King James Version

What Does Leviticus 4:3 Mean?

Leviticus 4:3 in the King James Version says “If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto the LORD for a sin offering.”

Leviticus 4:3 · KJV

Context

1

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

2

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a soul shall sin through ignorance against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which ought not to be done, and shall do against any of them:

3

If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto the LORD for a sin offering.

4

And he shall bring the bullock unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD; and shall lay his hand upon the bullock's head, and kill the bullock before the LORD.

5

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

Read Leviticus 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto the LORD for a sin offering.

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 Aaronic priesthood mediated between God and Israel, offering sacrifices and maintaining the tabernacle. This prefigured Christ's superior priesthood after the order of Melchizedek. The five main offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt) addressed different aspects of relationship with God, all fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive sacrifice.
The access to God's presence that Leviticus carefully regulated is now freely available through Christ's blood, tearing the veil and opening the way to God.

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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. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

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 Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  3. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
אִ֣ם1 of 17
H518

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

הַכֹּהֵ֧ן2 of 17

“If the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

הַמָּשִׁ֛יחַ3 of 17

“that is anointed”

H4899

anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); specifically, the messiah

חָטָ֜א4 of 17

“do sin”

H2398

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

לְאַשְׁמַ֣ת5 of 17

“according to the sin”

H819

guiltiness, a fault, the presentation of a sin-offering

הָעָ֑ם6 of 17

“of the people”

H5971

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

וְהִקְרִ֡יב7 of 17

“then let him bring”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

עַ֣ל8 of 17
H5921

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

לְחַטָּֽאת׃9 of 17

“for a sin offering”

H2403

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

אֲשֶׁ֨ר10 of 17
H834

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

חָטָ֜א11 of 17

“do sin”

H2398

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

פַּ֣ר12 of 17

“bullock”

H6499

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

בֶּן13 of 17
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

בָּקָ֥ר14 of 17

“a young”

H1241

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

תָּמִ֛ים15 of 17

“without blemish”

H8549

entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth

לַֽיהוָ֖ה16 of 17

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

לְחַטָּֽאת׃17 of 17

“for a sin offering”

H2403

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

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 4:3 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 4:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 7:27-28Leviticus 4:14Leviticus 9:22 Corinthians 5:21Hebrews 5:3Ezra 8:35

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