Inadvertence refers to the lack of attention or unintentional oversight that can lead to actions or omissions without deliberate intent. Within the biblical context, inadvertence often pertains to sins or transgressions committed unintentionally, highlighting the importance of awareness and mindfulness in one's spiritual life.

Old Testament Context

The concept of inadvertence is notably addressed in the Old Testament, particularly in the context of the Mosaic Law. The Law provided specific instructions for dealing with unintentional sins, recognizing human fallibility and the potential for oversight. Leviticus 4 outlines the procedures for sin offerings required when an individual or community sins unintentionally. The passage emphasizes the need for atonement even when the sin is not committed with malice or intent:

“If someone sins and violates any of the LORD’s commandments even though he was unaware, he is guilty and shall bear his iniquity. He must bring to the priest a ram without blemish from the flock, according to your valuation, as a guilt offering. The priest will then make atonement for him regarding the error he has committed unintentionally, and he will be forgiven.” (Leviticus 5:17-18)

This provision underscores the seriousness with which God views all sin, intentional or not, and the necessity of maintaining a right relationship with Him through prescribed means of atonement.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the theme of inadvertence is less explicitly addressed in terms of ritual offerings, as the sacrificial system is fulfilled in Christ. However, the principle of being mindful and vigilant in one's spiritual walk is emphasized. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often warns believers to be watchful and to live circumspectly:

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)

Paul's exhortation to the Ephesians highlights the importance of intentionality in the Christian life, urging believers to be aware of their actions and the spiritual implications thereof.

Theological Implications

Theologically, inadvertence in the Bible points to the human condition of fallibility and the need for divine grace. While the Old Testament provides a system of atonement for unintentional sins, the New Testament reveals the ultimate provision for all sin through Jesus Christ. Hebrews 9:7 refers to the high priest entering the Most Holy Place once a year with blood, which he offers for himself and for the sins the people have committed in ignorance. This foreshadows Christ's perfect sacrifice, which covers all sin, intentional and unintentional:

“But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made by hands, that is, not of this creation. He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption.” (Hebrews 9:11-12)

Practical Application

For believers, the concept of inadvertence serves as a reminder to cultivate a life of vigilance and self-examination. Regular prayer, study of Scripture, and fellowship with other believers are means by which one can remain attentive to God's will and avoid the pitfalls of unintentional sin. The call to be sober-minded and alert is a recurring theme in the New Testament, urging Christians to be aware of their surroundings and the spiritual battles they face:

“Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

Inadvertence, while acknowledging human weakness, also points to the sufficiency of Christ's atonement and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers toward greater awareness and conformity to the image of Christ.(n.) Alt. of Inadvertency.52. agnoia -- ignorance
... Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: agnoia Phonetic Spelling: (ag'-noy-ah) Short
Definition: ignorance Definition: ignorance, inadvertence, sometimes with ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/52.htm - 6k

The New Testament Text and Its History.
... those of kindred meaning, are frequently put for one another, or the order of words
is altered; sometimes a different word is made through inadvertence by the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxvi the new testament.htm

Separation to God.
... If we become conscious of the slightest failure, even through inadvertence, let
us not excuse it, but at once humble ourselves before GOD, and confess it ...
/.../taylor/separation and service/part i separation to god.htm

God's Word not to be Refused
... Be watchful, be earnest, lest even through inadvertence ye should refuse the prophet
of the gospel dispensation"Jesus Christ, the Son of God, 0who speaks in ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/gods word not to be.htm

The Heathens Made Gods Like Themselves, Whence Springs all ...
... [3539] For how, being a goddess, did she not consider that he had neglected to
sacrifice, not through contempt, but out of inadvertence, or under the idea that ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter iv the heathens made gods.htm

Have Learned not Only from Your Letter but from those of Many ...
... misunderstanding and our reconciliation, have avoided all appearance of suspicious
conduct, and would have taken care not to do through inadvertence what might ...
/.../i have learned not only.htm

We Wish, Then, to Question You, and Invite You to Answer a Short ...
... to the national ruin? Footnotes: [4236] Lit., "an error of inadvertence.".
[4237] Lit., "with the sacrificial bowl.". [4238] So the ...
/.../arnobius/the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/31 we wish then to.htm

Epistle xvii. This Epistle was Written when Symmachus Sent his ...
... privileges whereby Christians also have often been deceived; for by those privileges
they endeavoured to ensnare some, partly through inadvertence, partly in ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/epistle xvii this epistle was.htm

Letter cxliii. (AD 412. )
... If, therefore, through inadvertence or want of knowledge, anything has been stated
by me which may with good reason be condemned, not only by others who are ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter cxliii a d 412.htm

Letter Liii. (AD 400. )
... 3. Now, even although some traditor had in the course of these centuries, through
inadvertence, obtained a place in that order of bishops, reaching from Peter ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter liii a d 400.htm

Harmless Fires
... seems meant to suggest that they may repair their fault by pleading inadvertence,
accident, or the like, and that He will accept the transparent excuse. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/harmless fires.htm

Inadvertence (13 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Alt. of Inadvertency. Multi-Version Concordance
Inadvertence (13 Occurrences). Leviticus 4:2 Speak ...
/i/inadvertence.htm - 11k

Inadvertently (6 Occurrences)
... cattle, according to thy valuation, as trespass-offering, unto the priest; and the
priest shall make atonement for him concerning his inadvertence wherein he ...
/i/inadvertently.htm - 8k

Unfaithfully (19 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 5:15 If any one act unfaithfully and sin through inadvertence in the holy
things of Jehovah, then he shall bring his trespass-offering to Jehovah, a ...
/u/unfaithfully.htm - 12k

Lapse (9 Occurrences)
... 6. (vi) To slide or slip in moral conduct; to fail in duty; to fall from virtue;
to deviate from rectitude; to commit a fault by inadvertence or mistake. ...
/l/lapse.htm - 10k

Inaccessible (1 Occurrence)

/i/inaccessible.htm - 6k

Buck (23 Occurrences)
... Numbers 15:24 then it shall be, if ought be committed by inadvertence hid from the
eyes of the assembly, that the whole assembly shall offer one young bullock ...
/b/buck.htm - 13k

Yearling (48 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Numbers 15:27 And if one soul sin through inadvertence, then he shall
present a yearling she-goat for a sin-offering. (DBY). ...
/y/yearling.htm - 19k

Odour (43 Occurrences)
... Numbers 15:24 then it shall be, if ought be committed by inadvertence hid from the
eyes of the assembly, that the whole assembly shall offer one young bullock ...
/o/odour.htm - 20k

Wroth (65 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Ecclesiastes 5:6 Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither
say thou before the angel, that it was an inadvertence. ...
/w/wroth.htm - 26k

Hid (145 Occurrences)
... Numbers 15:24 then it shall be, if ought be committed by inadvertence hid from the
eyes of the assembly, that the whole assembly shall offer one young bullock ...
/h/hid.htm - 37k

Inadvertence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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