Numbers 15:24
New International Version
and if this is done unintentionally without the community being aware of it, then the whole community is to offer a young bull for a burnt offering as an aroma pleasing to the LORD, along with its prescribed grain offering and drink offering, and a male goat for a sin offering.

New Living Translation
If the mistake was made unintentionally, and the community was unaware of it, the whole community must present a young bull for a burnt offering as a pleasing aroma to the LORD. It must be offered along with its prescribed grain offering and liquid offering and with one male goat for a sin offering.

English Standard Version
then if it was done unintentionally without the knowledge of the congregation, all the congregation shall offer one bull from the herd for a burnt offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD, with its grain offering and its drink offering, according to the rule, and one male goat for a sin offering.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
Then it shall be, if ought be committed by ignorance without the knowledge of the congregation, that all the congregation shall offer one young bullock for a burnt offering, for a sweet savour unto the LORD, with his meat offering, and his drink offering, according to the manner, and one kid of the goats for a sin offering.

New King James Version
then it will be, if it is unintentionally committed, without the knowledge of the congregation, that the whole congregation shall offer one young bull as a burnt offering, as a sweet aroma to the LORD, with its grain offering and its drink offering, according to the ordinance, and one kid of the goats as a sin offering.

New American Standard Bible
then it shall be, if it is done unintentionally, without the knowledge of the congregation, that all the congregation shall offer one bull as a burnt offering, as a soothing aroma to the LORD, with its grain offering and its drink offering, according to the ordinance, and one male goat as a sin offering.

NASB 1995
then it shall be, if it is done unintentionally, without the knowledge of the congregation, that all the congregation shall offer one bull for a burnt offering, as a soothing aroma to the LORD, with its grain offering and its drink offering, according to the ordinance, and one male goat for a sin offering.

NASB 1977
then it shall be, if it is done unintentionally, without the knowledge of the congregation, that all the congregation shall offer one bull for a burnt offering, as a soothing aroma to the LORD, with its grain offering, and its libation, according to the ordinance, and one male goat for a sin offering.

Legacy Standard Bible
then it will be, if it is done unintentionally, hidden from the sight of the congregation, that all the congregation shall offer one bull from the herd for a burnt offering as a soothing aroma to Yahweh, with its grain offering and its drink offering, according to the legal judgment, and one male goat for a sin offering.

Amplified Bible
then it shall be, if it was done unintentionally without the knowledge of the congregation, that all the congregation shall offer one young bull as a burnt offering, as a sweet and soothing aroma to the LORD, with its grain offering and its drink offering, according to the ordinance, and one male goat as a sin offering.

Christian Standard Bible
and if it was done unintentionally without the community’s awareness, the entire community is to prepare one young bull for a burnt offering as 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.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
and if it was done unintentionally without the community’s awareness, the entire community is to prepare one young bull for a burnt offering as 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.

American Standard Version
then it shall be, if it be done unwittingly, without the knowledge of the congregation, that all the congregation shall offer one young bullock for a burnt-offering, for a sweet savor unto Jehovah, with the meal-offering thereof, and the drink-offering thereof, according to the ordinance, and one he-goat for a sin-offering.

Contemporary English Version
If all of you disobey one of my laws without knowing it, you must offer a bull as a sacrifice to please me, together with a grain sacrifice, a wine offering, and a goat as a sacrifice for sin.

English Revised Version
then it shall be, if it be done unwittingly, without the knowledge of the congregation, that all the congregation shall offer one young bullock for a burnt offering, for a sweet savour unto the LORD, with the meal offering thereof, and the drink offering thereof, according to the ordinance, and one he-goat for a sin offering.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
If it was unintentional and no one else knows about it, the whole community must sacrifice a young bull as a burnt offering, a soothing aroma to the LORD, along with the proper grain and wine offerings, and a male goat as an offering for sin.

