Leviticus 4:20 Meaning and Explanation
“And he shall do with the bullock as he did with the bullock for a sin offering, so shall he do with this: and the priest shall make an atonement for them, and it shall be forgiven them.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The priest treats this bull the same as the earlier one, making atonement that results in forgiveness.
The Context of Leviticus 4:20
The priest completes the congregation's atonement ritual.
What Does Leviticus 4:20 Mean?
The parallel treatment assures that the congregation's forgiveness follows the same process as the priest's, establishing equality before God's law. Despite the difference in scale—a single priest versus the entire community—the mechanism of atonement operates identically.
The statement 'it shall be forgiven them' confirms the purpose of the entire ritual: to restore right relationship with God following unintentional transgression. Atonement, properly performed through the prescribed sacrifice, accomplishes forgiveness fully and effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 4:20
What does Leviticus 4:20 mean?
The priest treats this bull the same as the earlier one, making atonement that results in forgiveness.
What is the context of Leviticus 4:20?
The priest completes the congregation's atonement ritual.