Leviticus 5 15

Leviticus 5:15 kjv

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.

Leviticus 5:15 nkjv

"If a person commits a trespass, and sins unintentionally in regard to the holy things of the LORD, then he shall bring to the LORD as his trespass offering a ram without blemish from the flocks, with your valuation in shekels of silver according to the shekel of the sanctuary, as a trespass offering.

Leviticus 5:15 niv

"When anyone is unfaithful to the LORD by sinning unintentionally in regard to any of the LORD's holy things, they are to bring to the LORD as a penalty a ram from the flock, one without defect and of the proper value in silver, according to the sanctuary shekel. It is a guilt offering.

Leviticus 5:15 esv

"If anyone commits a breach of faith and sins unintentionally in any of the holy things of the LORD, he shall bring to the LORD as his compensation, a ram without blemish out of the flock, valued in silver shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, for a guilt offering.

Leviticus 5:15 nlt

"If one of you commits a sin by unintentionally defiling the LORD's sacred property, you must bring a guilt offering to the LORD. The offering must be your own ram with no defects, or you may buy one of equal value with silver, as measured by the weight of the sanctuary shekel.

Leviticus 5 verses

Leviticus 5 15 Meaning

Leviticus 5:15 describes the specific case of an unintentional sin committed against the "holy things of the Lord." This refers to errors involving dedicated items, offerings, tithes, or property belonging to God or used in His service. Even without conscious intent to defraud or disrespect, such an error constitutes a "trespass" against God's rights and holiness, requiring a guilt offering (also called a trespass offering). The offering is a blameless ram, its value meticulously calculated in silver shekels according to the sanctuary standard, as a required act of atonement and, implicitly, restitution to maintain the sanctity of God's claims.

Leviticus 5 15 Context

Leviticus chapter 5 introduces several types of unintentional sins requiring an offering, elaborating on the "sin offering" (chatta't) and introducing the "guilt" or "trespass offering" (asham). Verses 1-13 detail various personal unwitting sins like failing to testify, touching unclean things, or uttering a rash oath, which require a chatta't. Leviticus 5:14-19 then introduces the asham, specifically distinguishing two categories: first, the "trespass against the holy things of the LORD" (vv. 15-16, the focus of this analysis) and second, general unwitting trespasses where a person is uncertain of the offense but feels guilt (vv. 17-19). This structure highlights the different natures of sin and the precise, prescribed methods for their atonement under the Mosaic Law. Historically and culturally, the Law reinforced the absolute holiness of Yahweh, emphasizing that even inadvertent breaches of His sacred property or rights necessitated precise and valuable restitution. This contrasted sharply with polytheistic beliefs where the gods might be placated more arbitrarily or through less defined rituals, underscoring Israel's unique covenant relationship and God's exacting standards. It also ensured the priests' sustenance, as they received parts of these offerings.

