Definition: Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a soul shall sin through ignorance against any of the commandments of the LORD [concerning things] which ought not to be done, and shall do against any of them:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 4:2. It’s a really important passage about responsibility and consequences. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is talking about obedience – following the rules God gave us – and what happens when we don’t . It’s essentially saying that if someone breaks a rule, it has a serious consequence. Let’s break it down sentence by sentence: 1. “Speak unto the children of Israel…” - This tells us who the verse is about – it's addressing the people of Israel. 2. “…saying, If a soul shall sin through ignorance against any of the commandments of the LORD [concerning things] which ought not to be done:” – This is the core of the verse. “soul” : This refers to any person, meaning anyone who breaks a rule. “sin” : This means to disobey God’s instructions or rules. It's breaking trust with Him. “through ignorance” : This is crucial . It means the person didn’t understand what was wrong and didn’t make a conscious decision to do it. They weren't thinking about it – they were just acting without understanding. “against any of the commandments of the LORD [concerning things]” : This is the specific rules . The verse specifically mentions certain laws that God gave us, like not taking a brother’s property, not lying, etc. It's a list of what's forbidden. “which ought not to be done:” – This reinforces that these are things that are forbidden and shouldn’t be done by anyone. So, putting it all together: This verse is saying: If someone breaks one of God's rules, even if they didn’t realize it was wrong, it’s a serious mistake. And because they were ignorant, it will result in punishment. What does this mean practically? It emphasizes that obedience is vital . We must always follow God’s laws to maintain our relationship with Him and to avoid being cast out of His favor. It's about recognizing that our actions have consequences, and we are accountable for them. Important Note: This verse deals with a very old story in the Bible, and it’s often used to illustrate the importance of understanding God’s laws. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the concept of "ignorance" in the context of this verse? Give an example of a situation where this principle applies today?