Good News Translation
If the mistake was made because of the ignorance of the community, they are to offer a bull as a burnt offering, an odor that pleases the LORD, with the proper grain offering and wine offering. In addition, they are to offer a male goat as a sin offering.

International Standard Version
When anything is done without the knowledge of the congregation, the entire community is to offer one young bull for a burnt offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD, along with its meal and drink offerings offered according to procedure, and one male goat for a sin offering.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
then if anything is done unintentionally without the knowledge of the community, the whole community must prepare one young bull for a burnt offering--for a pleasing aroma to the LORD--along with its grain offering and its customary drink offering, and one male goat for a purification offering.

New Heart English Bible
then it shall be, if it be done unwittingly, without the knowledge of the congregation, that all the congregation shall offer one young bull for a burnt offering, for a pleasant aroma to the LORD, with the meal offering of it, and the drink offering of it, according to the ordinance, and one male goat for a sin offering.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then it shall be, if aught shall be committed by ignorance without the knowledge of the congregation, that all the congregation shall offer one young bullock for a burnt-offering, for a sweet savor to the LORD, with his meat-offering, and his drink-offering, according to the manner, and one kid of the goats for a sin-offering.

World English Bible
then it shall be, if it was done unwittingly, without the knowledge of the congregation, that all the congregation shall offer one young bull for a burnt offering, for a pleasant aroma to Yahweh, with its meal offering and its drink offering, according to the ordinance, and one male goat for a sin offering.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
then it has been, if from the eyes of the congregation it has been done through ignorance, that all the congregation has prepared one bullock, a son of the herd, for a burnt-offering, for refreshing fragrance to YHWH, and its present, and its drink-offering, according to the ordinance, and one kid of the goats for a sin-offering.

Young's Literal Translation
then it hath been, if from the eyes of the company it hath been done in ignorance, that all the company have prepared one bullock, a son of the herd, for a burnt-offering, for sweet fragrance to Jehovah, and its present, and its libation, according to the ordinance, and one kid of the goats for a sin-offering.

Smith's Literal Translation
And it was if from the eyes of the assembly there was done in error, all the assembly did a bullock, the son of a cow, for a burnt-offering, for an odor of sweetness to Jehovah, and its gift and its libation, according to judgment, and one he goat of the goats for sin.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the multitude have forgotten to do it: they shall offer a calf out of the herd, a holocaust for a most sweet savour to the Lord, and the sacrifice and libations thereof, as the ceremonies require, and a buck goat for sin:

Catholic Public Domain Version
and if the multitude will have forgotten to do it, then they shall offer a calf from the herd, a holocaust as a most sweet odor to the Lord, and its sacrifice and libations, just as the ceremonies ask, and a he-goat for sin.

New American Bible
if it was done inadvertently without the community’s knowledge, the whole community shall sacrifice one bull from the herd as a burnt offering of pleasing aroma to the LORD, along with its prescribed grain offering and libation, as well as one he-goat as a purification offering.

New Revised Standard Version
then if it was done unintentionally without the knowledge of the congregation, the whole congregation shall offer one young bull for a burnt offering, a pleasing odor to the LORD, together with its grain offering and its drink offering, according to the ordinance, and one male goat for a sin offering.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then it shall be, if the error was committed in the presence of the congregation, all the congregation shall offer one young bullock for a burnt offering, for a sweet savour to the LORD, with its meal offering and its drink offering, according to the ordinance thereof, and one kid of the goats for a sin offering.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And if the error was done before the eyes of the assembly, all of the assembly shall bring one bull, a son of a herd for a burnt offering, for a fragrance of savor to LORD JEHOVAH and its meal offering and its drink offering, according to its rule, and one kid of goats for sin.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
then it shall be, if it be done in error by the congregation, it being hid from their eyes, that all the congregation shall offer one young bullock for a burnt-offering, for a sweet savour unto the LORD--with the meal-offering thereof, and the drink-offering thereof, according to the ordinance--and one he-goat for a sin-offering.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
then it shall come to pass, if a trespass be committed unwillingly, unknown to the congregation, then shall all the congregation offer a calf of the herd without blemish for a whole-burnt-offering of sweet savour to the Lord, and its meat-offering and its drink-offering according to the ordinance, and one kid of the goats for a sin-offering.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Offerings for Unintentional Sins
23all that the LORD has commanded you through Moses from the day the LORD gave them and continuing through the generations to come— 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. 25The priest is to make atonement for the whole congregation of Israel, so that they may be forgiven; for the sin was unintentional and they have brought to the LORD an offering made by fire and a sin offering, presented before the LORD for their unintentional sin.…

