Numbers 15:28
Numbers 15:28 in Multiple Translations
And the priest shall make atonement before the LORD on behalf of the person who erred by sinning unintentionally; and when atonement has been made for him, he will be forgiven.
And the priest shall make an atonement for the soul that sinneth ignorantly, when he sinneth by ignorance before the LORD, to make an atonement for him; and it shall be forgiven him.
And the priest shall make atonement for the soul that erreth, when he sinneth unwittingly, before Jehovah, to make atonement for him; and he shall be forgiven.
And the priest will take away the sin of the person who has done wrong, if the wrong was done unconsciously, and he will have forgiveness.
The priest will make the person who sinned unintentionally right before the Lord on their behalf. Once they have been made right, they will be forgiven.
And the Priest shall make an atonement for the ignorant person, when hee sinneth by ignorance before the Lord, to make reconciliation for him: and it shalbe forgiuen him.
and the priest hath made atonement for the person who is erring, in his sinning in ignorance before Jehovah, by making atonement for him, and it hath been forgiven him;
The priest shall make atonement for the soul who errs when he sins unwittingly before the LORD. He shall make atonement for him; and he shall be forgiven.
And the priest shall make an atonement for the soul that sinneth ignorantly, when he sinneth by ignorance before the LORD, to make an atonement for him; and it shall be forgiven him.
And the priest shall pray for him, because he sinned ignorantly before the Lord: and he shall obtain his pardon, and it shall be forgiven him.
The priest will offer it to be a sacrifice to remove the guilt of that person, and that person will be forgiven.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 15:28
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.
Numbers 15:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/כִפֶּ֣ר
הַ/כֹּהֵ֗ן
עַל
הַ/נֶּ֧פֶשׁ
הַ/שֹּׁגֶ֛גֶת
בְּ/חֶטְאָ֥ה
בִ/שְׁגָגָ֖ה
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
יְהוָ֑ה
לְ/כַפֵּ֥ר
עָלָ֖י/ו
וְ/נִסְלַ֥ח
לֽ/וֹ
וְ/כִפֶּ֣ר
kâphar
H3722
to atone
Conj | V-Piel-3ms
הַ/כֹּהֵ֗ן
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ/נֶּ֧פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
soul
Art | N-cs
הַ/שֹּׁגֶ֛גֶת
shᵉgâgâh
H7684
unintentionally
Art | V-Qal
בְּ/חֶטְאָ֥ה
châṭâʼ
H2398
to sin
Prep | N-fs
בִ/שְׁגָגָ֖ה
shâgag
H7683
to go astray
Prep | N-fs
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
לְ/כַפֵּ֥ר
kâphar
H3722
to atone
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
עָלָ֖י/ו
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
וְ/נִסְלַ֥ח
çâlach
H5545
to forgive
Conj | V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
לֽ/וֹ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 15:28
וְ/כִפֶּ֣ר
kâphar
H3722
"to atone"
Conj | V-Piel-3ms
To cover means to coat or cover something, like when the ark was covered with pitch to protect it. This word is also used figuratively to describe making amends or forgiving someone, like in a sacrifice or atonement.
Definition: 1) to cover, purge, make an atonement, make reconciliation 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to cover over, pacify, propitiate 1a2) to cover over, atone for sin, make atonement for 1a3) to cover over, atone for sin and persons by legal rites 1b) (Pual) 1b1) to be covered over 1b2) to be atoned for 1c) (Hithpael) to be covered
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: appease, make (an atonement, cleanse, disannul, forgive, be merciful, pacify, pardon, purge (away), put off, (make) reconcile(-liation). See also: Genesis 6:14; Leviticus 16:32; Psalms 65:4.
הַ/כֹּהֵ֗ן
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.
עַל
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.
הַ/נֶּ֧פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
Art | N-cs
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
הַ/שֹּׁגֶ֛גֶת
shᵉgâgâh
H7684
"unintentionally"
Art | V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to sin unintentionally or make a mistake without realizing it, like in Leviticus 4:2 where it talks about sinning through ignorance. It emphasizes accidental wrongdoing. This concept is important in the Bible.
Definition: 1) sin, sin of error or inadvertence, inadvertent sin 1a) error
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: error, ignorance, at unawares; unwittingly. See also: Leviticus 4:2; Numbers 15:27; Ecclesiastes 10:5.
בְּ/חֶטְאָ֥ה
châṭâʼ
H2398
"to sin"
Prep | N-fs
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.
בִ/שְׁגָגָ֖ה
shâgag
H7683
"to go astray"
Prep | N-fs
To go astray means to sin or err, often unintentionally. It can also mean to deceive or go the wrong way. This concept is found in the Bible, particularly in the Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to go astray, err, commit sin or error 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to err (mentally) 1a2) to sin (ignorantly or inadvertently)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] also for that, deceived, err, go astray, sin ignorantly. See also: Leviticus 5:18; Job 12:16; Psalms 119:67.
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
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/כַפֵּ֥ר
kâphar
H3722
"to atone"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
To cover means to coat or cover something, like when the ark was covered with pitch to protect it. This word is also used figuratively to describe making amends or forgiving someone, like in a sacrifice or atonement.
