Definition: And the priest shall offer the sin offering, and make an atonement for him that is to be cleansed from his uncleanness; and afterward he shall kill the burnt offering:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Leviticus. It’s a pretty serious one about sacrifice and purity in the Old Testament. Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, this verse describes a specific type of sacrifice that happens after someone is considered to be spiritually unclean. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And the priest shall offer the sin offering…” – This tells us we’re talking about a particular kind of offering. It’s called a “sin offering.” Think of it as a sacrifice specifically designed to cleanse something that isn't pure enough. “…and make an atonement for him that is to be cleansed from his uncleanness;” – This is the core of the verse. "Uncleanness" means being morally impure, often due to sin or wrongdoing. The priest’s job is to offer this offering to atone for this impurity. It’s like a way to make things right with God after someone has fallen short of His standards. “and afterward he shall kill the burnt offering:” – Now, here's the crucial part. After the priest offers the sin offering, then the priest kills the offering. This killing is a symbolic act of repentance and forgiveness. It signifies that the person has been forgiven, and the offering is being laid to rest, allowing for a new beginning. In simpler terms: Imagine someone who's made a mistake – perhaps they’ve said something hurtful, done something wrong, or isn't behaving properly spiritually. This verse says that after a period of impurity, the priest needs to offer a special sacrifice to make things right with God and to allow for forgiveness. After the offering is completed, the priest then kills it. Important Context: This practice was very important in the Old Testament, especially during times when people were dealing with sin and needing to show repentance and trust in God’s judgment. It's a powerful image of seeking forgiveness and restoration through sacrifice. Do you want me to explain anything in more detail? For example, would you like to know: Why this specific type of offering was important? What does "uncleanness" mean in the context of the Old Testament?