Leviticus 4:3
Leviticus 4:3 in Multiple Translations
If the anointed priest sins, bringing guilt on the people, he must bring to the LORD a young bull without blemish as a sin offering for the sin he has committed.
If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto the LORD for a sin offering.
if the anointed priest shall sin so as to bring guilt on the people, then let him offer for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto Jehovah for a sin-offering.
If the chief priest by doing wrong becomes a cause of sin to the people, then let him give to the Lord for the sin which he has done, an ox, without any mark, for a sin-offering.
If it is the high priest who sins and brings guilt on everyone, he must present to the Lord a young bull without defects as a sin offering for his sin.
If the Priest that is anointed doe sinne (according to the sinne of the people) then shall he offer, for his sinne which hee hath sinned, a yong bullocke without blemish vnto the Lord for a sinne offring,
'If the priest who is anointed doth sin according to the guilt of the people, then he hath brought near for his sin which he hath sinned a bullock, a son of the herd, a perfect one, to Jehovah, for a sin-offering,
if the anointed priest sins so as to bring guilt on the people, then let him offer for his sin which he has sinned a young bull without defect to the LORD for a sin offering.
If the priest that is anointed shall sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring, for his sin which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish to the LORD for a sin-offering.
If the priest that is anointed shall sin, making the people to offend, he shall offer to the Lord for his sin a calf without blemish.
'If the Supreme [MTY] Priest sins, and that causes all the people to be guilty, he must bring to Yahweh a young bull that has no defects. That will be an offering for the sin that he has committed.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 4:3
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 4:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִ֣ם
הַ/כֹּהֵ֧ן
הַ/מָּשִׁ֛יחַ
יֶחֱטָ֖א
לְ/אַשְׁמַ֣ת
הָ/עָ֑ם
וְ/הִקְרִ֡יב
עַ֣ל
חַטָּאת/וֹ֩
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
חָטָ֜א
פַּ֣ר
בֶּן
בָּקָ֥ר
תָּמִ֛ים
לַ/יהוָ֖ה
לְ/חַטָּֽאת
אִ֣ם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
הַ/כֹּהֵ֧ן
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-ms
הַ/מָּשִׁ֛יחַ
mâshîyach
H4899
anointed
Art | N-ms
יֶחֱטָ֖א
châṭâʼ
H2398
to sin
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לְ/אַשְׁמַ֣ת
ʼashmâh
H819
guiltiness
Prep | N-fs
הָ/עָ֑ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
וְ/הִקְרִ֡יב
qârab
H7126
to present
Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms
עַ֣ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
חַטָּאת/וֹ֩
chaṭṭâʼâh
H2403
sin
N-fs | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
חָטָ֜א
châṭâʼ
H2398
to sin
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
פַּ֣ר
par
H6499
bullock
N-ms
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
בָּקָ֥ר
bâqâr
H1241
cattle
N-cs
תָּמִ֛ים
tâmîym
H8549
unblemished
Adj
לַ/יהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
לְ/חַטָּֽאת
chaṭṭâʼâh
H2403
sin
Prep | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 4:3
אִ֣ם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
הַ/כֹּהֵ֧ן
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
הַ/מָּשִׁ֛יחַ
mâshîyach
H4899
"anointed"
Art | N-ms
Messiah means anointed one, referring to a king, priest, or the Messiah in the Bible. It describes someone set apart for a special purpose. The term is used in the Old Testament to describe kings and priests, and in the New Testament to describe Jesus.
Definition: 1) anointed, anointed one 1a) of the Messiah, Messianic prince 1b) of the king of Israel 1c) of the high priest of Israel 1d) of Cyrus 1e) of the patriarchs as anointed kings
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: anointed, Messiah. See also: Leviticus 4:3; 2 Samuel 22:51; Psalms 2:2.
יֶחֱטָ֖א
châṭâʼ
H2398
"to sin"
V-Qal-Imperf-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.
לְ/אַשְׁמַ֣ת
ʼashmâh
H819
"guiltiness"
Prep | N-fs
Ashmah refers to guilt or sin, often requiring a guilt-offering to make things right with God. It involves doing wrong, committing a trespass, or becoming guilty, and is mentioned in various Bible passages.
