John Calvin Commentary Leviticus 4:3

"if the anointed priest shall sin so as to bring guilt on the people, then let him offer for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto Jehovah for a sin-offering." — Leviticus 4:3 (ASV)

If the priest that is anointed. He now distinguishes between different persons and begins with the high priest, who alone bore the high distinction of the holy anointing, unless it is considered better to apply it to the entire supreme class.²⁶⁰ It is probable, however, that it refers only to one.

The more illustrious his dignity was, the more diligently and zealously his life ought to conform to the model of holiness; and therefore, the weakness that was more tolerable in others was more exceedingly reprehensible in him. This is why he was required to atone for himself with a greater victim.

But this, in some measure, related to all the Levites, since they were chosen to be of the sacred class. It now extends to all the ministers and pastors of the Church—not that they should ransom themselves by the sacrifice of a calf, but that they should diligently beware of every sin and be more intent on pursuing holiness.

The clause “according to the sin of the people,” could also be rendered “unto the sin,” etc., as if Moses had said that the priest, through sin, corrupted the people by his bad example. For since his life is the rule of holiness and righteousness, his faults also give rise to the errors of others. The meaning, however, that I have followed is simpler: i.e., that even if the priest's transgression is an ordinary one, yet, considering his office, it becomes more weighty and deserving of greater punishment.

²⁶⁰ “Sur toute la maison d’Aaron.” — .” — Fr.