1
If anyone sins, in that he hears a curse and is a witness, whether he has seen it or known it, yet does not give testimony, then he shall bear his guilt.
2
Or if anyone touches any unclean thing, whether the carcass of an unclean wild animal, or the carcass of an unclean domestic animal, or the carcass of an unclean creeping thing, and it is hidden from him, then he is unclean and guilty.
3
Or if he touches human uncleanness, whatever uncleanness it may be by which he becomes unclean, and it is hidden from him, but afterward he comes to know it, then he is guilty.
4
Or if anyone swears rashly with his lips to do evil or to do good, whatever it is that a man may utter rashly with an oath, and it is hidden from him, but afterward he comes to know it, then he is guilty in one of these matters.
5
So when he is guilty in one of these matters, he shall confess the sin that he has committed,
6
and he shall bring to the LORD as a guilt offering for the sin he has committed a female from the flock, either a lamb or a goat, as a sin offering. And the priest shall make atonement for him for his sin.
7
But if he is not able to provide a goat or a lamb, then as a guilt offering for the sin he has committed he shall bring to the LORD two turtledoves or two young pigeons, one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering.
8
He shall bring them to the priest, and the priest shall first offer the bird for the sin offering. He shall wring off its head at the neck, but shall not sever it.
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.
10
The second he shall prepare as a burnt offering according to the ordinance. Thus the priest shall make atonement for him for the sin he has committed, and he shall be forgiven.
11
But if he is not able to provide two turtledoves or two young pigeons, then he shall bring as his offering for the sin he has committed one-tenth of an ephah of fine flour as a sin offering. He shall put no oil on it and place no frankincense on it, for it is a sin offering.
12
Then he shall bring it to the priest, and the priest shall take from it a handful as its memorial portion, and burn it on the altar, on the LORD’s offerings by fire; it is a sin offering.
13
Thus the priest shall make atonement for that person for his sin in any of these matters, and he shall be forgiven. The rest shall be the priest’s portion, like the grain offering.”
14
The LORD spoke to Moses:
15
“If anyone acts unfaithfully and sins unintentionally in regard to any of the holy things of the LORD, he shall bring to the LORD as his guilt offering an unblemished ram from the flock, valued in silver shekels according to the holy shekel, as a guilt offering.
16
He shall make restitution for the holy thing in which he has sinned, adding a fifth to it, and give it to the priest. The priest shall make atonement for him with the ram of the guilt offering, and he shall be forgiven.
17
If anyone sins by doing any of the things that the LORD has forbidden, though he did not know it, he is guilty and shall bear his guilt.
18
He shall bring to the priest an unblemished ram from the flock, one that has been valued, as a guilt offering. The priest shall make atonement for him for the error he committed unintentionally and did not know, and he shall be forgiven.
19
It is a guilt offering; he has indeed become guilty before the LORD.”
⚖️💔🐑 Summary of Leviticus 5 – Offerings for Sin and Specific Offenses
Leviticus 5 continues the topic of the sin offering, this time focusing on specific sins and details about offenses or trespass—whether against God’s law or against one’s neighbor. God provides a way of restoration and forgiveness, even for the poor.
1. Examples of Sins Requiring an Offering (verses 1–13)
Some examples of wrongs that require a sin offering:
- Not testifying even though one knows the truth (verse 1)
- Touching something unclean, such as a carcass or an unclean person (verses 2–3)
- Swearing carelessly or rashly, and then realizing it later (verse 4)
➡️ When a person becomes aware of his wrongdoing, he must confess his sin and present:
- A female goat or a female lamb (if able)
- If not able: two birds (turtledoves/pigeons)
- If still not able: a tenth of an ephah of fine flour without oil or frankincense
📝 This shows the grace of God, who takes into account the economic condition of His people.
2. The Guilt Offering (verses 14–19)
Sins related to offenses against holy things:
- If someone unintentionally violates the holiness of things belonging to the Lord, for example by touching holy things or using offerings without right.
➡️ Must bring an unblemished ram as a guilt offering, plus pay restitution + 20% (verse 16)
📖 Main Teaching
- Even small mistakes have spiritual consequences and must be answered with repentance.
- Confession of sin is an important part of the process of restoration.
- God provides a way out for everyone, including the poor.
- Offenses against the holiness of God must be atoned for and made right.
- True worship is not only offering sacrifices, but also taking responsibility for the consequences of sin.
✨ Spiritual Meaning
- Leviticus 5 portrays both the justice and the mercy of God. He requires holiness, but He also provides forgiveness.
- Sin is not only a great act—even remaining silent in the face of truth can be sin.
- In Christ, we no longer offer animals, because He is the perfect sacrifice for all our offenses (Hebrews 10:12).
- Today, repentance and conscious confession of sin remain an important part of spiritual life.
- Restoration with others (restitution + addition) teaches that forgiveness involves justice and the restoration of relationship.
