Leviticus 4:28

Or if his sin, which he hath sinned, come to his knowledge: then he shall bring his offering, a kid of the goats, a female without blemish, for his sin which he hath sinned.

Leviticus 4:28 (KJV)

Context

Leviticus is the third book of the Bible and part of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament. It records laws and instructions that God gave to Israel through Moses, especially concerning offerings and sacrifices. Leviticus 4 deals with the sin offering for unintentional sins, and verses 27–35 address the case of a common person. Verse 28 specifies that when such a person becomes aware of a sin committed unintentionally, he must bring a female goat without blemish as his offering.

Meaning

The verse begins, “Or if his sin, which he hath sinned, come to his knowledge.” This phrase means the person is convinced that he has sinned, whether through his own recollection or because another person informs him. The awareness of sin is the first step toward reconciliation with God. Once the sin is known, the person must bring his offering to the door of the tabernacle, to the priest. The required offering is a kid of the goats—a young female goat without blemish. This was a lesser offering than the male goat required of a ruler (Leviticus 4:23), reflecting that the position and character of persons affect the degree of their responsibility.

The sacrificial system symbolised the seriousness of sin and the cost of forgiveness. The person laid his hand on the animal’s head, symbolising the transfer of guilt to the substitute, and the animal was slain. The shedding of blood represented the penalty of sin and the necessity of atonement. Atonement means to reconcile or restore a broken relationship. By offering the prescribed sacrifice, the person expressed a desire for reconciliation with God, seeking His forgiveness and restoration.

This verse also highlights the importance of genuine repentance. When a person becomes aware of sin, he should not ignore or trivialise it but take appropriate steps to address it. The offering, made with a contrite heart, symbolised the desire to be restored to a right relationship with God.

Biblical connections

The requirement that the animal be without blemish was common to all sacrifices and pointed to the offering of Christ, who is described as a lamb without blemish and without spot (1 Peter 1:19). The unblemished animal foreshadows the perfect and final atonement made by Jesus Christ, the ultimate sacrifice for sin.

Application

We should examine our lives in light of God’s commandments, acknowledging and taking responsibility for our sins. When we become aware of wrongdoing, we must be willing to confront and confess it, seeking forgiveness from God and from those we have wronged. True repentance involves not only acknowledging sin but also turning away from it and striving to live in obedience to God’s Word. It requires a genuine change of heart and a commitment to forsake sinful practices.

Just as the Israelites brought their sin offering to the tabernacle, we approach God in prayer, seeking His forgiveness through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Through faith in Jesus, we can receive forgiveness and be reconciled to God. When we seek forgiveness and reconciliation, God promises to cleanse us from all unrighteousness and restore our relationship with Him, bringing spiritual renewal and transformation.

As Christians, we no longer offer animal sacrifices because Jesus Christ, the perfect and unblemished Lamb of God, offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. Through faith in Him, we experience complete forgiveness and restoration.

Reflection

Consider how you respond when your sin is brought to your knowledge. Do you take it seriously and seek reconciliation, or do you dismiss it? The gospel invites you to bring your sins to Christ, who has made full atonement, and to receive the cleansing and restoration He offers.