Numbers 15:25 Meaning and Explanation
“And the priest shall make an atonement for all the congregation of the children of Israel, and it shall be forgiven them; for it is ignorance: and they shall bring their offering, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD, and their sin offering before the LORD, for their ignorance:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The priest makes atonement for the entire congregation, and their unintentional sin is forgiven through the proper offerings made before the LORD.
The Context of Numbers 15:25
God assures that atonement follows the proper offering for communal unintentional sins.
What Does Numbers 15:25 Mean?
The priest's role is central to restoration: he 'makes atonement,' a word indicating covering, reconciliation, or restoration of relationship. His action, combined with the people's offerings, effects forgiveness.
The twice-stated 'for their ignorance' emphasizes that the unintentional nature of the sin is what permits forgiveness through offering. Ignorance, while culpable, is remediable when acknowledged and addressed properly.
Numbers 15:25 in the Original Language
atonement (כִפֻּר kippur), 'covering' or 'reconciliation' — the restoration of right relationship between God and His people
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 15:25
What does Numbers 15:25 mean?
The priest makes atonement for the entire congregation, and their unintentional sin is forgiven through the proper offerings made before the LORD.
What is the context of Numbers 15:25?
God assures that atonement follows the proper offering for communal unintentional sins.