Or if his sin, which he hath sinned, come to his knowledge: then he shall bring his offering, a kid of the goats, a female without blemish, for his sin which he hath sinned.

LEVITICUS 4:28KJV
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Leviticus 4:28 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 4:28 mean?

Leviticus 4:28 explains that if someone realizes they have sinned unintentionally, they are to bring a specific offering: a female goat without blemish, as a way to address the sin they have committed. This verse sets out the practical steps for dealing with unintentional wrongdoing once it becomes known.

In the context of Leviticus, God is giving Moses instructions for the Israelites about what to do when someone becomes aware of a sin they did not mean to commit. The focus is on personal responsibility—when a person’s sin (even if accidental) comes to their knowledge, they must act by bringing an offering. This process is part of the larger system of sacrifices described in Leviticus for maintaining a right relationship with God.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 4:28

  • The word for "sin" is חַטָּאָה (chatta'ah), which refers to missing the mark or falling short, often used for unintentional wrongdoing. This highlights that even unintentional mistakes matter in the relationship between the people and God.
  • "Come to his knowledge" uses יָדַע (yada‘), meaning to know or become aware. The verse emphasizes that responsibility begins when a person becomes aware of their mistake, not before.
  • "Bring" is בּוֹא (bo), which means to come or bring. The instruction is active—the person must take initiative to address the sin.
  • "Offering" is קָרְבָּן (qorban), meaning something brought near or presented, usually as a gift or sacrifice. This word underscores the idea of drawing near to God through the act of offering.

Why Leviticus 4:28 matters

  • Leviticus 4:28 clarifies that unintentional sins are still taken seriously and require a response; ignorance does not remove responsibility once the sin is recognized.
  • The verse shows that the sacrificial system was not just for deliberate rebellion but also for everyday mistakes, making room for restoration and forgiveness.
  • This instruction fits into a larger pattern in Leviticus, where different types of offerings are prescribed for various situations, showing the detailed care for both community and individual spiritual health.

Where else these words appear

“kid” Hebrew H8166 · used in 2 verses

  • Leviticus 5:6 And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the LORD for his sin which he hath sinned, a female from the flock, a lamb or a kid of the goats, for a sin offering; and the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his sin.

“female” Hebrew H5347 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
  • Leviticus 3:6 And if his offering for a sacrifice of peace offering unto the LORD be of the flock; male or female, he shall offer it without blemish.
  • Leviticus 27:5 And if it be from five years old even unto twenty years old, then thy estimation shall be of the male twenty shekels, and for the female ten shekels.

“goats” Hebrew H5795 · used in 74 verses

  • Genesis 15:9 And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.
  • Leviticus 16:5 And he shall take of the congregation of the children of Israel two kids of the goats for a sin offering, and one ram for a burnt offering.
  • Numbers 29:5 And one kid of the goats for a sin offering, to make an atonement for you:

“offering” Hebrew H7133 · used in 78 verses

  • Leviticus 1:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man of you bring an offering unto the LORD, ye shall bring your offering of the cattle, even of the herd, and of the flock.
  • Leviticus 7:29 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, He that offereth the sacrifice of his peace offerings unto the LORD shall bring his oblation unto the LORD of the sacrifice of his peace offerings.
  • Numbers 7:41 And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.