Cross References
Leviticus 4:13-21
Now if the whole congregation of Israel strays unintentionally and the matter escapes the notice of the assembly so that they violate any of the LORD’s commandments and incur guilt by doing what is forbidden, / 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. / The elders of the congregation are to lay their hands on the bull’s head before the LORD, and it shall be slaughtered before the LORD. ...

Leviticus 5:15-19
“If someone acts unfaithfully and sins unintentionally against any of the LORD’s holy things, he must bring his guilt offering to the LORD: an unblemished ram from the flock, of proper value in silver shekels according to the sanctuary shekel; it is a guilt offering. / Regarding any holy thing he has harmed, he must make restitution by adding a fifth of its value to it and giving it to the priest, who will make atonement on his behalf with the ram as a guilt offering, and he will be forgiven. / If someone sins and violates any of the LORD’s commandments even though he was unaware, he is guilty and shall bear his punishment. ...

Leviticus 4:22-26
When a leader sins unintentionally and does what is prohibited by any of the commandments of the LORD his God, he incurs guilt. / When he becomes aware of the sin he has committed, he must bring an unblemished male goat as his offering. / He is to lay his hand on the head of the goat and slaughter it at the place where the burnt offering is slaughtered before the LORD. It is a sin offering. ...

Leviticus 4:27-31
And if one of the common people sins unintentionally and does what is prohibited by any of the LORD’s commandments, he incurs guilt. / When he becomes aware of the sin he has committed, he must bring an unblemished female goat as his offering for that sin. / He is to lay his hand on the head of the sin offering and slaughter it at the place of the burnt offering. ...

Leviticus 4:2-3
“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: / 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.

Hebrews 9:7
But only the high priest entered the second room, and then only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance.

Hebrews 9:22
According to the law, in fact, nearly everything must be purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

Hebrews 10:26-27
If we deliberately go on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins remains, / but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume all adversaries.

Acts 3:17
And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders.

Acts 17:30
Although God overlooked the ignorance of earlier times, He now commands all people everywhere to repent.

1 Timothy 1:13
I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy.

Luke 23:34
Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots.

1 John 1:7-9
But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. / If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. / If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Romans 3:25
God presented Him as an atoning sacrifice in His blood through faith, in order to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand.

Romans 5:20
The law came in so that the trespass would increase; but where sin increased, grace increased all the more,


Treasury of Scripture

Then it shall be, if ought be committed by ignorance without the knowledge of the congregation, that all the congregation shall offer one young bullock for a burnt offering, for a sweet smell to the LORD, with his meat offering, and his drink offering, according to the manner, and one kid of the goats for a sin offering.

if ought

Leviticus 4:13
And if the whole congregation of Israel sin through ignorance, and the thing be hid from the eyes of the assembly, and they have done somewhat against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which should not be done, and are guilty;

without.

Leviticus 4:14-21
When the sin, which they have sinned against it, is known, then the congregation shall offer a young bullock for the sin, and bring him before the tabernacle of the congregation…

with his

Numbers 15:8-10
And when thou preparest a bullock for a burnt offering, or for a sacrifice in performing a vow, or peace offerings unto the LORD: …

manner, or, ordinance.

Numbers 28:15
And one kid of the goats for a sin offering unto the LORD shall be offered, beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering.

