Leviticus 4:2 Meaning and Explanation
“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:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Sin offerings apply when someone unknowingly breaks God's commands.
The Context of Leviticus 4:2
God defines which sins require an offering.
What Does Leviticus 4:2 Mean?
The law distinguishes between sins committed in ignorance and deliberate transgressions. This emphasis on ignorance shows the system's concern for those who fail to keep the law without realizing they are doing so.
The phrase 'things which ought not to be done' refers to God's revealed commandments. The offering provides a mechanism for atonement when someone violates these commands unintentionally, acknowledging human fallibility in keeping the law.
Leviticus 4:2 in the Original Language
shagag (שׁגג), 'sin through ignorance' — to err or stray unknowingly, distinguishing unintentional from willful transgression
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 4:2
What does Leviticus 4:2 mean?
Sin offerings apply when someone unknowingly breaks God's commands.
What is the context of Leviticus 4:2?
God defines which sins require an offering.