It also emphasizes the need for continual awareness and repentance, as even unintentional sins required atonement.

against any of the LORD’s commandments
The commandments refer to the laws given by God, which include the Ten Commandments and other laws detailed in the Torah. These commandments cover moral, ceremonial, and civil aspects of life. Sinning against these commandments is seen as an offense against God Himself, as they are His direct instructions. This underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement.

and does what is forbidden by them:
This phrase indicates a violation of the commandments, whether knowingly or unknowingly. The Law was clear about what was permissible and what was not, and any transgression required a response. This reflects the holiness of God and the need for His people to live in accordance with His standards. The sacrificial system, which included offerings for unintentional sins, pointed to the need for a mediator and ultimately foreshadowed the atoning work of Jesus Christ, who provides the ultimate sacrifice for sin.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, to whom the laws and commandments were given. They are the primary audience of the instructions in Leviticus.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites and the mediator between God and His people. He is the one instructed to speak to the Israelites.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who provides the laws and commandments for His people to follow.

4. Unintentional Sin
Actions that violate God's commandments without the sinner's conscious intent. This concept highlights the need for atonement even when sin is not deliberate.

5. The Tabernacle
While not directly mentioned in this verse, it is the central place of worship and sacrifice where atonement for sins, including unintentional ones, would be made.
Teaching Points
Understanding Sin
Recognize that sin is not only deliberate actions but can also be unintentional. This understanding should lead to humility and a constant seeking of God's guidance and forgiveness.

The Need for Atonement
Even unintentional sins require atonement, highlighting the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin. This points to the ultimate atonement provided by Jesus Christ.

God’s Provision
God, in His mercy, provides a way for His people to be reconciled to Him, even when they sin unintentionally. This provision is fully realized in the sacrifice of Jesus.

Self-Examination
Regularly examine your life and actions to identify areas where you may be sinning unintentionally. Seek God's help in revealing and correcting these areas.

Community Responsibility
As part of the body of Christ, encourage and support one another in recognizing and addressing unintentional sins, fostering a community of accountability and grace.IV.

(2) If a soul shall sin.--It will be seen that whilst the three previous kinds of offerings, viz., the burnt offering (Leviticus 1:1-17), the meat offering (Leviticus 2:1-16), and the peace offering (Leviticus 3:1-17), are spoken of as familiarly known and practised among the Israelites before the giving of the Law, the sin offering and the trespass offering are here introduced as a new injunction. We have here no more the voluntary formula, "If any man of you bring," &c. (Leviticus 1:2; Leviticus 2:1; Leviticus 3:1), as you are in the habit of bringing; but "if a soul shall sin . . . let him bring for his sin offering a young bullock," &c. . . .

Verse 2. - If a soul shall sin. The conditions to be fulfilled in presenting a sin offering differed according to the position held by the offerer in the state. If it were the high priest, he had

(1) to offer a young bull in the court of the tabernacle;

(2) to place his hand upon it;

(3) to kill it; . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“Tell
דַּבֵּ֞ר (dab·bêr)
Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

the sons
בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵ֘ל‪‬ (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

to
לֵאמֹר֒ (lê·mōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 559: To utter, say

do as follows
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

with one
נֶ֗פֶשׁ (ne·p̄eš)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion

who sins
תֶחֱטָ֤א (ṯe·ḥĕ·ṭā)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 2398: To miss, to sin, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn

unintentionally
בִשְׁגָגָה֙ (ḇiš·ḡā·ḡāh)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7684: A mistake, inadvertent transgression

against any
מִכֹּל֙ (mik·kōl)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

of the LORD’s
יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

commandments
מִצְוֺ֣ת (miṣ·wōṯ)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 4687: Commandment

and does
תֵעָשֶׂ֑ינָה (ṯê·‘ā·śe·nāh)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person feminine plural
Strong's 6213: To do, make

what is
מֵאַחַ֖ת (mê·’a·ḥaṯ)
Preposition-m | Number - feminine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

forbidden
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

by them:
מֵהֵֽנָּה׃ (mê·hên·nāh)
Preposition-m | Pronoun - third person feminine plural
Strong's 2007: Themselves


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OT Law: Leviticus 4:2 Speak to the children of Israel saying (Le Lv Lev.)
Leviticus 4:1
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