What is the meaning of Leviticus 19:21? The man, however • Personal responsibility is front-and-center. No one else can atone on his behalf (Leviticus 5:17; Ezekiel 18:20). • The “however” signals that, despite mitigating factors in verse 20, the man is still accountable (Romans 14:12). must bring a ram • A ram is a valuable male animal—costly enough to underline the seriousness of sin (Genesis 22:13; Leviticus 5:15). • Its substitutionary role prefigures Christ, the ultimate sacrificial Lamb (John 1:29; 1 Peter 1:18-19). to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting • This is the appointed place where God meets His people (Exodus 29:42; Leviticus 1:3). • Sin disrupts fellowship, so restoration has to occur at the doorway of God’s dwelling, signaling re-entry into communion (Psalm 24:3-4). as his guilt offering • The guilt (or trespass) offering addresses both the offense and its damages (Leviticus 7:1-7; Isaiah 53:10). • It highlights that sin incurs a debt; sacrifice satisfies God’s justice and clears the ledger (Colossians 2:14). to the LORD • Although others are harmed, the ultimate offense is against God (Psalm 51:4). • Presenting the offering “to the LORD” emphasizes worship, repentance, and restored relationship (Leviticus 1:9; Hebrews 9:14). summary Leviticus 19:21 teaches that personal sin demands personal atonement. A costly, substitutionary ram brought to God’s meeting place serves as a guilt offering, repairing the breach between sinner and holy God. The verse points forward to Christ, who fulfills every element—our substitute offered to the Father, securing eternal reconciliation. |
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