Leviticus 4:13 Meaning and Explanation
“And if the whole congregation of Israel sin through ignorance, and the thing be hid from the eyes of the assembly, and they have done somewhat against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which should not be done, and are guilty;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →If the entire congregation unknowingly sins and the sin remains hidden from them, they incur guilt.
The Context of Leviticus 4:13
The law addresses collective sins by the entire congregation.
What Does Leviticus 4:13 Mean?
The law extends beyond individual priests to cover the entire community's unintentional transgressions. This provision recognizes that a covenant community collectively can fail to keep God's commandments, especially when the sin occurs without the assembly's awareness.
The phrase 'hid from the eyes of the assembly' suggests the sin occurred without the community's conscious knowledge or detection. Despite remaining unknown to them, they are still considered guilty before God, showing that ignorance does not erase the objective violation of His law.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 4:13
What does Leviticus 4:13 mean?
If the entire congregation unknowingly sins and the sin remains hidden from them, they incur guilt.
What is the context of Leviticus 4:13?
The law addresses collective sins by the entire congregation.