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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Leviticus 4  › Leviticus 4:23

Leviticus 4:23

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Leviticus 4:23 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

When he becomes aware of the sin he has committed, he must bring an unblemished male goat as his offering.

King James Version KJV

Or if his sin, wherein he hath sinned, come to his knowledge; he shall bring his offering, a kid of the goats, a male without blemish:

American Standard Version ASV

if his sin, wherein he hath sinned, be made known to him, he shall bring for his oblation a goat, a male without blemish.

Bible in Basic English BBE

When the sin which he has done is made clear to him, let him give for his offering a goat, a male without any mark.

Free Bible Version FBV

When he realizes his sin, he must bring a male goat without defects as his offering.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

If one shewe vnto him his sinne, which he hath committed, the shall he bring for his offring an hee goat without blemish,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

or his sin wherein he hath sinned hath been made known unto him, then he hath brought in his offering, a kid of the goats, a male, a perfect one,

World English Bible WEB

if his sin in which he has sinned is made known to him, he shall bring as his offering a goat, a male without defect.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Or if his sin, in which he hath sinned, shall come to his knowledge; he shall bring his offering, a kid of the goats, a male without blemish:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And afterwards shall come to know his sin, he shall offer a buck goat without blemish, a sacrifice to the Lord.

Translation for Translators T4T

When he realizes that he has committed a sin, he must bring as his offering a male goat that has no defects.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 4:23

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Leviticus 4:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB אֽוֹ הוֹדַ֤ע אֵלָי/ו֙ חַטָּאת֔/וֹ אֲשֶׁ֥ר חָטָ֖א בָּ֑/הּ וְ/הֵבִ֧יא אֶת קָרְבָּנ֛/וֹ שְׂעִ֥יר עִזִּ֖ים זָכָ֥ר תָּמִֽים
אֽוֹ ʼôw H176 or Conj
הוֹדַ֤ע yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Hophal-Perf-3ms
אֵלָי/ו֙ ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff
חַטָּאת֔/וֹ chaṭṭâʼâh H2403 sin N-fs | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
חָטָ֖א châṭâʼ H2398 to sin V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בָּ֑/הּ Prep | Suff
וְ/הֵבִ֧יא bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
קָרְבָּנ֛/וֹ qorbân H7133 offering N-ms | Suff
שְׂעִ֥יר sâʻîyr H8163 hairy N-ms
עִזִּ֖ים ʻêz H5795 goat N-fp
זָכָ֥ר zâkâr H2145 male Adj
תָּמִֽים tâmîym H8549 unblemished Adj
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 4:23

אֽוֹ ʼôw H176 "or" Conj
Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.
Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then
Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.
הוֹדַ֤ע yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Hophal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
אֵלָי/ו֙ ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
חַטָּאת֔/וֹ chaṭṭâʼâh H2403 "sin" N-fs | Suff
This word describes sin, guilt, or punishment for sin, and also the sacrifice or purification made to atone for it. It is used in the Bible to describe the consequences and solutions for sin. The KJV translates it as 'punishment' or 'sin'.
Definition: sin, sinful thing
Usage: Occurs in 270 OT verses. KJV: punishment (of sin), purifying(-fication for sin), sin(-ner, offering). See also: Genesis 4:7; Numbers 12:11; Psalms 25:7.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
חָטָ֖א châṭâʼ H2398 "to sin" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To sin means to miss the mark or go wrong, incurring guilt or penalty, and can also mean to repent or make amends. It is used in the Bible to describe wrongdoing and its consequences.
Definition: 1) to sin, miss, miss the way, go wrong, incur guilt, forfeit, purify from uncleanness 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to miss 1a2) to sin, miss the goal or path of right and duty 1a3) to incur guilt, incur penalty by sin, forfeit 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to bear loss 1b2) to make a sin-offering 1b3) to purify from sin 1b4) to purify from uncleanness 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to miss the mark 1c2) to induce to sin, cause to sin 1c3) to bring into guilt or condemnation or punishment 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to miss oneself, lose oneself, wander from the way 1d2) to purify oneself from uncleanness
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: bear the blame, cleanse, commit (sin), by fault, harm he hath done, loss, miss, (make) offend(-er), offer for sin, purge, purify (self), make reconciliation, (cause, make) sin(-ful, -ness), trespass. See also: Genesis 20:6; 1 Kings 15:34; Psalms 4:5.
בָּ֑/הּ "" Prep | Suff
וְ/הֵבִ֧יא bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
קָרְבָּנ֛/וֹ qorbân H7133 "offering" N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to an offering or sacrifice brought near to the altar, and is used in the Bible to describe the sacrifices made by the Israelites. In Leviticus 1:2, it describes the burnt offering presented to God.
Definition: offering, oblation Also means: qur.ban (קֻרְבָּן "offering" H7133B)
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: oblation, that is offered, offering. See also: Leviticus 1:2; Numbers 7:3; Ezekiel 40:43.
שְׂעִ֥יר sâʻîyr H8163 "hairy" N-ms
This word can refer to a wild goat or a satyr, a mythical creature. In the Bible, it may also describe a demon-possessed animal, like the ones in Matthew 8:30-32.
Definition: adj hairy
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: devil, goat, hairy, kid, rough, satyr. See also: Genesis 27:11; Numbers 7:52; Isaiah 13:21.
עִזִּ֖ים ʻêz H5795 "goat" N-fp
Refers to a female goat, often translated as she-goat or kid, and is also related to goat's hair in the Bible.
Definition: female goat, she-goat, goat, kid Aramaic equivalent: ez (עֵז "goat" H5796)
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: (she) goat, kid. See also: Genesis 15:9; Numbers 7:58; Proverbs 27:27.
זָכָ֥ר zâkâr H2145 "male" Adj
This word means male, referring to men or male animals, emphasizing their importance. It is used in the Bible to distinguish between males and females. The word is often translated as 'him' or 'male' in English.
Definition: 1) male (of humans and animals) adj 2) male (of humans)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] him, male, man(child, -kind). See also: Genesis 1:27; Numbers 3:22; Isaiah 66:7.
תָּמִֽים tâmîym H8549 "unblemished" Adj
This Hebrew word means unblemished or perfect, like an animal without defects. It describes something or someone that is whole and complete, like the sacrifices in Leviticus. It is used to describe integrity and truth.
Definition: : unblemished/perfect 1) complete, whole, entire, sound 1a) complete, whole, entire 1b) whole, sound, healthful 1c) complete, entire (of time) 1d) sound, wholesome, unimpaired, innocent, having integrity 1e) what is complete or entirely in accord with truth and fact (neuter adj/subst)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: without blemish, complete, full, perfect, sincerely (-ity), sound, without spot, undefiled, upright(-ly), whole. See also: Genesis 6:9; Deuteronomy 18:13; Psalms 15:2.