Leviticus 5 15 Word analysis

• If anyone: Emphasizes individual accountability.
• commits a trespass: Hebrew: ma'al (מָעַל). This word implies unfaithfulness, betrayal, or acting faithlessly, often related to an infringement upon God's rights or a breach of trust concerning something consecrated to Him. It's more than just an error; it's a violation of God's holy domain.
• and sins: Hebrew: chet' (חֵטְא). This refers to missing the mark or going astray from God's standard.
• unwittingly: Hebrew: bishgagah (בִּשְׁגָגָה). This denotes an unintentional act, an error made in ignorance or without malicious intent. It distinguishes this trespass from premeditated or deliberate sin. The consequence is severe enough to warrant atonement despite the lack of ill will.
• in the holy things of the LORD: Hebrew: b'qodshe YHWH (בְּקָדְשֵׁי יְהוָה). Refers specifically to consecrated items, tithes, priestly dues, dedicated property, or anything sacred belonging to God or for His worship. This includes priestly income derived from sacrifices. The sin here is a violation concerning God's designated holy portion.
• and does what is forbidden: Implies that even if unwitting, the action itself is a violation of what God has ordained or restricted regarding His sacred possessions. The act objectively violates His holiness, regardless of subjective intent.
• then he shall bring: A direct command; the offering is obligatory.
• as his trespass offering: Hebrew: ashamo (אֲשָׁמוֹ), meaning "his guilt offering" or "his trespass offering." This is a distinct category of offering from the chatta't (sin offering), often associated with restitution or satisfaction for a wrong, especially where God's "rights" have been infringed.
• to the LORD: The offering is directed to God, acknowledging His ownership and the breach of His holiness.
• a ram without blemish: Hebrew: ayil tamim (איל תָּמִים). A male sheep (ram) was a valuable animal, signifying a significant cost to the sinner. "Without blemish" (tamim) signifies physical perfection and purity, representing the required ideal for any sacrifice to a holy God. This quality prefigures Christ, the spotless Lamb.
• from the flock: Indicates an accessible animal, but still a valuable one.
• valued by you: The priest or sinner is responsible for determining the precise monetary worth of the ram. This ensures a fair valuation consistent with communal standards.
• in shekels of silver: Silver was the standard medium of exchange for value, highlighting the concrete nature of the restitution.
• according to the sanctuary shekel: Hebrew: b'sheqel haqqodesh (בְּשֶׁקֶל הַקֹּדֶשׁ). This refers to a specific, immutable standard of weight and purity kept in the sanctuary (tabernacle/temple), ensuring consistency and preventing fraudulent valuations. It underscores the divine authority and meticulousness of the Law.
• as a trespass offering: Reiterates the specific nature and purpose of this sacrifice.

Words-group analysis

• commits a trespass, and sins unwittingly in the holy things of the LORD: This phrase defines the specific type of transgression – an unintentional violation or infringement related to God's consecrated property or rights. It's not general unintentional sin, but a breach of sacred trust concerning divine assets.
• he shall bring as his trespass offering to the LORD a ram without blemish from the flock, valued by you in shekels of silver according to the sanctuary shekel: This entire phrase outlines the mandatory atonement for such a trespass. It details the specific animal, its required perfection, the precise method of valuation (silver, sanctuary shekel), and the direct recipient (the Lord), all pointing to the gravity and specificity of this type of transgression and its atonement. The value aspect often relates to implied or actual "damage" or misuse, thus carrying a restitutional nuance.

Leviticus 5 15 Bonus section

The concept of ma'al (trespass) found here has a broader biblical usage that often signifies a profound act of unfaithfulness or rebellion against God, beyond a simple mistake. When used here for unwitting actions, it highlights the severe implications of violating God's holiness, even without intent. This differentiates asham from chatta't more clearly, as chatta't generally covers more generalized "sins" or "missing the mark." The asham carries an implicit demand for compensation or restitution in addition to expiation. While monetary compensation isn't explicit for the Lev 5:15 offense here (unlike Num 5:7), the valuation in shekels strongly hints at the "value" of the harm done to God's property/rights, demonstrating God's expectation for meticulous restoration and payment for such transgressions. This foreshadows the spiritual debt humanity accrues even from "hidden faults" or inherited sin, all of which are ultimately covered by Christ's singular, ultimate asham (guilt offering) for our sins.

Leviticus 5 15 Commentary

Leviticus 5:15 inaugurates the "guilt" or "trespass offering" (asham) in cases where individuals inadvertently violate God's sacred rights or misappropriate what belongs to Him. The uniqueness of this offering, in contrast to the sin offering (chatta't), lies in its specific focus on a breach against God's direct property or prerogative. The act might be unwitting, such as mistakenly consuming sacred food or accidentally shortchanging a dedicated tithe, but it still incurs guilt because it infringes on the objective holiness of God and His claims. The requirement of a blameless ram, a valuable animal, alongside its valuation in sanctuary shekels, underscores that this trespass is not trivial; it entails a tangible cost reflecting restitution for the violation. This ritual was not just symbolic but concretely emphasized that God's holiness extends even to property rights and that all interactions with His sacred realm must be meticulous. Spiritually, it highlights the principle that even unknown or unintentional transgressions against God's divine standard and holiness require atonement, emphasizing the absolute nature of God's purity and the need for purification for any violation, even those without malicious intent. It sets a foundation for understanding human fallenness, even in our best efforts, requiring God's gracious provision for atonement.