King James Version

What Does Leviticus 4:14 Mean?

Leviticus 4:14 in the King James Version says “When the sin, which they have sinned against it, is known, then the congregation shall offer a young bullock for the sin...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“When the sin, which they have sinned against it, is known, then the congregation shall offer a young bullock for the sin, and bring him before the tabernacle of the congregation.”

Leviticus 4:14 · KJV

Context

12

Even the whole bullock shall he carry forth without the camp unto a clean place, where the ashes are poured out, and burn him on the wood with fire: where the ashes are poured out shall he be burnt. without: Heb. to without the camp where: Heb. at the pouring out of the ashes

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;

14

When the sin, which they have sinned against it, is known, then the congregation shall offer a young bullock for the sin, and bring him before the tabernacle of the congregation.

15

And the elders of the congregation shall lay their hands upon the head of the bullock before the LORD: and the bullock shall be killed before the LORD.

16

And the priest that is anointed shall bring of the bullock's blood to the tabernacle of the congregation:

Read Leviticus 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When the sin, which they have sinned against it, is known, then the congregation shall offer a young bullock for the sin, and bring him before the tabernacle of the congregation.

This verse falls within the section on Sin Offerings. The sin offering (חַטָּאת, chattat) provided atonement for unintentional sins, addressing the defilement sin causes in God's holy presence.


The holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The sin offering (חַטָּאת, chattat) provided atonement for unintentional sins, addressing the defilement sin causes in God's holy presence. Leviticus was given to Israel at Mount Sinai, shortly after the tabernacle's construction described in Exodus. The name 'Leviticus' (from Latin Leviticus, referring to the Levites) reflects its focus on priestly duties, though the Hebrew title Wayyiqra ('And He called') emphasizes God's initiative in revealing these laws. The first seven chapters detail the five main offerings, providing both worshiper instructions and priestly procedures. Ancient Near Eastern cultures had various sacrificial systems, but Israel's sacrificial worship was unique in its ethical foundation, monotheistic framework, and emphasis on atonement rather than appeasement. Unlike pagan rituals focused on manipulating deities, Israel's sacrifices acknowledged God's sovereignty and sought reconciliation based on His gracious provision. The Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ's atoning sacrifice and the seriousness of sin?
  2. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  3. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְנֽוֹדְעָה֙1 of 16

“against it is known”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

לְחַטָּ֔את2 of 16

“When the sin”

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

אֲשֶׁ֥ר3 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

חָֽטְא֖וּ4 of 16

“which they have sinned”

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

עָלֶ֑יהָ5 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

וְהִקְרִ֨יבוּ6 of 16

“shall offer”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

הַקָּהָ֜ל7 of 16

“then the congregation”

H6951

assemblage (usually concretely)

פַּ֤ר8 of 16

“bullock”

H6499

a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)

בֶּן9 of 16
H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בָּקָר֙10 of 16

“a young”

H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

לְחַטָּ֔את11 of 16

“When the sin”

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

וְהֵבִ֣יאוּ12 of 16

“and bring”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֹת֔וֹ13 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לִפְנֵ֖י14 of 16

“him before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אֹ֥הֶל15 of 16

“the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵֽד׃16 of 16

“of the congregation”

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Leviticus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Leviticus 4:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Leviticus 4:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 4:3Leviticus 4:23Leviticus 4:28

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