Leviticus 19:21 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 19:21 mean?

Leviticus 19:21 instructs that a man who has committed a certain wrongdoing must bring a specific offering—a ram—to the entrance of the tabernacle as a way to make things right with God. This verse sets out the requirement for a "trespass offering" as part of the process for dealing with certain sins in ancient Israel.

In this part of Leviticus, God is speaking to Moses, who is then to tell the Israelites how to handle cases where someone has broken the law, especially in matters involving relationships and promises. The verse highlights the seriousness of sin and the need for a concrete, public act—bringing a ram to the tabernacle door—to seek forgiveness and restore one's standing in the community and before God.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 19:21

• "Bring" (בּוֹא, bo): This word means to come or bring, and here it emphasizes that the person must actively present the offering themselves, not just arrange for it to be done.
• "Trespass offering" (אָשָׁם, asham): This type of offering is specifically for guilt or wrongdoing, often involving harm done to another person or to God’s commands. It is not a general sacrifice, but one tied to making restitution.
• "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God used throughout the Old Testament, showing that the offering is directed to the God of Israel, not just a ritual for the community.
• "Door" (פֶּתַח, petach): The instruction to bring the offering to the "door" of the tabernacle means the act is done publicly, at the entrance where people could witness it, underlining the seriousness and openness of the process.

Why Leviticus 19:21 matters

• Leviticus 19:21 clarifies that forgiveness in ancient Israel involved both a specific action and a particular place, not just private regret or prayer.
• The verse shows that certain sins required a "trespass offering," which was different from other types of sacrifices, highlighting the importance of making restitution for wrongs done.
• By requiring the offering to be brought to the tabernacle entrance, the verse connects personal wrongdoing with the larger community and God’s presence, making the process both relational and spiritual.