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:

2 Chronicles 29:21-24
And they brought seven bullocks, and seven rams, and seven lambs, and seven he goats, for a sin offering for the kingdom, and for the sanctuary, and for Judah. And he commanded the priests the sons of Aaron to offer them on the altar of the LORD…

Jump to Previous
Aroma Aught Bull Bullock Burnt Burnt-Offering Committed Congregation Drink Drink-Offering Error Eyes Hid Ignorance Kid Pleasant Savor Savour Sin Sin-Offering Sweet Thereof Unwittingly Young
Jump to Next
Aroma Aught Bull Bullock Burnt Burnt-Offering Committed Congregation Drink Drink-Offering Error Eyes Hid Ignorance Kid Pleasant Savor Savour Sin Sin-Offering Sweet Thereof Unwittingly Young
Numbers 15
1. The law of the meat offering, and the drink offering
14. The stranger is under the same law
17. The law of the first of the dough
22. The sacrifice for sins of ignorance
30. The punishment of presumption
32. He who violated the Sabbath is stoned
37. The law of tassels














and if this was done unintentionally
The Hebrew word for "unintentionally" is "בִּשְׁגָגָה" (bishgagah), which implies an act done in error or without intent. In the context of ancient Israel, this highlights the understanding that sin is not only a matter of deliberate rebellion but can also occur through ignorance or oversight. This reflects God's grace and understanding of human fallibility, emphasizing the need for atonement even when the sin is not willful.

without the congregation’s awareness
The phrase underscores the communal aspect of sin and responsibility in Israelite society. The Hebrew term "עֵינֵי הַקָּהָל" (einei ha-qahal) refers to the "eyes of the congregation," indicating that the sin was hidden from the collective knowledge. This suggests a deep interconnectedness within the community, where the actions of individuals or groups can affect the whole, and the community bears a collective responsibility to maintain holiness.

the whole congregation is to offer
This phrase indicates a corporate response to sin, emphasizing the unity and shared responsibility of the people of Israel. The Hebrew word "קָהָל" (qahal) for "congregation" signifies an assembly or gathering, often used to describe the people of God. This communal offering reflects the biblical principle that the community must act together to restore their relationship with God.

one young bull as a burnt offering
The "young bull" (Hebrew: "פַּר בֶּן-בָּקָר" par ben-bakar) was a significant and valuable sacrifice, symbolizing strength and vitality. The burnt offering, or "עֹלָה" (olah), was entirely consumed by fire, representing total dedication and surrender to God. This act of offering a young bull signifies the congregation's complete devotion and repentance, seeking to restore their covenant relationship with the LORD.

a pleasing aroma to the LORD
The phrase "pleasing aroma" (Hebrew: "רֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ" reiach nichoach) is a recurring expression in the sacrificial system, symbolizing God's acceptance of the offering. It conveys the idea that the sacrifice, when offered with a sincere heart, is delightful to God. This imagery reassures the Israelites that their repentance and offerings are received favorably by the LORD, restoring peace and fellowship.

along with its prescribed grain offering and drink offering
The grain offering ("מִנְחָה" minchah) and drink offering ("נֶסֶךְ" nesekh) were supplementary offerings that accompanied the burnt offering. These offerings represent the fruits of human labor and the joy of life, acknowledging God's provision and sovereignty. The inclusion of these offerings signifies the completeness of the sacrificial act, encompassing both sustenance and celebration in the worship of God.

and one male goat as a sin offering
The "male goat" (Hebrew: "שָׂעִיר עִזִּים" sa'ir izzim) as a sin offering ("חַטָּאת" chatat) specifically addresses the expiation of sin. The sin offering was a crucial part of the sacrificial system, symbolizing purification and atonement. This offering underscores the seriousness of sin and the necessity of bloodshed for forgiveness, pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who fulfills and perfects the sacrificial system through His atoning death.