Definition: 1) guiltiness, guilt, offense, sin, wrong-doing 1a) doing wrong, committing a trespass or offense 1b) becoming guilty, guilt 1c) bringing a guilt-offering
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: offend, sin, (cause of) trespass(-ing, offering). See also: Leviticus 4:3; 2 Chronicles 33:23; Psalms 69:6.
הָ/עָ֑ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
וְ/הִקְרִ֡יב
qârab
H7126
"to present"
Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms
To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.
Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.
עַ֣ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
חַטָּאת/וֹ֩
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.
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
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.
חָטָ֜א
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.
פַּ֣ר
par
H6499
"bullock"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means a young bull or ox, often used as a sacrifice in the Bible. In Exodus, a bullock is used as an offering to God. The word describes a strong and powerful animal.
Definition: young bull, steer, bullock
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] young) bull(-ock), calf, ox. See also: Genesis 32:16; Numbers 28:20; Psalms 22:13.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
בָּקָ֥ר
bâqâr
H1241
"cattle"
N-cs
Domesticated cattle or oxen, used for work or sacrifice, like the animals used in the temple sacrifices in 1 Kings 8:63.
Definition: 1) cattle, herd, oxen, ox 1a) cattle (generic pl. but sing. in form-coll) 1b) herd (particular one) 1c) head of cattle (individually)
Usage: Occurs in 172 OT verses. KJV: beeve, bull ([phrase] -ock), [phrase] calf, [phrase] cow, great (cattle), [phrase] heifer, herd, kine, ox. See also: Genesis 12:16; Deuteronomy 8:13; Psalms 66:15.
תָּמִ֛ים
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.
לַ/יהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
לְ/חַטָּֽאת
chaṭṭâʼâh
H2403
"sin"
Prep | N-fs
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.
Study Notes — Leviticus 4:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 4:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 4:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 4:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 4:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 4:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 4:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 4:3
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 4:3
- Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 4:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 4:3
- Sermons on Leviticus 4:3
Context — Laws for Sin Offerings
1Then the LORD said to Moses,
2“Tell the Israelites to do as follows with one who sins unintentionally against any of the LORD’s commandments and does what is forbidden by them:
3If the anointed priest sins, bringing guilt on the people, he must bring to the LORD a young bull without blemish as a sin offering for the sin he has committed.
4He must bring the bull to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting before the LORD, lay his hand on the bull’s head, and slaughter it before the LORD. 5Then the anointed priest shall take some of the bull’s blood and bring it into the Tent of Meeting.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hebrews 7:27–28 | Unlike the other high priests, He does not need to offer daily sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people; He sacrificed for sin once for all when He offered up Himself. For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever. |
| 2 | 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. |
| 3 | Leviticus 9:2 | He said to Aaron, “Take for yourself a young bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering, both without blemish, and present them before the LORD. |
| 4 | 2 Corinthians 5:21 | God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. |
| 5 | Ezra 8:35 | Then the exiles who had returned from captivity sacrificed burnt offerings to the God of Israel: 12 bulls for all Israel, 96 rams, 77 lambs, and a sin offering of 12 male goats. All this was a burnt offering to the LORD. |
| 6 | Hebrews 5:3 | That is why he is obligated to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 43:19 | You are to give a young bull from the herd as a sin offering to the Levitical priests who are of the family of Zadok, who approach Me to minister before Me, declares the Lord GOD. |
| 8 | Exodus 29:21 | And take some of the blood on the altar and some of the anointing oil and sprinkle it on Aaron and his garments, as well as on his sons and their garments. Then he and his garments will be consecrated, as well as his sons and their garments. |
| 9 | 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, |
| 10 | Exodus 29:14 | But burn the flesh of the bull and its hide and dung outside the camp; it is a sin offering. |
Leviticus 4:3 Summary
This verse, Leviticus 4:3, talks about what happens if the priest, who is supposed to be a spiritual leader, sins. When he sins, it affects not just him but the whole community, and to make things right, he has to offer a perfect young bull as a sin offering to God. This shows us how serious sin is and how important it is to take responsibility for our actions, as also taught in Proverbs 28:13. It also points forward to Jesus Christ, who is our perfect sacrifice for sin, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 5:7, and through whom we can find forgiveness and restoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if the priest sins, and how does it affect the people?
