King James Version

What Does Numbers 15:28 Mean?

Numbers 15:28 in the King James Version says “And the priest shall make an atonement for the soul that sinneth ignorantly, when he sinneth by ignorance before the LOR...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Numbers 15:28 · KJV

Forgiveness

Context

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

30

But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously , whether he be born in the land, or a stranger , the same reproacheth the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people. presumptuously: Heb. with an high hand

Read Numbers 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the priest shall make an atonement for the soul that sinneth ignorantly—the priestly action of kipper (כִּפֶּר, making atonement) covered individual sin just as it covered corporate sin. The phrase when he sinneth by ignorance before the LORD emphasizes that even unknowing sin occurred "before the LORD"—in God's presence and awareness. God saw sins humans didn't recognize, requiring prescribed atonement rather than human-invented remedies.

The assured result—and it shall be forgiven him—provides confidence that God accepted the prescribed atonement. The repetition to make an atonement for him emphasizes substitutionary principle: the animal died in place of the sinner. This typologically pointed forward to Christ, "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). Unlike repeated Levitical sacrifices that could never perfect the worshiper (Hebrews 10:1-4), Christ's once-for-all sacrifice achieved eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Aaronic priesthood mediated atonement from Aaron's consecration (Leviticus 8-9) through the first temple's destruction (586 BC), then again from the return (516 BC) until Rome's destruction of Herod's temple (AD 70). After AD 70, Judaism has had no functioning priesthood or temple sacrifices for nearly two millennia. Christianity understands this as divine providence—the old system ceased because Christ fulfilled it. The writer of Hebrews, likely written before AD 70, argues Christ's priesthood's superiority; after AD 70, the old system's impossibility confirmed Christian claims.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding that even unknown sin requires atonement deepen your grasp of human fallenness?
  2. What does the priest's mediatorial role teach about your need for Christ's ongoing intercession?
  3. How should the assurance "it shall be forgiven" shape your confidence in gospel promises?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
לְכַפֵּ֥ר1 of 13

“shall make an atonement”

H3722

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

הַכֹּהֵ֗ן2 of 13

“And the priest”

H3548

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

עַל3 of 13
H5921

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

הַנֶּ֧פֶשׁ4 of 13

“for the 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

הַשֹּׁגֶ֛גֶת5 of 13

“by ignorance”

H7684

a mistake or inadvertent transgression

בְּחֶטְאָ֥ה6 of 13

“when he sinneth”

H2398

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

בִשְׁגָגָ֖ה7 of 13

“that sinneth ignorantly”

H7683

to stray, i.e., (figuratively) sin (with more or less apology)

לִפְנֵ֣י8 of 13

“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

יְהוָ֑ה9 of 13

“the LORD”

H3068

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

לְכַפֵּ֥ר10 of 13

“shall make an atonement”

H3722

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

עָלָ֖יו11 of 13
H5921

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

וְנִסְלַ֥ח12 of 13

“for him and it shall be forgiven”

H5545

to forgive

לֽוֹ׃13 of 13
H0

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 15:28 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 15:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 4:35

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