Complex Conditional Sentences and the Verb אָשַׁם ʼāšam in Leviticus 4–5

Conditional sentences with multiple conditions or alternative cases can be confusing and are challenging to translate. Those in Leviticus 4–5 prime examples. Another challenge is that a “consistent” translation of the verb אָשַׁם ʼāšam produce unclear even nonsensical texts. Following an overview conditional constructions Biblical Hebrew, this paper presents analysis if-clauses Lev. view determining whether וְאָשֵׁם wəʼāšēm part protasis apodosis. I conclude belongs protasis, but may express interim result. Additionally, meaning discussed. Trying decide between debated renderings “be guilty”, “feel “realize guilt”, etc., did not prove fruitful, none being viable all contexts. suggest should defined more broadly as “to find oneself different contexts will require adaptation. This article written help translators recognize above-mentioned problems, understand options dealing them, make informed choices.