Leviticus 5 1

Leviticus 5:1 kjv

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.

Leviticus 5:1 nkjv

'If a person sins in hearing the utterance of an oath, and is a witness, whether he has seen or known of the matter?if he does not tell it, he bears guilt.

Leviticus 5:1 niv

"?'If anyone sins because they do not speak up when they hear a public charge to testify regarding something they have seen or learned about, they will be held responsible.

Leviticus 5:1 esv

"If anyone sins in that he hears a public adjuration to testify, and though he is a witness, whether he has seen or come to know the matter, yet does not speak, he shall bear his iniquity;

Leviticus 5:1 nlt

"If you are called to testify about something you have seen or that you know about, it is sinful to refuse to testify, and you will be punished for your sin.

Leviticus 5 verses

Leviticus 5 1 Meaning

Leviticus 5:1 outlines a specific case of unintentional sin: when an individual with knowledge pertinent to a public adjuration or sworn testimony remains silent. If such a person hears a formal declaration or curse invoked, specifically a public oath calling for witnesses, and despite having personally observed or otherwise learned the relevant facts, they fail to disclose what they know, they incur guilt and must "bear their iniquity." This sin of omission undermines justice and truth within the community, requiring an appropriate offering for expiation as detailed later in the chapter.

Leviticus 5 1 Context

Leviticus 5:1 falls within the section of Leviticus (chapters 4-5) that deals specifically with various "sin offerings" (chatta't) and "guilt offerings" (asham) for unintentional sins. Unlike presumptuous, defiant sins which typically received no provision for sacrifice and carried a sentence of being "cut off" (Num 15:30-31), these offerings addressed breaches of God's law committed unknowingly or unintentionally. This chapter describes common situations where an individual, through oversight, carelessness, or failure to act, became ritually or morally unclean or incurred guilt. The previous chapter (Lev 4) outlined the procedures for sin offerings for different groups (priest, congregation, leader, common person). Leviticus 5 then transitions to more specific, personal cases of unintentional sin, beginning with a failure to testify in court. This highlights the high value placed on truth, justice, and community integrity within Israelite law. The verse underscores that even sins of omission, particularly those impacting legal and societal fairness, carry significant spiritual and legal culpability, requiring ritual expiation.

Leviticus 5 1 Word analysis

• If anyone sins (וְנֶפֶשׁ כִּי-תֶחֱטָא, w'nephesh ki techeta):

  • Nephesh (נֶפֶשׁ): More than just "anyone" in common English; literally "a soul" or "a living being." Emphasizes individual human accountability before God and the community. This underscores the personal responsibility for one's actions and inactions.
  • chata' (חָטָא): "to miss the mark," "to sin." Here, it specifically denotes a trespass, a moral failing that makes one guilty. It is often an "unintentional" sin, distinguished from a high-handed, deliberate rebellion.

• in that he hears (וְהִיא שָׁמְעָה, w'hi sham'ah):

  • sham'ah (שָׁמְעָה): "hears," "listens." Not merely perceiving sound, but understanding or being informed. It implies knowledge of the gravity of the situation and the requirement to act.

• a public adjuration to testify (קוֹל אָלָה, qol alah):

  • qol (קוֹל): "voice," "sound," but in this context often means a "proclamation" or "public declaration."
  • alah (אָלָה): "oath," "imprecation," "curse." This refers to a solemn, formal public oath, likely involving a self-imprecation upon anyone who withholds testimony, perhaps delivered by a judge or official. This was a grave pronouncement meant to compel witnesses to come forward under penalty of divine judgment if they lied or remained silent. It elevates the judicial setting beyond mere human proceedings, invoking God as the ultimate enforcer of truth.

• and though he is a witness (עֵד הוּא, 'ed hu):

  • 'ed (עֵד): "witness." A person who possesses direct or indirect knowledge of facts relevant to a legal matter. This status places upon the individual a civic and religious obligation to assist in establishing justice.

• whether he has seen or come to know the matter (רָאָה אוֹ יָדָע, ra'ah o yada'):

  • ra'ah (רָאָה): "to see," referring to direct observation.
  • yada' (יָדָע): "to know," "to learn," "to be aware of." This includes knowledge gained through other reliable means, not limited to direct sight. This comprehensive phrasing closes potential loopholes, ensuring that all forms of relevant knowledge are considered under this obligation.

• yet does not speak (וְלֹא יַגִּיד, w'lo yaggid):

  • naggid (נָגִיד): "to tell," "to declare," "to make known." This highlights the specific omission: a failure to disclose pertinent information that is actively requested in a legal context. It's not passive silence but a conscious withholding of truth.

• he shall bear his iniquity (וְנָשָׂא עֲוֹנוֹ, w'nasa' 'awono):

  • nasa' (נָשָׂא): "to carry," "to bear," "to lift." In a theological context, to incur and be held accountable for the guilt of sin.
  • 'awon (עֲוֹנוֹ): "iniquity," "guilt," "punishment." Refers to the twisted, perverse nature of the sin and the resulting culpability before God, which requires expiation through the prescribed sacrifice. It means the individual is responsible for the sin and its consequences, both moral and ritual.

Leviticus 5 1 Bonus section

The Hebrew legal system heavily relied on witness testimony. Failure to provide it could jeopardize the innocent or allow the guilty to escape justice, hence why it carried such a severe consequence (bearing iniquity). This reflects a divine priority for fairness and truth. The "unintentional" aspect of this sin in Lev 5 suggests it might arise from fear, indifference, or a misplaced desire to avoid conflict or inconvenience, rather than overt malicious intent. However, even these motivations do not absolve the person of guilt when public justice is at stake. This type of offering also emphasizes communal responsibility: when individuals fail in their duty to uphold justice, the entire community is affected and a sacrificial restoration is needed. It served as a reminder that righteousness applies not only to personal conduct but also to active participation in maintaining a just society.

Leviticus 5 1 Commentary

Leviticus 5:1 sets a critical legal and moral standard for the Israelite community, emphasizing the vital role of individual honesty in upholding justice. This verse clarifies that merely knowing the truth is not enough; one is obligated to speak it, especially under a public summons. The "public adjuration," possibly delivered by a judge or priest, invoked a divine curse upon anyone withholding vital information, effectively putting them under oath even without explicitly stating, "I swear." Silence, in this sacred context, became a lie of omission and an active offense against God's justice. The phrase "he shall bear his iniquity" signifies that this transgression carries real guilt and spiritual defilement, requiring ritual cleansing through a sin offering. This highlights the theocratic nature of Israelite law, where moral failings had direct spiritual consequences and could not be merely overlooked. It underscores God's demand for integrity, not only in action but also in speech and even silence. For the Christian, this echoes principles like the call to speak truth in love (Eph 4:15), the warning against hiding sin (Prov 28:13), and the recognition that even seemingly small omissions can render one accountable before a holy God, all ultimately pointing to the need for Christ's bearing of sin.