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Numbers 15:27 - Ignorant sin's atonement offering?

Numbers 15:27 - במדבר 15:27

Hebrew Text

וְאִם־נֶפֶשׁ אַחַת תֶּחֱטָא בִשְׁגָגָה וְהִקְרִיבָה עֵז בַּת־שְׁנָתָהּ לְחַטָּאת׃

English Translation

And if a single person sin through ignorance, then he shall bring a she goat of the first year for a sin offering.

Transliteration

Ve'im-nefesh achat techeta bishgaga vehikriva ez bat-shnata lechatat.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאִם־נֶ֥פֶשׁ אַחַ֖ת תֶּחֱטָ֣א בִשְׁגָגָ֑ה וְהִקְרִ֛יבָה עֵ֥ז בַּת־שְׁנָתָ֖הּ לְחַטָּֽאת׃
וְאִם־נֶ֥פֶשׁ אַחַ֖ת תֶּחֱטָ֣א בִשְׁגָגָ֑ה וְהִקְרִ֛יבָה עֵ֥ז בַּת־שְׁנָתָ֖הּ לְחַטָּֽאת׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Verse Context in Vayikra (Leviticus)

The verse (Vayikra 4:27) discusses the law of an individual who unintentionally commits a sin (chet b'shogeg). This follows the broader discussion in Parshat Vayikra about various sin offerings (korbanot chatat) for different categories of transgressors, including the Kohen Gadol, the Sanhedrin, and the Nasi (leader). Here, the Torah specifies the procedure for an ordinary individual (nefesh achat) who errs.

Nature of the Sin: Chet B'Shogeg (Unintentional Sin)

Rashi (on Vayikra 4:2) explains that a chet b'shogeg refers to a transgression committed without awareness—either forgetting the prohibition or being unaware of the circumstances that render an action forbidden. The Rambam (Hilchot Shegagot 1:1) elaborates that this includes cases where a person knew the law but forgot at the moment of action, or was unaware that the act was prohibited.

The Required Offering: A Female Goat

The Torah specifies a female goat (ez bat shanah) as the sin offering for an individual. Rashi notes that this differs from the offering of a leader (Nasi), who brings a male goat (Vayikra 4:23). The Kli Yakar suggests that the female goat symbolizes humility and submission, as the sinner must acknowledge their error and seek atonement.

Spiritual Significance of the Korban Chatat

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 121) explains that the sin offering serves as a physical and spiritual rectification. By bringing an animal, the sinner internalizes that their misdeed carries consequences and must be corrected through repentance (teshuvah). The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:46) adds that the act of sacrifice redirects the person’s heart toward Hashem.

Halachic Details from the Talmud

  • Age of the Goat: The phrase bat shanah (a year old) is interpreted in Chullin 23b to mean that the goat must be at least one year old but not yet two.
  • Financial Capacity: Menachot 104a notes that if the sinner cannot afford a goat, they may bring a sheep or, in cases of extreme poverty, a flour offering (Vayikra 5:11).

Moral Lesson from the Midrash

The Midrash Tanchuma (Vayikra 8) teaches that this law emphasizes the gravity of even unintentional sins. Just as one must atone for an error, how much more so must one be vigilant against deliberate transgressions. The Alshich adds that the term nefesh achat (a single soul) reminds us that every individual’s actions have spiritual weight.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Horayot 2a
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding communal and individual sin offerings, particularly focusing on the distinction between intentional and unintentional sins.
📖 Keritot 7b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the types of animals that can be brought as sin offerings for different types of sins, emphasizing the requirement for a she-goat in this case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 15:27 mean?
A: Numbers 15:27 discusses the law of bringing a sin offering (חַטָּאת) for an unintentional sin (שְׁגָגָה). According to Rashi, this verse teaches that even if a person sins accidentally, they must still bring a sacrifice to atone for it. The offering specified here is a female goat in its first year.
Q: Why is the sin offering necessary for an unintentional sin?
A: The Torah teaches that unintentional sins still require atonement because negligence or lack of awareness does not fully excuse wrongdoing. The Rambam (Hilchot Shegagot 1:1) explains that this law emphasizes the importance of spiritual vigilance and accountability, even for mistakes.
Q: Why is a female goat specified for this sin offering?
A: The Torah specifies a female goat (עֵז בַּת־שְׁנָתָהּ) because it was a common and accessible offering for the average person. Rashi notes that the choice of a goat (as opposed to other animals) may also symbolize humility, as goats were less expensive than cattle, making repentance accessible to all.
Q: Does this law apply today without the Temple?
A: Since the destruction of the Temple, physical sin offerings are no longer brought. However, the Talmud (Berachot 23a) teaches that prayer, repentance, and charity now serve as substitutes for sacrifices. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 1:3) emphasizes that sincere repentance remains essential for atonement.
Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse today?
A: This verse reminds us that we must take responsibility for our actions, even unintentional mistakes. The Midrash (Sifrei Bamidbar 112) teaches that awareness of our errors leads to self-improvement. Practically, this means being mindful of our behavior and seeking forgiveness when we err.