Study Notes — Leviticus 4:23

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Leviticus 4:14 when they become aware of the sin they have committed, then the assembly must bring a young bull as a sin offering and present it before the Tent of Meeting.
2 Romans 8:3 For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin. He thus condemned sin in the flesh,
3 Numbers 7:22 one male goat for a sin offering;
4 Numbers 7:16 one male goat for a sin offering;
5 2 Kings 22:10–13 Moreover, Shaphan the scribe told the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read it in the presence of the king. When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes and commanded Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Achbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the servant of the king: “Go and inquire of the LORD for me, for the people, and for all Judah concerning the words in this book that has been found. For great is the wrath of the LORD that burns against us because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book by doing all that is written about us.”
6 Numbers 15:24 and if it was done unintentionally without the knowledge of the congregation, then the whole congregation is to prepare one young bull as a burnt offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD, with its grain offering and drink offering according to the regulation, and one male goat as a sin offering.
7 Numbers 28:15 In addition to the regular burnt offering with its drink offering, one male goat is to be presented to the LORD as a sin offering.
8 Leviticus 5:4 Or if someone swears thoughtlessly with his lips to do anything good or evil—in whatever matter a man may rashly pronounce an oath—even if he is unaware of it, when he realizes it, he is guilty in the matter.
9 Numbers 29:16 Include one male goat as a sin offering, in addition to the regular burnt offering with its grain offering and drink offering.
10 Leviticus 9:3 Then speak to the Israelites and say, ‘Take a male goat for a sin offering, a calf and a lamb—both a year old and without blemish—for a burnt offering,

Leviticus 4:23 Summary

Leviticus 4:23 teaches us that when we become aware of our sin, we must take action to address it and seek forgiveness. This verse requires a leader to bring an unblemished male goat as an offering, which is a sin offering, to atone for their sin (Leviticus 4:24). This concept is similar to what we see in Psalm 51:3, where David acknowledges his sin and seeks forgiveness from God. By recognizing our sin and taking steps to repent, we can experience restoration and forgiveness, just like the leader in this verse, and ultimately, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is our perfect substitute (John 1:29).

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of offering is required in Leviticus 4:23?

According to Leviticus 4:23, when a leader becomes aware of their sin, they must bring an unblemished male goat as their offering, which is a sin offering (Leviticus 4:24).

Why is it important for the leader to become aware of their sin?

Recognizing one's sin is crucial for repentance and restoration, as seen in Psalm 51:3, where David acknowledges his sin and seeks forgiveness from God.

How does this verse relate to the concept of sacrifice in the Bible?

The requirement of an unblemished male goat as an offering in Leviticus 4:23 points to the idea that sin requires a substitute to atone for it, a concept that is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, as stated in John 1:29, where He is called the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

What is the significance of the leader laying their hand on the head of the goat?

