1 And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and [is] a witness, whether he hath seen or known [of it]; if he do not utter [it], then he shall bear his iniquity.
2 Or if a soul touch any unclean thing, whether [it be] a carcase of an unclean beast, or a carcase of unclean cattle, or the carcase of unclean creeping things, and [if] it be hidden from him; he also shall be unclean, and guilty.
3 Or if he touch the uncleanness of man, whatsoever uncleanness [it be] that a man shall be defiled withal, and it be hid from him; when he knoweth [of it], then he shall be guilty.
4 Or if a soul swear, pronouncing with [his] lips to do evil, or to do good, whatsoever [it be] that a man shall pronounce with an oath, and it be hid from him; when he knoweth [of it], then he shall be guilty in one of these.
5 And it shall be, when he shall be guilty in one of these [things], that he shall confess that he hath sinned in that [thing]:
6 And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the LORD for his sin which he hath sinned, a female from the flock, a lamb or a kid of the goats, for a sin offering; and the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his sin.
7 And if he be not able to bring a lamb, then he shall bring for his trespass, which he hath committed, two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, unto the LORD; one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering.
8 And he shall bring them unto the priest, who shall offer [that] which [is] for the sin offering first, and wring off his head from his neck, but shall not divide [it] asunder:
9 And he shall sprinkle of the blood of the sin offering upon the side of the altar; and the rest of the blood shall be wrung out at the bottom of the altar: it [is] a sin offering.
10 And he shall offer the second [for] a burnt offering, according to the manner: and the priest shall make an atonement for him for his sin which he hath sinned, and it shall be forgiven him.
11 But if he be not able to bring two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, then he that sinned shall bring for his offering the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering; he shall put no oil upon it, neither shall he put [any] frankincense thereon: for it [is] a sin offering.
12 Then shall he bring it to the priest, and the priest shall take his handful of it, [even] a memorial thereof, and burn [it] on the altar, according to the offerings made by fire unto the LORD: it [is] a sin offering.
13 And the priest shall make an atonement for him as touching his sin that he hath sinned in one of these, and it shall be forgiven him: and [the remnant] shall be the priest’s, as a meat offering.
14 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
15 If a soul commit a trespass, and sin through ignorance, in the holy things of the LORD; then he shall bring for his trespass unto the LORD a ram without blemish out of the flocks, with thy estimation by shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering:
16 And he shall make amends for the harm that he hath done in the holy thing, and shall add the fifth part thereto, and give it unto the priest: and the priest shall make an atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering, and it shall be forgiven him.
17 And if a soul sin, and commit any of these things which are forbidden to be done by the commandments of the LORD; though he wist [it] not, yet is he guilty, and shall bear his iniquity.
18 And he shall bring a ram without blemish out of the flock, with thy estimation, for a trespass offering, unto the priest: and the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his ignorance wherein he erred and wist [it] not, and it shall be forgiven him.
19 It [is] a trespass offering: he hath certainly trespassed against the LORD.
Overview of Leviticus Chapter 5
Leviticus 5 addresses various scenarios in which individuals may become guilty of sin and the corresponding offerings required for atonement. The chapter emphasizes the importance of accountability, confession, and the need for restitution in the community of Israel.
Key Themes
- Sin and Guilt: The chapter outlines different types of sins, including unintentional sins, which highlight the concept of guilt and the need for atonement.
- Responsibility: It stresses personal responsibility for one’s actions, especially in cases where one may inadvertently cause harm or offense.
- Restitution: The importance of making amends for wrongs done, both to God and to fellow community members, is a central theme.
- Atonement Offerings: The chapter specifies the types of offerings required for different sins, illustrating the sacrificial system’s role in maintaining holiness.
Detailed Analysis
Verses 1-4: Unintentional Sins
These verses introduce the concept of unintentional sins and the responsibilities that come with them. If a person hears an oath and is a witness, but does not speak up, they are guilty.
- The necessity of speaking up indicates a moral obligation to uphold justice.
- Unintentional sins still carry guilt, emphasizing that ignorance does not absolve one from responsibility.
Verses 5-6: Confession and Atonement
These verses highlight the process of confession and the requirement for atonement. Once a person recognizes their guilt, they must confess their sin.
- Confession is a vital step in the process of repentance, indicating acknowledgment of wrongdoing.
- Following confession, the individual must bring a guilt offering to the Lord, which underscores the seriousness of sin.
Verses 7-10: Types of Guilt Offerings
These verses provide specific instructions regarding the types of offerings that can be brought based on the individual’s means.
- A female lamb or goat is acceptable for those who can afford it, while those who cannot afford such offerings may bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons.
- This provision demonstrates God’s understanding of the varying economic statuses within the community and His desire for all to participate in atonement.
Verses 11-13: Further Options for Offerings
In case individuals cannot afford the previous offerings, they are permitted to bring a grain offering.
- This flexibility in offerings emphasizes God’s mercy and the importance of sincere repentance over the value of the sacrifice.
- The grain offering must be accompanied by oil and frankincense, symbolizing the need for purity and the acknowledgment of God’s presence.
Verses 14-19: Guilt Offerings for Trespasses
These verses discuss specific guilt offerings for trespasses against sacred things or when one is unaware of their guilt.
- Individuals must bring a ram without defect as a guilt offering, indicating the need for a pure sacrifice.
- The requirement to make restitution adds a communal aspect to the atonement process, reinforcing the idea that sin affects not only the individual but the community as well.
Conclusion
Leviticus 5 provides a comprehensive framework for understanding sin, guilt, and the process of atonement within the Israelite community. It emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility, the need for confession, and the requirement of restitution, all of which are essential for maintaining a holy relationship with God and fellow community members. The chapter illustrates God’s desire for His people to be mindful of their actions and to seek reconciliation through prescribed offerings.
