Leviticus 4:27
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This verse highlights that even "common people" - everyday folks, not priests or rulers - can stumble into sin unintentionally. The phrasing "doeth somewhat against any of the commandments" suggests that even a small, seemingly insignificant infraction against God's commands is enough to incur guilt and require atonement.
“If anyone of the common people sins unintentionally in doing any one of the things that by the LORD’s commandments ought not to be done, and realizes his guilt,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This section of Leviticus outlines specific sin offerings required for unintentional wrongdoings. It first details the sacrifices for the high priest and then for a ruler, emphasizing the gravity of their sins due to their positions. Now, it turns to the "common people," establishing that even ordinary Israelites who sinned unknowingly must bring a sacrifice for atonement.
Who exactly are the 'common people' in ancient Israel? What did their sins, even unintentional ones, mean before God?
This verse focuses on the 'common people,' or 'people of the land' (Hebrew: 'am ha'aretz). This wasn't a derogatory term, but referred to ordinary Israelites – not priests, rulers, or the king. Even those who weren't in positions of leadership could unintentionally break God's laws.
These weren't sins committed with a rebellious heart ('sins of presumption'), but actions done through oversight, thoughtlessness, or genuine unawareness. The commentary notes that the Hebrew word used (shegagah) points to transgressions we stumble into, where our conscience isn't immediately pricked. It’s about falling through the infirmity of the flesh or simply not realizing the evil done. This highlights that everyone, regardless of their standing, was accountable to God's commands.
The verse mentions 'realizes his guilt.' Why is this moment of recognition so crucial in God's plan for dealing with sin?
The phrase 'and realizes his guilt' is a critical turning point. It’s not just about the act of sinning, but the awakening of conscience that follows. This realization is the necessary precursor to bringing the sin offering.
Without this acknowledgment, the sacrifice would be meaningless. The process described in Leviticus wasn't just about performing rituals; it was designed to foster a deep awareness of sin and a reliance on God's provision for atonement. The commentaries emphasize that this outward ritual symbolized an inward recognition of wrongdoing and a need for God’s reconciliation.
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Understand the original words
asham · Hebrew Noun
A state of liability or debt incurred by committing a wrong against God or another person, necessitating restitution or sacrifice.
This passage describes the ongoing sacrifices in the Old Testament tabernacle, highlighting the need for repeated offerings, which connects to the repeated sin offerings for unintentional sins outlined in Leviticus 4.
1 Peter 2:22This verse points to Jesus as the one who committed no sin, contrasting with the Levitical system where sacrifices were made for sins, even unintentional ones, underscoring Christ's unique perfection.
Psalm 19:12David's plea to be cleansed from 'hidden faults' directly echoes the concept of unintentional sins (shegagah) in Leviticus 4, showing the ancient awareness of sins that aren't deliberately committed but still require atonement.
Isaiah 53:10This prophecy speaks of the Servant of the Lord being 'made an offering for guilt,' which directly foreshadows how the sin offerings in Leviticus, including those for common people, ultimately pointed to Christ's substitutionary sacrifice.
2 Corinthians 5:21Paul explains that Christ, who knew no sin, was made to be sin for us, clearly linking the Levitical concept of sin offerings for unintentional sins to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who bore the guilt of our sins.
calvinLeviticus 4:1-35: "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
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:
Loquere ad filius Israel, dicendo, Anima quum peccaverit per errorem ab omnibus praeceptis Jehovae qusa non sunt facienda, feceritque quidpiam de uno ex illis:
If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of th…
gillLeviticus 4:27: "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;"
And if anyone of the common people sin through ignorance,.... Or, "if one soul of the people of the earth": that is, a single person, and so is distinguished from the congregation, one of the common sort of people; however is neither an high priest, nor a prince, or king, but either a common…
This verse highlights that even "common people" - everyday folks, not priests or rulers - can stumble into sin unintentionally. The phrasing "doeth somewhat against any of the commandments" suggests that even a small, seemingly insignificant infraction against God's commands is enough to incur guilt and require atonement.
This section of Leviticus outlines specific sin offerings required for unintentional wrongdoings. It first details the sacrifices for the high priest and then for a ruler, emphasizing the gravity of their sins due to their positions. Now, it turns to the "common people," establishing that even ordinary Israelites who sinned unknowingly must bring a sacrifice for atonement.
This section of Leviticus outlines specific sin offerings required for unintentional wrongdoings. It first details the sacrifices for the high priest and then for a ruler, emphasizing the gravity of their sins due to their positions. Now, it turns to the "common people," establishing that even ordinary Israelites who sinned unknowingly must bring a sacrifice for atonement.
"“If anyone of the common people sins unintentionally in doing any one of the things that by the LORD’s commandments ought not to be done, and realizes his guilt," — This verse highlights that even "common people" - everyday folks, not priests or rulers - can stumble into sin unintentionally. The phrasing "doeth somewhat against any of the commandments" suggests…
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Last reviewed October 2026