(24) By ignorance.--The word shegagah is used to denote transgressions committed unwittingly in contrast to sins committed presumptuously (Numbers 15:30). (See Leviticus 4:2 and Note.) Provision had already been made in Leviticus 4 for sins of commission committed unwittingly by the whole congregation, but no provision appears to have been made for the guilt contracted in the case of sins of omission. It is possible, also, that in this place transgressions committed by an individual, but affecting the whole of the congregation, may be included. In Leviticus 4:14 a young bullock is appointed as a sin offering; in the present case a young bullock is appointed for a burnt offering and a kid of the goats for a sin offering. It must be remembered, moreover, that the commandments delivered in this chapter have express reference to the land of Canaan, whereas many of the commandments previously delivered had already become obligatory.

Verse 24. - If ought be committed. Rather, "if it be committed," i.e., the non-observance of "all these commandments." It cannot, however, be necessary to suppose that a falling away from the whole body of the Mosaic legislation is here intended; such an apostasy could not happen by oversight, and if it did, the remedy provided would seem much too slight for the occasion. The analogy of the provision which follows (verse 27), and of the parallel provisions in Leviticus 4:2, 13, points clearly to the neglect of any one of the Divine commandments. One young bullock for a burnt offering. In the case of a sin of commission done ignorantly, the bullock was treated as a sin offering (Leviticus 4:14, 20), for in that case the expiation of guilt incurred is the prominent point in the atonement; in this case it is the necessity of a fresh self-dedication to the Lord. According to the manner, כַּמִּשְׁפָט, according to the ordinance given above. One kid of the goats for a sin offering. This was no doubt offered first, because expiation must precede self-oblation, but the bullock is mentioned first as forming the principal part of the sacrifice. The kid was probably treated according to the regulations of Leviticus 4:14, sq.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
and if
אִ֣ם (’im)
Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

it was done
נֶעֶשְׂתָ֣ה (ne·‘eś·ṯāh)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

unintentionally
לִשְׁגָגָה֒ (liš·ḡā·ḡāh)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7684: A mistake, inadvertent transgression

without the knowledge
מֵעֵינֵ֣י (mê·‘ê·nê)
Preposition-m | Noun - cdc
Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain

of the congregation,
הָעֵדָה֮ (hā·‘ê·ḏāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5712: A stated assemblage

then the whole
כָל־ (ḵāl)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

congregation
הָעֵדָ֡ה (hā·‘ê·ḏāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5712: A stated assemblage

is to prepare
וְעָשׂ֣וּ (wə·‘ā·śū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 6213: To do, make

one
אֶחָ֨ד (’e·ḥāḏ)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

young bull
פַּ֣ר (par)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6499: Young bull, steer

as a burnt offering,
לְעֹלָ֜ה (lə·‘ō·lāh)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5930: Whole burnt offering

a pleasing
נִיחֹ֙חַ֙ (nî·ḥō·aḥ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5207: A quieting, soothing, tranquilizing

aroma
לְרֵ֤יחַ (lə·rê·aḥ)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7381: To smell, perceive odor

to the LORD,
לַֽיהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

with its grain offering
וּמִנְחָת֥וֹ (ū·min·ḥā·ṯōw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4503: A donation, tribute, a sacrificial offering

and drink offering
וְנִסְכּ֖וֹ (wə·nis·kōw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5262: A libation, a cast idol

according to the regulation,
כַּמִּשְׁפָּ֑ט (kam·miš·pāṭ)
Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style

and one
אֶחָ֖ד (’e·ḥāḏ)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

male goat
וּשְׂעִיר־ (ū·śə·‘îr-)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8163: Shaggy, a he-goat, a faun

as a sin offering.
לְחַטָּֽת׃ (lə·ḥaṭ·ṭāṯ)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2403: An offence, its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, expiation, an offender


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OT Law: Numbers 15:24 Then it shall be if it be (Nu Num.)
Numbers 15:23
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