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