Numbers 15:24
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.
Numbers 15:24 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Numbers outlines the process for atoning for sins committed unintentionally by the congregation. If a sin is committed unknowingly, the entire congregation is responsible for offering sacrifices to the Lord to seek forgiveness. The offering of a young bullock for a burnt offering represents a sweet aroma to the Lord, symbolizing the congregation's desire to make amends and seek reconciliation. Additionally, a kid of the goats is offered as a sin offering to cleanse the congregation of their unintentional wrongdoings. This verse highlights the importance of communal responsibility and the need for collective repentance in the eyes of the Lord. It serves as a reminder for individuals to remain vigilant and seek forgiveness for their unintentional transgressions, emphasizing the significance of unity and atonement within the community of believers.
Theological Overview
Within this verse, there is a theological concept of atonement and forgiveness through sacrifice. The requirement for the congregation to offer a burnt offering and a sin offering in the event of unintentional sin emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and seeking forgiveness for one's mistakes, even when they are committed unknowingly. The burnt offering represents a pleasing aroma to the Lord, signifying the repentance and submission of the people to God. The sin offering, on the other hand, serves as a way to cleanse the community from the defilement of sin and restore their relationship with God. This practice of offering sacrifices for unintentional sins highlights the compassion and mercy of God, who provides a way for his people to make amends and receive forgiveness. It also demonstrates the importance of communal responsibility and accountability in maintaining a righteous and pure community before the Lord.
Numbers 15:24 in other translations
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.
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.
Douay-Rheims
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:
Geneva Bible (1599)
And if so be that ought be committed ignorantly of the Congregation, then all ye Congregatio shall giue a bullocke for a burnt offring, for a sweete sauour vnto the Lord, with the meat offring and drinke offring thereto, according to the maner, and an hee goate for a sinne offring.