Leviticus 4:22

Authorized King James Version

When a ruler hath sinned, and done somewhat through ignorance against any of the commandments of the LORD his God concerning things which should not be done, and is guilty;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#2
נָשִׂ֖יא
H5387
When a ruler
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
#3
יֶֽחֱטָ֑א
H2398
hath sinned
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
#4
תֵעָשֶׂ֛ינָה
H6213
and done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#5
אַחַ֣ת
H259
against any
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#6
מִכָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
מִצְוֹת֩
H4687
of the commandments
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
#8
יְהוָ֨ה
H3068
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#9
אֱלֹהָ֜יו
H430
his God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#10
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
לֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#12
תֵעָשֶׂ֛ינָה
H6213
and done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#13
בִּשְׁגָגָ֖ה
H7684
somewhat through ignorance
a mistake or inadvertent transgression
#14
וְאָשֵֽׁם׃
H816
and is guilty
to be guilty; by implication to be punished or perish

Analysis

Within the broader context of Leviticus, this passage highlights kingdom of God through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Leviticus.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Leviticus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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