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Numbers 15:28 - Unintentional sin's atonement path?

Numbers 15:28 - במדבר 15:28

Hebrew Text

וְכִפֶּר הַכֹּהֵן עַל־הַנֶּפֶשׁ הַשֹּׁגֶגֶת בְּחֶטְאָה בִשְׁגָגָה לִפְנֵי יְהוָה לְכַפֵּר עָלָיו וְנִסְלַח לוֹ׃

English Translation

And the priest shall make atonement for the person that sins ignorantly, when he sins by ignorance before the Lord, to make atonement for him; and it shall be forgiven him.

Transliteration

Vechiper hakohen al-hanefesh hashogeget becheta bishgaga lifnei Adonai lechaper alav venislach lo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְכִפֶּ֣ר הַכֹּהֵ֗ן עַל־הַנֶּ֧פֶשׁ הַשֹּׁגֶ֛גֶת בְּחֶטְאָ֥הֿ בִשְׁגָגָ֖ה לִפְנֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֑ה לְכַפֵּ֥ר עָלָ֖יו וְנִסְלַ֥ח לֽוֹ׃
וְכִפֶּ֣ר הַכֹּהֵ֗ן עַל־הַנֶּ֧פֶשׁ הַשֹּׁגֶ֛גֶת בְּחֶטְאָ֥הֿ בִשְׁגָגָ֖ה לִפְנֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֑ה לְכַפֵּ֥ר עָלָ֖יו וְנִסְלַ֥ח לֽוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Numbers 15:28) discusses the process of atonement for unintentional sins (chet b'shogeg). It is part of a larger passage detailing the laws of sacrifices for both intentional and unintentional transgressions. The Torah emphasizes that even sins committed without malice require atonement, highlighting the importance of spiritual purity.

Meaning of "Kapparah" (Atonement)

Rashi explains that the term v'chiper ("and the priest shall make atonement") refers to the sacrificial process that removes the spiritual impurity caused by the sin. The Kohen's role is essential in facilitating this atonement, as the verse states, lifnei Hashem ("before the Lord"), indicating that the process is divinely ordained.

The Nature of Unintentional Sin

The Rambam (Hilchot Shegagot 1:1) elaborates that an unintentional sin (shogeg) occurs when a person transgresses due to forgetfulness or lack of awareness of the law. Despite the absence of deliberate intent, the act still creates a spiritual blemish requiring rectification. The Talmud (Horayot 8b) further distinguishes between different levels of unintentional sin, such as those caused by negligence versus complete ignorance.

The Role of the Kohen

The Midrash (Sifrei Bamidbar 112) emphasizes that the Kohen serves as an intermediary in the atonement process, symbolizing the need for structured repentance. The verse specifies that the Kohen acts l'chaper alav ("to make atonement for him"), underscoring that the sinner must actively seek reconciliation through the proper channels.

Divine Forgiveness

The phrase v'nislach lo ("and it shall be forgiven him") assures that sincere repentance, coupled with the prescribed atonement, results in divine forgiveness. The Ramban notes that this forgiveness is not merely judicial but also restorative, repairing the relationship between the individual and Hashem.

Practical Implications

  • Even unintentional sins require correction, demonstrating the Torah's emphasis on spiritual accountability.
  • The sacrificial system (or, in the absence of the Temple, prayer and repentance) serves as the means for atonement.
  • The involvement of the Kohen highlights the communal and structured nature of repentance in Jewish tradition.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Horayot 10b
The verse is discussed in the context of atonement for unintentional sins, particularly focusing on the role of the priest in the atonement process.
📖 Keritot 25b
This verse is referenced in a discussion about the requirements for atonement and the conditions under which forgiveness is granted for sins committed in ignorance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 15:28 mean?
A: Numbers 15:28 discusses the process of atonement for someone who sins unintentionally (בִּשְׁגָגָה). According to Orthodox Jewish interpretation, this verse teaches that even sins committed accidentally require repentance and atonement through the Kohen (priest). Rashi explains that this highlights the importance of taking responsibility for our actions, even when they are not deliberate.
Q: Why is atonement needed for unintentional sins?
A: The Torah teaches that unintentional sins still create a spiritual blemish that requires correction. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 1:1) explains that while intentional sins require full repentance, unintentional ones also need atonement to restore purity. This shows that Hashem cares about our spiritual state, even when mistakes are not willful.
Q: How does this apply today without the Temple?
A: Since we no longer have the Beit HaMikdash (Temple), the Talmud (Berachot 23a) teaches that prayer, tzedakah (charity), and sincere repentance take the place of sacrifices. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 1:3) emphasizes that teshuva (repentance) is always accessible, even without the Kohen's atonement, showing Hashem's mercy.
Q: What can we learn from this verse about responsibility?
A: This verse teaches that we must take responsibility for our actions, even accidental ones. The Midrash (Sifrei Bamidbar 112) explains that recognizing and correcting mistakes—whether intentional or not—helps refine our character. It reminds us to be mindful of our deeds and seek forgiveness when needed.
Q: Does this verse mean all unintentional sins are forgiven automatically?
A: No, the Talmud (Shevuot 13a) clarifies that atonement requires awareness of the sin and sincere repentance. The Kohen's service facilitates forgiveness, but the individual must recognize their mistake and take steps to correct it. This shows that teshuva is an active process, not automatic.