The act of laying hands on the head of the goat, as mentioned in Leviticus 4:24, symbolizes the transfer of guilt from the leader to the animal, which then bears the punishment for the sin, a concept that is also seen in Leviticus 16:21-22, where the high priest transfers the sins of the people to the scapegoat.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I, like the leader in Leviticus 4:23, can become more aware of my own sin and take steps to repent and make amends?
  2. How does the concept of substitutionary atonement, seen in the requirement of an unblemished male goat, relate to my own understanding of salvation and forgiveness?
  3. In what ways can I, like David in Psalm 51, cultivate a heart of repentance and humility, acknowledging my sin and seeking forgiveness from God?
  4. How can I apply the principle of Leviticus 4:23 to my own life, recognizing that sin requires a response and that I must take steps to address it and seek restoration?

Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 4:23

Or if his sin wherein he hath sinned come to his knowledge,.... Or rather, "and if his sin", c.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 4:23

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; When a ruler hath sinned.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 4:23

The disjunctive or is here put for the copulative and, as it Isaiah 13:8 15:11; for it is evident that he speaks of the same person, and of the same sin.

Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 4:23

Leviticus 4:23 Or if his sin, wherein he hath sinned, come to his knowledge; he shall bring his offering, a kid of the goats, a male without blemish:Ver. 23. Come to his knowledge.] As David’ s did, who saw such volumes of infirmities, and so many erratas in all that he did, that he once cried out, "Who knoweth the errors of his life? Oh, cleanse me from secret sins." This he knew was the import of all these Levitical cleansings.

Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 4:23

(23) Or if his sin.—That is, if on his failing to see it himself, his sin is shown to him by another person. A kid of the goats.—The expression here used (sâêr) properly denotes the rough, shaggy-haired he goat, and is distinguished from athud (literally, ready, vigorous), which occurs in conjunction with it (Numbers 7:16-17; Numbers 7:22-23), and which is also translated goat in point of age. The sâêr, or the shaggy or longer haired he-goat, here used is the older buck of the goat, whose hair has become long with age; whilst the athud is the same animal, younger and more vigorous. Hence the former was never killed for food, or used for burnt or thank offerings at the festivals (Leviticus 16:9; Leviticus 16:15; Leviticus 23:19; Numbers 28:15; Numbers 28:22; Numbers 28:30; Numbers 29:5; Numbers 29:11; Numbers 29:16), and at the consecration of the priests and sanctuary (Leviticus 9:3; Leviticus 9:15; Leviticus 10:16), whilst the latter was killed for food (Deuteronomy 32:14; Jeremiah 51:40), and hence, like the bull, the ram, and the lamb, was regularly presented as burnt and thank offerings (Numbers 7:17; Numbers 7:23; Numbers 7:29, &c.; Isaiah 1:11; Isaiah 34:6; Ezekiel 39:18; Pss. 1. 9, 13, Ixvi. 15). It will be seen that the first difference in the sin offering of a prince is that he is to bring a longhaired he-goat, and not a bull.

Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 4:23

23. a goat] lit. a shaggy one of goats, i.e. a hairy goat, an expression used of female goats (Leviticus 4:28) as well as males. The phrase occurs, with the exception of Gen 37:31, exclusively in Lev. and Ezek. of the animal brought as a Sin-Offering. Whether a particular breed with long hair is meant, or whether the long hair is due to age, seems doubtful, but the rendering of A.V. ‘kid of the goats’ is misleading.

Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 4:23

Or if his sin - Rather, And if his sin. Come to his knowledge - i. e. when he had become conscious of his sin. A kid of the goats - A shaggy he-goat, in distinction from a smooth-haired he-goat.

Sermons on Leviticus 4:23

SermonDescription
A.W. Tozer (Dangers in the Way Series): Dangers of Bondage and Liberty by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing the freedom that comes from being in Christ Jesus. He warns against using this freedom as an e
Denny Kenaston Tear Down the Strongholds by Denny Kenaston In this sermon, the speaker announces that this will be their last session in a series on practical issues of bondages. They emphasize the importance of addressing these issues and
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 21:1-11 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of believers having two natures - an old nature and a new nature. He explains that before conversion, the old nature controls a p
Zac Poonen (Basics) 36. Jesus Did God's Will by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the practicality of the Bible for Christian living. He highlights Romans 8:3-4, which states that the law could not make believers pure insid
John Piper Jesus Christ in the Book of Romans by John Piper This sermon is a heartfelt prayer of gratitude and dedication to God, transitioning from speaking mainly about God to speaking directly to Him. The speaker reflects on the person o
John Murray Definition and Nature of Original Sin by John Murray In this sermon, the preacher discusses the three-fold nature of what is pleasing to God: love to God, the will of God, and the glory of God. He emphasizes that without these three
J. Glyn Owen God's Law in the Godly Life by J. Glyn Owen In this sermon on Romans chapter 8 verses 3 and 4, the preacher discusses the role of God's law in the God-honoring life. He emphasizes that the law of God is objective and has abs
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