King James Version

What Does Numbers 15:27 Mean?

Numbers 15:27 in the King James Version says “And if any soul sin through ignorance, then he shall bring a she goat of the first year for a sin offering.” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And if any soul sin through ignorance, then he shall bring a she goat of the first year for a sin offering.”

Numbers 15:27 · KJV

Context

25

And the priest shall make an atonement for all the congregation of the children of Israel, and it shall be forgiven them; for it is ignorance: and they shall bring their offering, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD, and their sin offering before the LORD, for their ignorance:

26

And it shall be forgiven all the congregation of the children of Israel, and the stranger that sojourneth among them; seeing all the people were in ignorance.

27

And if any soul sin through ignorance, then he shall bring a she goat of the first year for a sin offering.

28

And the priest shall make an atonement for the soul that sinneth ignorantly, when he sinneth by ignorance before the LORD, to make an atonement for him; and it shall be forgiven him.

29

Ye shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance, both for him that is born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them. sinneth: Heb. doth

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And if any soul sin through ignorance—shifting from corporate sin (v. 24-26) to individual transgression, this verse prescribes atonement for personal inadvertent sin. The Hebrew nefesh achat (נֶפֶשׁ אַחַת, "one soul") emphasizes individual responsibility alongside corporate accountability. The prescribed offering—a she goat of the first year for a sin offering—differs from the corporate offering's bullock, scaled to individual capacity rather than national resources.

The chattat (חַטָּאת, sin offering) for individual inadvertent sin used a female goat, contrasting with the male goat for corporate sin and the more expensive bull for priestly or entire-community sin (Leviticus 4). This proportional system meant both rich and poor could obtain atonement—God didn't price forgiveness beyond reach. Leviticus 5:7-13 further reduces requirements for the destitute (two turtledoves, or even grain). This accessibility previews the gospel's free offer: "whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely" (Revelation 22:17).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Individual sin offerings were frequent in Israelite worship, as people regularly discovered inadvertent violations of purity or ceremonial laws. The detailed regulations in Leviticus 4-5 categorized sins by severity and prescribed appropriate sacrifices. Archaeological evidence from Israelite settlements shows extensive animal husbandry, making livestock available for sacrifices. The economic burden of repeated sin offerings would have created longing for a better system, fulfilled in Christ's once-for-all sacrifice. Hebrews 10:1-4 emphasizes that repeated annual sacrifices demonstrated their inadequacy—they covered sin temporarily but couldn't perfect the conscience.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the scaled system of sin offerings (bull/goat/bird/grain) demonstrate God's justice and mercy?
  2. What does the frequency of required sin offerings teach about human sinfulness?
  3. How does this passage increase your appreciation for Christ's singular, sufficient atonement?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְאִם1 of 10
H518

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

נֶ֥פֶשׁ2 of 10

“soul”

H5315

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

אַחַ֖ת3 of 10

“And if any”

H259

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

תֶּֽחֱטָ֣א4 of 10

“sin”

H2398

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

בִשְׁגָגָ֑ה5 of 10

“through ignorance”

H7684

a mistake or inadvertent transgression

וְהִקְרִ֛יבָה6 of 10

“then he shall bring”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

עֵ֥ז7 of 10

“a she goat”

H5795

a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural (which also is used elliptically for goat's hair)

בַּת8 of 10

“of the first”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

שְׁנָתָ֖הּ9 of 10

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

לְחַטָּֽאת׃10 of 10

“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 Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 15:27 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 Numbers 15:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 4:27-28Acts 17:30Acts 3:171 Timothy 1:13

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