And if any one of the common people sin through ignorance, while he doeth somewhat against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which ought not to be done, and be guilty;

LEVITICUS 4:27KJV
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Leviticus 4:27 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 4:27 mean?

Leviticus 4:27 explains that if someone from the ordinary people of Israel unintentionally breaks one of God’s commandments by doing something forbidden, and realizes they are guilty, there is a specific process to follow. This verse highlights that even unintentional sins among everyday people are taken seriously and require attention.

In this part of Leviticus, God is giving Moses instructions for the Israelites about what to do when anyone—not just priests or leaders—sins without meaning to. The verse sets up the idea that everyone is responsible for their actions, even if the wrongdoing was not intentional, and that there is a way to address such mistakes through the sacrificial system described in the following verses.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 4:27

  • "Common people" uses the Hebrew word עָם (ʿam), meaning the general population, not priests or leaders. This shows the law applies to every Israelite, not just those in authority.
  • "Sin" is חָטָא (ḥāṭā’), which often means to miss the mark or go astray, especially unintentionally. The focus here is on mistakes rather than willful rebellion.
  • "Ignorance" is בִּשְׁגָגָה (bishgāgāh), meaning by accident or without knowledge. This clarifies that the verse is about unintentional wrongdoing, not deliberate disobedience.
  • "Commandments" is מִצְוָה (mitsvāh), referring to specific instructions or laws given by God. The verse is about breaking these particular commands, not just general wrongdoing.

Why Leviticus 4:27 matters

  • Leviticus 4:27 makes clear that God’s standards apply to everyone, not just religious leaders or officials, and that ordinary people are also accountable for their actions.
  • The verse emphasizes that even unintentional mistakes have consequences and need to be addressed, showing the seriousness with which God views all sin.
  • This verse sets the stage for the following instructions about how to seek forgiveness, connecting the idea of guilt with the need for atonement in the wider context of Leviticus.

Where else these words appear

“ignorance” Hebrew H7684 · used in 18 verses

  • Leviticus 4:2 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:
  • Numbers 15:24 Then it shall be, if ought be committed by ignorance without the knowledge of the congregation, that all the congregation shall offer one young bullock for a burnt offering, for a sweet savour unto the LORD, with his meat offering, and his drink offering, according to the manner, and one kid of the goats for a sin offering.
  • Numbers 35:11 Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares.

“guilty” Hebrew H816 · used in 32 verses

  • Leviticus 4:13 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;
  • Numbers 5:7 Then they shall confess their sin which they have done: and he shall recompense his trespass with the principal thereof, and add unto it the fifth part thereof, and give it unto him against whom he hath trespassed.
  • Ezekiel 6:6 In all your dwellingplaces the cities shall be laid waste, and the high places shall be desolate; that your altars may be laid waste and made desolate, and your idols may be broken and cease, and your images may be cut down, and your works may be abolished.