If the anointed priest sins, he brings guilt on the people, and to atone for this sin, he must offer a young bull without blemish as a sin offering, as seen in Leviticus 4:3, similar to the principle found in Hebrews 7:27 where Jesus offered Himself for the sins of the people.
Why does the priest need to bring a young bull without blemish for his sin?
The requirement for a young bull without blemish emphasizes the need for perfection in the offering, highlighting the seriousness of sin and the necessity of a perfect sacrifice, as also seen in the context of Jesus Christ being the perfect sacrifice in 1 Peter 1:19.
Does this principle of the priest's sin affecting the people apply to us today?
While the specific ritual of the sin offering is part of the Old Testament law, the principle that leaders' actions can impact their community is still relevant, as seen in the New Testament where leaders are called to a higher standard of accountability, such as in James 3:1.
How does this verse relate to the concept of sin and forgiveness in the Bible?
This verse shows that sin has consequences, but God provides a way for forgiveness through the offering of a sacrifice, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, as explained in Romans 3:25 and Hebrews 10:4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that leaders' sins can affect their community, and how can we learn from the example of the priest in Leviticus 4:3?
- How does the requirement of a perfect sacrifice for the priest's sin reflect the nature of God and His expectations for us?
- In what ways can we, like the priest, take responsibility for our sins and seek forgiveness, and what does this process look like in our daily lives?
- How does the concept of sin and guilt in this verse compare to our understanding of sin and forgiveness through Jesus Christ in the New Testament?
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of accountability and the impact of our actions on others?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 4:3
If the priest that is anointed do sin,.... That is, the high priest, as the Targums of Onkelos and Jonathan, and the Septuagint version, render it; who in after times was only anointed, though at
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 4:3
If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto the LORD for a sin offering.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 4:3
The priest that is anointed, i.e. the high priest, who only was anointed after the first time. See 30:30 40:15 . His anointing is mentioned, because he was not complete high priest till he was anointed. Do sin, either in doctrine or practice, which it is here supposed he may do. And this is noted as a blot and character of imperfection in the priesthood of the law, whereby the Israelites were directed to expect another and better High Priest, even one who is holy, harmless, and separate from sinners, . According to the sin of the people; in the same manner as any of the people do, which implies that God expected more circumspection and care from him than from the people. But the words may be rendered, to the sin or guilt of the people, which may be mentioned as a reason of the law, and an aggravation of his sin, that by it he commonly brings sin, and guilt, and punishment upon the people, who are infected or scandalized by his example. A young bullock; the same sacrifice which was offered for all the people, to show how much his sin was aggravated by his quality. For a sin-offering, Heb. sin, which word is oft taken in that sense, as .
