Leviticus 4:27

Authorized King James Version

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;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#2
נֶ֧פֶשׁ
one
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#3
אַחַ֨ת
And if any
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#4
תֶּֽחֱטָ֥א
sin
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
#5
בִשְׁגָגָ֖ה
through ignorance
a mistake or inadvertent transgression
#6
מֵעַ֣ם
people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#7
הָאָ֑רֶץ
of the common
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#8
תֵעָשֶׂ֖ינָה
concerning things which ought not to be done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#9
אַחַ֨ת
And if any
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#10
מִמִּצְוֹ֧ת
of the commandments
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
#11
יְהוָ֛ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#12
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#13
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#14
תֵעָשֶׂ֖ינָה
concerning things which ought not to be done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#15
וְאָשֵֽׁם׃
and be guilty
to be guilty; by implication to be punished or perish

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Leviticus. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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