Leviticus 6 2

Leviticus 6:2 kjv

If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the LORD, and lie unto his neighbor in that which was delivered him to keep, or in fellowship, or in a thing taken away by violence, or hath deceived his neighbor;

Leviticus 6:2 nkjv

"If a person sins and commits a trespass against the LORD by lying to his neighbor about what was delivered to him for safekeeping, or about a pledge, or about a robbery, or if he has extorted from his neighbor,

Leviticus 6:2 niv

"If anyone sins and is unfaithful to the LORD by deceiving a neighbor about something entrusted to them or left in their care or about something stolen, or if they cheat their neighbor,

Leviticus 6:2 esv

"If anyone sins and commits a breach of faith against the LORD by deceiving his neighbor in a matter of deposit or security, or through robbery, or if he has oppressed his neighbor

Leviticus 6:2 nlt

"Suppose one of you sins against your associate and is unfaithful to the LORD. Suppose you cheat in a deal involving a security deposit, or you steal or commit fraud,

Leviticus 6 verses

Leviticus 6 2 Meaning

Leviticus 6:2 outlines specific actions that constitute a trespass or "unfaithfulness" (מעל) against the Lord, even though they involve deceit or injustice towards a fellow human being. This verse details common civil offenses like deceiving a neighbor concerning a deposit or pledged security, engaging in robbery, or extortion. The key point is that such interpersonal sins are not merely against man but are primarily considered sins against the divine covenant and thus directly against the Lord. These acts require not only restitution to the offended party but also a trespass offering to God.

Leviticus 6 2 Context

Leviticus 6:2 continues the discussion of the trespass offering (אָשָׁם - asham) introduced in chapter 5. While Leviticus 5 primarily deals with unwitting or unintentional sins that still incur guilt (e.g., touching an unclean thing, swearing falsely without knowing), chapter 6, starting with this verse, focuses on specific intentional acts of deception, robbery, or extortion that not only wrong a neighbor but are explicitly considered a trespass against the Lord. This marks a shift, highlighting that economic or social misconduct against one's community members is seen as a breach of covenant faithfulness to God. These sins require not just an offering, but also restitution plus an additional 20% to the wronged party before the offering is accepted. The verses establish the process for atoning for violations of trust and property.

Leviticus 6 2 Word analysis

• If anyone sins (נֶפֶשׁ כִּי תֶחֱטָא):
  • נֶפֶשׁ (nephesh): Lit. "soul," "person," indicating any individual Israelite. Not limited to leaders or specific groups.
  • תֶחֱטָא (techeta): "to miss the mark," "to sin." Implies falling short of God's standard. While chapter 5 largely focused on unwitting sins, here, the accompanying "commits a trespass" and specific actions suggest a deliberate disregard.
• and commits a trespass (וּמָעֲלָה מַעַל - ūmā‘ălâ ma‘al):
  • מָעַל (ma'al): "to act unfaithfully," "to trespass," "to betray a trust." This is a crucial term. It denotes an act of treachery or defection, not just a simple wrongdoing. It’s a breach of covenant fidelity to God. The repeating root (cognate accusative) emphasizes the severity of the act – a full-fledged trespass.
• against the LORD (בַּיהוָה - bYĕhovah):
  • בַּיהוָה (bYĕhovah): "in/against Yahweh." This phrase is vital. It elevates a seemingly horizontal sin (against a neighbor) to a vertical one (against God). Deceiving a neighbor is treated as deceiving God, because the covenant governs relationships within the community. God is the ultimate guarantor of justice and truth.
• by deceiving his neighbor (וְכִחֵשׁ בַּעֲמִיתוֹ - wᵉḵiḥēsh ba‘amîtō):
  • כִּחֵשׁ (kikhesh): "to deal falsely," "to deny," "to deceive." Implies intentional falsehood and covering up the truth.
  • בַּעֲמִיתוֹ (ba‘amîtō): "with/against his neighbor," "fellow Israelite." This term emphasizes the communal bond, where mutual trust is expected.
• in a matter of deposit or security (בְּפִקָּדוֹן אוֹ בִתְשׂוּמֶת יָד - bᵉpiqqādôn ’ō ḇiṯšumeṯ yāḏ):
  • פִקָּדוֹן (piqqaḏon): "a deposit," something entrusted for safekeeping. This highlights the breach of trust in a financial arrangement.
  • תְשׂוּמֶת יָד (tᵉšumeth yad): Lit. "a putting down of the hand," commonly translated "pledge," "security," or something delivered into another's hand. Often refers to an item used as collateral for a loan or debt.
• or through robbery (אוֹ בְגָזֵל - ’ō ḇəḡāzēl):
  • גָּזֵל (gāzēl): "robbery," "plunder," "extortion by force." This differs from theft (גנב - ganav) which is clandestine; gazel often implies open seizure, violence, or unjust appropriation.
• or if he has extorted from his neighbor (אוֹ עָשַׁק אֶת-עֲמִיתוֹ - ’ō ‘āshaq ’eṯ-‘ămîtō):
  • עָשַׁק (‘ashaq): "to oppress," "to defraud," "to exploit." This refers to taking advantage of someone, usually the vulnerable, through power or position. It implies wrongful retention or withholding what is due, often by force or unfair pressure.

Leviticus 6 2 Bonus section

The concept of ma'al (trespass/unfaithfulness) is broader than mere "sin." It signifies a profound act of treachery, particularly against the covenant, often involving misuse of holy things or a betrayal of divine trust. Here, this powerful theological term is applied to seemingly mundane acts of property disputes, showing that civil justice and personal integrity are integral to a faithful walk with God. The requirement for a 20% surcharge in restitution is notable, going beyond mere repayment. It served as a punitive measure, a deterrent, and perhaps compensated the victim for the inconvenience and emotional distress, demonstrating a holistic approach to justice that is both restorative and retributive, reinforcing the value of truthfulness and neighborly love in the covenant community.

Leviticus 6 2 Commentary

Leviticus 6:2 delineates how specific economic and social transgressions against one's neighbor are viewed by God, moving beyond the unwitting sins of Leviticus 5 to intentional acts of dishonesty. The recurring phrase "commits a trespass against the Lord" (מָעֲלָה מַעַל בַּיהוָה) underscores that lying, stealing, or defrauding a fellow human being is not merely a civil offense but a profound act of unfaithfulness to God Himself. This teaching establishes that true righteousness demands integrity in all relationships, especially those of trust, deposit, or property. It implies that disregard for one's neighbor's welfare and property demonstrates a broken relationship with God, who commands love for both Him and neighbor. The severity of these actions required not just the return of what was wrongfully taken, but an added penalty of one-fifth (20%) of its value (Lev 6:5) along with the trespass offering, emphasizing both restitution and atonement.

Examples of practical usage:

• A Christian who cheats on their taxes is not just cheating the government, but acting unfaithfully against God's command for honesty.
• An employee who regularly steals office supplies, even small items, is committing a trespass against the employer, and fundamentally, against the Lord.
• A person who withholds deserved wages or benefits from an employee is oppressing them, which is a sin against both the employee and God.