Numbers 15:27
And if any soul sin through ignorance, then he shall bring a she goat of the first year for a sin offering.
Original Language Analysis
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the scaled system of sin offerings (bull/goat/bird/grain) demonstrate God's justice and mercy?
- What does the frequency of required sin offerings teach about human sinfulness?
- How does this passage increase your appreciation for Christ's singular, sufficient atonement?
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Analysis & 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).