Leviticus 4:3 - Wesley's Explanatory Notes

If the priest — That is, the high — priest, who only was anointed after the first time. His anointing is mentioned, because he was not compleat high — priest 'till he was anointed. Do sin — Either in doctrine or practice, which it is here supposed he may do. And this is noted as a character of imperfection in the priesthood of the law, whereby the Israelites were directed to expect another and better high — priest, even one who is holy, harmless, and separate from sinners, Hebrews 7:26. According to the sin of the people — In the same manner as any of the people do; which implies that God expected more circumspection from him, than from the people. But the words may be rendered, to the sin or guilt of the people, which may be mentioned as an aggrevation of his sin, that by it he commonly brings sin, and guilt, and punishment upon the people, who are infected or scandalized by his example. A young bullock — The same sacrifice which was offered for all the people, to shew how much his sin was aggravated by his quality. Sin — offering — Heb. sin, which word is oft taken in that sense.