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.