King James Version

What Does Leviticus 4:27 Mean?

Leviticus 4:27 in the King James Version says “And if any one of the common people sin through ignorance, while he doeth somewhat against any of the commandments of th...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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; any one: Heb. any soul common: Heb. people of the land”

Leviticus 4:27 · KJV

Context

25

And the priest shall take of the blood of the sin offering with his finger, and put it upon the horns of the altar of burnt offering, and shall pour out his blood at the bottom of the altar of burnt offering.

26

And he shall burn all his fat upon the altar, as the fat of the sacrifice of peace offerings: and the priest shall make an atonement for him as concerning his sin, and it shall be forgiven him.

27

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; any one: Heb. any soul common: Heb. people of the land

28

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.

29

And he shall lay his hand upon the head of the sin offering, and slay the sin offering in the place of the burnt offering.

Read Leviticus 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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;

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.


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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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. How does understanding the purpose behind God's laws help you obey Him from the heart rather than mere duty?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְאִם1 of 15
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

נֶ֧פֶשׁ2 of 15

“one”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

אַחַ֨ת3 of 15

“And if any”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

תֶּֽחֱטָ֥א4 of 15

“sin”

H2398

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

בִשְׁגָגָ֖ה5 of 15

“through ignorance”

H7684

a mistake or inadvertent transgression

מֵעַ֣ם6 of 15

“people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הָאָ֑רֶץ7 of 15

“of the common”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

תֵעָשֶׂ֖ינָה8 of 15

“concerning things which ought not to be done”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אַחַ֨ת9 of 15

“And if any”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

מִמִּצְוֹ֧ת10 of 15

“of the commandments”

H4687

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

יְהוָ֛ה11 of 15

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֲשֶׁ֥ר12 of 15
H834

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

לֹֽא13 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תֵעָשֶׂ֖ינָה14 of 15

“concerning things which ought not to be done”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

וְאָשֵֽׁם׃15 of 15

“and be guilty”

H816

to be guilty; by implication to be punished or perish

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 4:27 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 4:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 4:2Numbers 15:27Leviticus 4:13Numbers 15:29Numbers 5:6Exodus 12:49

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Leviticus 4 with CommentaryAll Leviticus ChaptersComplete Leviticus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes