ScriptureDepth's study of Leviticus 5
“If anyone commits a trespass, and sins unwittingly, in the holy things of Yahweh; then he shall bring his trespass offering to Yahweh, a ram without defect from the flock, according to your estimation in silver by shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering.”
Leviticus 5:15
Yahweh speaks to Moses about unintentional sin in the holy things, setting forth the need for a ram as a trespass offering to address guilt.
What Leviticus 5 is about
Individuals are instructed to identify unintentional sin. If anyone hears an oath and does not report it, he bears his iniquity (vv. 1-4). Upon realizing his guilt, he must confess and bring a trespass offering, such as a female lamb or goat (vv. 5-10). The law provides alternative offerings for those who cannot afford the standard offerings. A person may bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons, with one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering (vv. 11-13). If he cannot afford these, he may bring a tenth of an ephah of fine flour, without oil or frankincense, as a sin offering (vv. 11-13). Furthermore, individuals who sin unwittingly regarding holy things are required to bring a ram as a trespass offering, with restitution for any wrong done (vv. 14-16). Even if a sin is committed in ignorance, the person is still guilty before Yahweh (vv. 17-19).
The person is certainly guilty before Yahweh, regardless of his knowledge of the sin.
Leviticus 5 at a glance
- Leviticus 5:1–4Identifying Unintentional Sin
- Leviticus 5:5–10Confession and Sin Offerings
- Leviticus 5:11–13Alternative Offerings for the Poor
- Leviticus 5:14–16Trespass Offerings for Holy Things
- Leviticus 5:17–19Guilt Despite Ignorance
Key verse: Leviticus 5:15
One thing to notice
Verses 1-4 address unintentional sins, including failing to report an adjuration and touching an unclean thing. Each instance of unintentional sin results in guilt and requires atonement. The text specifies the actions that incur guilt and the necessary response.
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Chapter text
Read Leviticus 5 (WEB)
Identifying Unintentional Sin Leviticus 5:1–4
1Verse 1. “‘If anyone sins, in that he hears the voice of adjuration, he being a witness, whether he has seen or known, if he doesn’t report it, then he shall bear his iniquity. 2Verse 2. “‘Or if anyone touches any unclean thing, whether it is the carcass of an unclean animal, or the carcass of unclean livestock, or the carcass of unclean creeping things, and it is hidden from him, and he is unclean, then he shall be guilty. 3Verse 3. “‘Or if he touches the uncleanness of man, whatever his uncleanness is with which he is unclean, and it is hidden from him; when he knows of it, then he shall be guilty.
4Verse 4. “‘Or if anyone swears rashly with his lips to do evil, or to do good, whatever it is that a man might utter rashly with an oath, and it is hidden from him; when he knows of it, then he shall be guilty of one of these.
Confession and Sin Offerings Leviticus 5:5–10
5Verse 5. It shall be, when he is guilty of one of these, he shall confess that in which he has sinned: 6Verse 6. and he shall bring his trespass offering to Yahweh for his sin which he has sinned, a female from the flock, a lamb or a goat, for a sin offering; and the priest shall make atonement for him concerning his sin. 7Verse 7. “‘If he can’t afford a lamb, then he shall bring his trespass offering for that in which he has sinned, two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, to Yahweh; one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering.
8Verse 8. He shall bring them to the priest, who shall first offer the one which is for the sin offering, and wring off its head from its neck, but shall not sever it completely. 9Verse 9. He shall sprinkle some of the blood of the sin offering on the side of the altar; and the rest of the blood shall be drained out at the base of the altar. It is a sin offering. 10Verse 10. He shall offer the second for a burnt offering, according to the ordinance; and the priest shall make atonement for him concerning his sin which he has sinned, and he shall be forgiven.
Alternative Offerings for the Poor Leviticus 5:11–13
11Verse 11. “‘But if he can’t afford two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, then he shall bring his offering for that in which he has sinned, one tenth of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering. He shall put no oil on it, and he shall not put any frankincense on it, for it is a sin offering. 12Verse 12. He shall bring it to the priest, and the priest shall take his handful of it as the memorial portion, and burn it on the altar, on the offerings of Yahweh made by fire. It is a sin offering. 13Verse 13. The priest shall make atonement for him concerning his sin that he has sinned in any of these things, and he will be forgiven; and the rest shall be the priest’s, as the meal offering.’”
Trespass Offerings for Holy Things Leviticus 5:14–16
14Verse 14. Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 15Verse 15. “If anyone commits a trespass, and sins unwittingly, in the holy things of Yahweh; then he shall bring his trespass offering to Yahweh, a ram without defect from the flock, according to your estimation in silver by shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering. 16Verse 16. He shall make restitution for that which he has done wrong in the holy thing, and shall add a fifth part to it, and give it to the priest; and the priest shall make atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering, and he will be forgiven.
Guilt Despite Ignorance Leviticus 5:17–19
17Verse 17. “If anyone sins, and does any of the things which Yahweh has commanded not to be done; though he didn’t know it, yet he is guilty, and shall bear his iniquity. 18Verse 18. He shall bring a ram without defect from of the flock, according to your estimation, for a trespass offering, to the priest; and the priest shall make atonement for him concerning the thing in which he sinned and didn’t know it, and he will be forgiven. 19Verse 19. It is a trespass offering. He is certainly guilty before Yahweh.”
World English Bible (public domain)
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Main themes in Leviticus 5
Personal Accountability
Leviticus 5 opens with a focus on personal responsibility for sin, particularly when someone hears an oath or is aware of a wrongdoing but fails to act. In v. 1, it states, 'If anyone sins, in that he hears the voice of adjuration,' which implies a call to accountability. The chapter continues to outline various scenarios where individuals bear guilt, emphasizing that knowledge of one’s actions is crucial for personal accountability.
Sacrifice and Atonement
The chapter details the process of atonement through sacrificial offerings for unintentional sins. In vv. 6-10, it specifies that a person must bring a sin offering, such as 'a female from the flock, a lamb or a goat,' to the priest, who will make atonement. This movement shows how the act of sacrifice is integral to restoring the relationship between the sinner and Yahweh.
Holiness
Leviticus 5 addresses holiness, particularly regarding sacred matters pertaining to Yahweh. In verse 15, it states, 'If anyone commits a trespass, and sins unwittingly, in the holy things of Yahweh,' highlighting that even unintentional actions can violate divine holiness. The chapter details the required conduct for approaching these matters, showing how restitution is necessary to restore the sanctity of what is holy.
Restoration and Community
The chapter speaks to restoration within the community through the process of confession and restitution. In vv. 16-19, there is a clear instruction for making amends, including bringing a trespass offering and making restitution 'and shall add a fifth part to it.' This process not only restores the individual but also maintains communal integrity by addressing wrongs done within the community.
Chapter outline
How Leviticus 5 unfolds
Leviticus 5:1–4 Identifying Unintentional Sin
Verses 1-4 outline specific scenarios of unintentional sin, including failing to report a witnessed oath or touching something unclean. Individuals guilty in these situations must acknowledge their wrongdoing.
Leviticus 5:5–10 Confession and Sin Offerings
In verses 5-10, individuals who recognize their sins are commanded to confess and present a sin offering to Yahweh. The priest then makes atonement for their sin with the offered animal.
Leviticus 5:11–13 Alternative Offerings for the Poor
Verses 11-13 provide options for those unable to afford larger offerings, allowing them to bring fine flour as a sin offering. The priest handles this offering as a memorial portion on the altar.
Leviticus 5:14–16 Trespass Offerings for Holy Things
In verses 14-16, those who commit a trespass regarding holy things must bring a ram as a trespass offering, along with restitution. The priest makes atonement for the individual in this case.
Leviticus 5:17–19 Guilt Despite Ignorance
Verses 17-19 address individuals who unintentionally violate commandments, affirming their guilt despite ignorance. They are required to bring a ram for atonement to the priest.
Key verses
Leviticus 5:15Yahweh speaks to Moses about unintentional sin in the holy things, setting forth the need for a ram as a trespass offering to address guilt.
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Study questions
Questions for studying Leviticus 5
- observeIn v6, what is the purpose of the 'trespass offering'?
- observeWhat does the priest do with the blood of the sin offering in vv. 9-10?
- interpretIn v5, why is the act of confession necessary before the offering?
- interpretIn v15, what does the term 'holy things' imply about the offerings?
- applyWhen have you been 'guilty' of something you later recognized and needed to confess?
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Cross-references
Passages that echo Leviticus 5
- Leviticus 4Leviticus 5:17 and Leviticus 4:27Both convey guilt for unintentional sins: Leviticus 5:17 states one is guilty despite ignorance, while Leviticus 4:27 affirms the same.
- Leviticus 6Leviticus 5:15 and Leviticus 6:6Both address the trespass offering: Leviticus 5:15 details bringing a ram, while Leviticus 6:6 confirms the same requirement for the priest.
- Numbers 5Leviticus 5:5 and Numbers 5:7Both emphasize confession of sin: Leviticus 5:5 speaks of confessing guilt, while Numbers 5:7 expands on making restitution with an additional fifth part.
- Leviticus 7Leviticus 5:1 and Leviticus 7:18Both address bearing iniquity: Leviticus 5:1 discusses failing to report as a witness, while Leviticus 7:18 states eating defiled offerings incurs guilt.
- Leviticus 1Leviticus 5:10 and Leviticus 1:14Both describe atonement through offerings: Leviticus 5:10 states the priest makes atonement for sin, while Leviticus 1:14 discusses burnt offerings.
- Hebrews 9Leviticus 5:18 and Hebrews 9:22Both stress the need for blood: Leviticus 5:18 speaks of the ram for atonement, while Hebrews 9:22 asserts blood is necessary for remission.
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