King James Version

What Does Leviticus 4:21 Mean?

Leviticus 4:21 in the King James Version says “And he shall carry forth the bullock without the camp, and burn him as he burned the first bullock: it is a sin offering...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he shall carry forth the bullock without the camp, and burn him as he burned the first bullock: it is a sin offering for the congregation.”

Leviticus 4:21 · KJV

Context

19

And he shall take all his fat from him, and burn it upon the altar.

20

And he shall do with the bullock as he did with the bullock for a sin offering, so shall he do with this: and the priest shall make an atonement for them, and it shall be forgiven them.

21

And he shall carry forth the bullock without the camp, and burn him as he burned the first bullock: it is a sin offering for the congregation.

22

When a ruler hath sinned, and done somewhat through ignorance against any of the commandments of the LORD his God concerning things which should not be done, and is guilty;

23

Or if his sin, wherein he hath sinned, come to his knowledge; he shall bring his offering, a kid of the goats, a male without blemish:

Read Leviticus 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he shall carry forth the bullock without the camp, and burn him as he burned the first bullock: it is a sin offering for 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 five main offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt) addressed different aspects of relationship with God, all fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive sacrifice.
Every sacrifice and ritual in Leviticus points forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the entire sacrificial system as both perfect sacrifice and eternal high priest.

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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 tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

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 costliness of true worship and dedication to God?
  3. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְהוֹצִ֣יא1 of 16

“And he shall carry forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אֶת2 of 16
H853

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

הַפָּ֣ר3 of 16

“bullock”

H6499

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

אֶל4 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מִחוּץ֙5 of 16

“without”

H2351

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

לַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה6 of 16

“the camp”

H4264

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

שָׂרַ֔ף7 of 16

“and burn”

H8313

to be (causatively, set) on fire

אֹת֔וֹ8 of 16
H853

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

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר9 of 16
H834

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

שָׂרַ֔ף10 of 16

“and burn”

H8313

to be (causatively, set) on fire

אֵ֖ת11 of 16
H853

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

הַפָּ֣ר12 of 16

“bullock”

H6499

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

הָֽרִאשׁ֑וֹן13 of 16

“the first”

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

חַטַּ֥את14 of 16

“it is a sin offering”

H2403

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

הַקָּהָ֖ל15 of 16

“for the congregation”

H6951

assemblage (usually concretely)

הֽוּא׃16 of 16
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

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 4:21 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 4:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 16:151 Timothy 2:5-6Matthew 20:28Leviticus 16:212 Corinthians 5:21Leviticus 4:11-12

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