Definition: And if any one of the common people sin through ignorance, while he doeth [somewhat against] any of the commandments of the LORD [concerning things] which ought not to be done, and be guilty;
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 4:27. It's a really important passage about responsibility and forgiveness in the Old Testament. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse addresses situations where someone breaks God’s rules – the commandments – even though they don’t fully understand them. It’s about admitting mistakes and seeking forgiveness. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "And if any one of the common people sin through ignorance..." - This means someone makes a mistake, an error, or breaks a rule, but they don’t fully understand why it’s wrong. It doesn't mean they are intentionally evil; they just aren't aware of the rules. Think of it like accidentally stepping on someone’s foot – you didn’t intend to hurt them, but you broke a rule. "...while he doeth [somewhat against] any of the commandments of the LORD..." - This is where it gets crucial. “Commandments” in this context refers to God's laws and rules that are important for living righteously – things like not taking a life, being honest, treating others with respect, etc. "Doeth [somewhat against]" means they’re partially following the law. It's not a full, perfect adherence, but they're straying from it. "...which ought not to be done..." - This is the key part – God has established rules that are important for our relationship with Him and each other. These aren’t just silly rules; they are foundational to how we should live. "...and be guilty." - This means that because they didn't fully understand, or were partially following, these laws, they are now guilty of breaking them. It's a serious situation where their actions have consequences. What Happens Next? The verse describes a specific scenario – the story of Jonathan and his brother Lebed. Jonathan, who was a man of the people, made a mistake by not fully understanding the rules about offering sacrifices. He disobeyed God’s law, which led to a terrible consequence. The verse essentially says that this person is brought before God, and he must be forgiven through repentance (turning away from wrongdoings) and a new life. In essence, this verse speaks of: Responsibility: We are responsible for our actions, even when we don’t fully understand them. Forgiveness: God is willing to forgive us for mistakes, but it requires acknowledging our wrongdoing and making amends. The Importance of Understanding: True obedience comes from understanding God's laws, not just blindly following them. Does this have any relevance today? Absolutely! We’re constantly learning and growing, and we all make mistakes. Recognizing when we aren’t fully aware of the rules is a crucial part of becoming a better person. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give an example of how this principle applies in modern life?