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 4:3
Leviticus 4:3 If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto the LORD for a sin offering.Ver. 3. A young bullock.] The same sacrifice that should be offered for the sin of the whole people, to note the heinousness of the priest’ s sin above others. The sins of teachers are the teachers of sins.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 4:3
(3) The priest that is anointed.—To illustrate this law, the conduct of the high priest is adduced as the first instance, to show when and how this exalted functionary is to bring the sin offering in question. By this the Levitical law indicates that even the chief of the priesthood was but a frail being like the rest of the people, and was exposed to the same infirmities as the laity, thus precluding the assumption of spiritual superiority. Hence the remark of the Apostle, “the law made those high priests who had infirmity, and who needed daily to offer up sacrifices, first for their own sins, and then for the people’s; but our high priest, Christ Jesus, was holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens” (Hebrews 7:27-28). The phrase “the priest that is anointed” for “the high priest” is restricted to this book, where it occurs four times (Leviticus 4:3; Leviticus 4:5; Leviticus 4:16; Leviticus 6:15 in Heb.; 22 in the English). “The great priest,” or high priest, is the appellation used in the other portions of the Pentateuch (Leviticus 21:10; Numbers 35:25; Numbers 35:28), and in Joshua (Joshua 20:6); whilst in the later books of the Old Testament this functionary is called chief priest (2 Kings 25:18; 2 Chronicles 19:11; 2 Chronicles 24:11; 2 Chronicles 26:20; 2 Chronicles 31:10; Ezra 7:5). He is called “the anointed priest,” because, like Aaron, he alone was anointed when he succeeded to the high office, whilst the ordinary priests were simply consecrated. Their anointing descended with them to all futurity by virtue of being the descendants of Aaron. (See Leviticus 8:12.) According to the sin of the people.—That is, he having in ignorance committed the same sin as the common people, to which he is as liable as they. From the phrase “against any commandments of the Lord” in the preceding verse, as well as from Leviticus 10:6; Leviticus 21:10-15, it is evident that the sin of ignorance here alluded to does not refer to the inadvertent neglect of his official duty, which devolves upon the high priest as the spiritual head of the people, but to any offence whatsoever ignorantly committed. According to the marginal reading, to make the people guilty, or more literally, to the guilt of the people, which is equally admissible, the meaning of the passage is, that he by committing a sin causes the people to transgress, inasmuch as his example is followed by them; or that, in virtue of the intimate connection which subsisted between the representative of the nation and the people, the sin of the one was the sin of the other. (Comp.
Leviticus 10:6; 1 Chronicles 21:3.) A young bullock.—Literally, a steer, the son of a bull. The sacrificial rules which obtained at the time of Christ minutely defined the respective ages of the bullock: the steer, the son of a bull, and the calf.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 4:3
Verse 3. If the priest that is anointed] Meaning, most probably, the high priest. According to the sin of the people; for although he had greater advantages than the people could have, in being more conversant with the law of God, and his lips should understand and preserve knowledge, yet it was possible even for him, in that time in which the word of God had not been fully revealed, to transgress through ignorance; and his transgression might have the very worst tendency, because the people might be thereby led into sin. Hence several critics understand this passage in this way, and translate it thus: If the anointed priest shall lead the people to sin; or, literally, if the anointed priest shall sin to the sin of the people; that is, so as to cause the people to transgress, the shepherd going astray, and the sheep following after him.
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 4:3
3–12. The high priest’s Sin-Offering, a bullock
Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 4:3
The priest that is anointed - i. e. the high priest. (Compare Leviticus 8:12; Leviticus 21:10; Exodus 29:7). On the anointing of the other priests see the note at Leviticus 8:13. The graduation of the sin-offerings is remarkable.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 4:3
SIN OF A PRIEST, Leviticus 4:3-12.3. The priest — The term priest in the original signifies a performer of the offices of worship. In the English it is derived from presbyter, referring more to the order than to the duties.
Sermons on Leviticus 4:3
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Bishop Wilson's Meditations on His Sacred Office, No. 4.-- Wednesday by J.H. Newman | J.H. Newman preaches about the importance of self-denial, mortification, and living a holy life in accordance with God's will. He emphasizes the need to deny ungodliness, worldly l |
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The Priest by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches about the significance of Christ as the Great High Priest, emphasizing how He fulfills the Priestly ordinance ordained by God, unlike human priests who are flawe |
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The Lord's Supper in Current Teaching (Ii) by W.H. Griffith Thomas | W.H. Griffith Thomas delves into the controversial topic of the Eucharistic sacrifice, exploring various definitions and perspectives on whether the Eucharist is a true sacrifice o |
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Epistle 304 by George Fox | George Fox expresses joy in the growth of truth among the believers and emphasizes the universal nature of the new covenant, which extends salvation to all nations, both Jews and G |
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Epistle 216 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the power of God and the importance of standing firm in faith amidst persecution and trials. He encourages believers to remain united in the gospel, which bri |
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Epistle 368 by George Fox | George Fox preaches to encourage believers who are facing persecution, reminding them that wherever two or three are gathered in Christ's name, there is a church with Christ as the |
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Epistle 370 by George Fox | George Fox preaches to friends in prison and sufferers in the county, reminding them of the eternal power and peace they have in Christ Jesus. He encourages them to remain steadfas |