Definition: 1) to cover, purge, make an atonement, make reconciliation 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to cover over, pacify, propitiate 1a2) to cover over, atone for sin, make atonement for 1a3) to cover over, atone for sin and persons by legal rites 1b) (Pual) 1b1) to be covered over 1b2) to be atoned for 1c) (Hithpael) to be covered
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: appease, make (an atonement, cleanse, disannul, forgive, be merciful, pacify, pardon, purge (away), put off, (make) reconcile(-liation). See also: Genesis 6:14; Leviticus 16:32; Psalms 65:4.
עָלָ֖י/ו
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
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.
וְ/נִסְלַ֥ח
çâlach
H5545
"to forgive"
Conj | V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
To forgive is the meaning of this Hebrew word, used to describe God's pardon and mercy towards humanity, as seen in Psalm 86:5. It involves letting go of anger or resentment towards someone who has wronged us, and is a key concept in the Bible's teachings on love and relationships.
Definition: 1) to forgive, pardon 1a) (Qal) to forgive, pardon 1b) (Niphal) to be forgiven
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: forgive, pardon, spare. See also: Exodus 34:9; 1 Kings 8:36; Psalms 25:11.
לֽ/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Numbers 15:28
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Offerings for Unintentional Sins
26Then the whole congregation of Israel and the foreigners residing among them will be forgiven, since it happened to all the people unintentionally.
27Also, if one person sins unintentionally, he is to present a year-old female goat as a sin offering.
28And the priest shall make atonement before the LORD on behalf of the person who erred by sinning unintentionally; and when atonement has been made for him, he will be forgiven.
29You shall have the same law for the one who acts in error, whether he is a native-born Israelite or a foreigner residing among you. 30But the person who sins defiantly, whether a native or foreigner, blasphemes the LORD. That person shall be cut off from among his people.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 4:35 | And he shall remove all the fat, just as the fat of the lamb is removed from the peace offerings, and he shall burn it on the altar along with the offerings made by fire to the LORD. In this way the priest will make atonement for him for the sin he has committed, and he will be forgiven. |
Numbers 15:28 Summary
[This verse, Numbers 15:28, tells us that when we sin unintentionally, we can still be forgiven if we seek atonement through a priest, which points to the ultimate atonement provided by Jesus Christ (Hebrews 7:25). The priest's role in making atonement shows us that God provides a way for us to be forgiven, even when we sin without realizing it, and this principle of forgiveness is seen throughout the Bible, including in verses like 1 John 1:9. Just like the people in this verse, we all sin sometimes without realizing it, but God's provision of atonement and forgiveness means we can be restored to a right relationship with Him, as seen in Romans 5:1.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of the priest in Numbers 15:28?
The priest is to make atonement before the Lord on behalf of the person who erred by sinning unintentionally, as seen in Numbers 15:28, similar to the role of priests in the New Testament, such as Jesus Christ, who makes atonement for our sins (Hebrews 2:17).
How does atonement lead to forgiveness in Numbers 15:28?
When atonement has been made for the person who erred, he will be forgiven, illustrating the principle that forgiveness is possible through atonement, also seen in Leviticus 4:20 and 1 John 1:9.
Is unintentional sin still considered sin in God's eyes?
Yes, unintentional sin is still considered sin and requires atonement, as shown in Numbers 15:28, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and addressing all sin, whether intentional or unintentional (Romans 3:23).
How does this verse relate to the concept of forgiveness in the Bible?
This verse highlights the provision of forgiveness through atonement, a theme that is continued in the New Testament, where Jesus Christ offers forgiveness of sins through His sacrifice (Colossians 1:14, Ephesians 1:7).
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I may be sinning unintentionally, and how can I seek forgiveness and atonement for those sins?
- How does the concept of atonement in Numbers 15:28 relate to my own experiences of sin and forgiveness?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of seeking forgiveness and atonement for unintentional sin in my daily life, as seen in this verse and other Bible passages?
- How does the role of the priest in making atonement in Numbers 15:28 point to the ultimate role of Jesus Christ as our High Priest and atoning sacrifice?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 15:28
And the priest shall make atonement for the soul that sinneth ignorantly,.... By offering his sin offering for him: when he sinneth by ignorance before the Lord; to whom it is known to be such,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 15:28
And the priest shall make an atonement for the soul that sinneth ignorantly, when he sinneth by ignorance before the LORD, to make an atonement for him; and it shall be forgiven him. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 15:28
22–31. Propitiation for inadvertent transgressions—(a) Numbers 15:22-36 committed by the congregation as a whole; (b) Numbers 15:27-29 by individuals. To these is added the provision that deliberate transgressions cannot be atoned for (Numbers 15:30-31). Another set of laws relating to inadvertent transgressions, apparently dating from a different period, is found in Leviticus 4, Leviticus 5; it is more elaborate, dealing with four classes of persons—the high priest, the congregation, a prince, and a private individual.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 15:28
ALTAR RITUAL, Numbers 15:1-29.The chief peculiarity of this supplement is, that it is not to be obligatory in the wilderness, but in the land of your habitations, that is, Canaan.