If someone incurs guilt in one of these ways,This phrase introduces the concept of guilt offerings, which are part of the Levitical sacrificial system. The context is the various ways an individual might become ceremonially unclean or guilty, such as through unintentional sins or failing to fulfill an oath. The Hebrew term for guilt here implies a breach of trust or a failure in duty. This reflects the holiness code in Leviticus, emphasizing the need for purity and the restoration of relationship with God. The idea of guilt is foundational in understanding the need for atonement, which is a central theme throughout the Old Testament.
he must confess
Confession is a critical step in the process of atonement. It involves acknowledging one's sin before God, which is a prerequisite for forgiveness. This practice is echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as inPsalm 32:5, where David speaks of confessing his transgressions to the Lord. Confession is not merely an admission of guilt but a turning away from sin, which is a theme that carries into the New Testament, particularly in 1John 1:9. The act of confession underscores the importance of humility and repentance in the believer's life.
the sin he has committed,
The specificity of confessing the particular sin highlights the personal responsibility each individual has before God. This reflects the broader biblical principle that sin is not just a general condition but involves specific actions that violate God's law. The need for confession and atonement for each sin underscores the seriousness with which God views sin and the necessity of maintaining holiness. This concept is further developed in the New Testament, where Jesus' sacrifice is seen as the ultimate atonement for sin, fulfilling the requirements of the law and providing a way for believers to be reconciled to God.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe author of Leviticus, who received the laws from God on Mount Sinai and communicated them to the Israelites.
2.
IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, to whom the laws in Leviticus were given as a guide for holy living.
3.
Sin OfferingA sacrificial system established by God for the atonement of sins, which is the context of this verse.
4.
TabernacleThe place where the Israelites would bring their offerings and where the priests would perform the rituals.
5.
PriestsThe mediators between God and the Israelites, responsible for performing the sacrifices and ensuring the laws were followed.
Teaching Points
The Necessity of ConfessionConfession is a crucial step in the process of repentance and reconciliation with God. It acknowledges our wrongdoing and our need for God's grace.
Understanding GuiltRecognizing guilt is the first step towards repentance. The law helps us identify sin, and confession is the response to that recognition.
The Role of the CommunityWhile Leviticus emphasizes individual confession, the New Testament expands this to include communal aspects, encouraging believers to support one another in their spiritual journeys.
The Fulfillment in ChristThe sacrificial system in Leviticus points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who provides complete atonement for our sins.
Living a Holy LifeThe laws in Leviticus, including the call to confess, are part of God's desire for His people to live holy lives, set apart for His purposes.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Leviticus 5:5?
2.How does Leviticus 5:5 emphasize the importance of confessing sins to God?
3.What role does confession play in maintaining a relationship with God?
4.How does Leviticus 5:5 connect to 1 John 1:9 about confession?
5.Why is acknowledging sin crucial for spiritual growth and maturity?
6.How can we implement regular confession in our daily spiritual practices?
7.What does Leviticus 5:5 reveal about the nature of confession in biblical times?
8.How does Leviticus 5:5 inform our understanding of sin and accountability?
9.Why is verbal confession emphasized in Leviticus 5:5?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 5?
11.How do interpreters reconcile Leviticus 5’s focus on sacrifices with Hebrews 10:4 declaring it impossible for animal blood to remove sins?
12.What does the Bible say about confessing sin?
13.What does the Bible say about confession and forgiveness?
14.What does the Bible say about confessing sin?What Does Leviticus 5:5 Mean
If someone incurs guilt• Guilt is not hypothetical; it is the real moral debt that results whenever we fall short of God’s standard (Romans 3:23).
• Scripture assumes personal responsibility. No one is exempt: “For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me” (Psalm 51:3).
• Even seemingly minor offenses make us guilty before a holy God; breaking “one point” still makes a person “guilty of all” (James 2:10).
• God’s purpose in highlighting guilt is restorative, not merely punitive, because “the kindness of God leads you to repentance” (Romans 2:4).
in one of these ways•Leviticus 5:1-4 describes three everyday scenarios:
– Withholding testimony when you have witnessed wrongdoing (v. 1).
– Touching anything unclean, even unknowingly (v. 2-3).
– Making a rash oath you cannot keep (v. 4).
• These examples teach that sin covers both deliberate and accidental acts, public and private failures—echoed later by Jesus when He traces defilement to the heart (Mark 7:21-23).
• By listing specific “ways,” God removes vagueness. Sin is concrete, not theoretical, which prepares the heart for sincere confession (Leviticus 4:27-28).
he must confess• Confession is commanded, not suggested. “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will find mercy” (Proverbs 28:13).
• It is spoken acknowledgment before God—and, when needed, before people (James 5:16).
• Confession aligns us with the truth God already knows (1 John 1:9). Hiding sin never erases it; bringing it into the light does.
• In Israel, confession accompanied the laying of hands on a sacrifice (Leviticus 16:21), foreshadowing Christ, our sin-bearer (Hebrews 9:14).
the sin he has committed• God calls for specificity. Israel’s worshiper named “the sin,” not merely the generic fact of being sinful (Numbers 5:7).
• Owning the act guards against blaming circumstances or others (Ezekiel 18:20).
• Identifying particular sins opens the door for targeted obedience; John’s baptism illustrated this as people were “confessing their sins” individually (Matthew 3:6).
• Such honesty cultivates humility and deepens gratitude for the atoning work God provides (Psalm 32:5).
summaryLeviticus 5:5 crystalizes a timeless pattern: personal guilt is real, sin is specific, confession is required, and God stands ready to forgive through the sacrifice He provides. Acknowledging guilt and naming our sins is not morbid introspection; it is the path to restored fellowship with the Lord who delights to cleanse those who come to Him in truth.
(5)
And it shall be, when . . . --When he feels that he has been guilty of one of these sins specified in
Leviticus 5:1-4, he must confess the offence which he has committed. For the form of confession which obtained during the second Temple, see
Leviticus 1:4.
Verses 5, 6. - In the four cases last mentioned there is first to be an acknowledgment of guilt,
he shall confess that he hath sinned in that thing, and then the sin offering is to be made. Confession of sin probably preceded or accompanied all sin offerings. The use of the word
asham, translated
trespass offering in verse 6, and the character of the four cases have led many commentators to regard verses 1-13 as dealing with the trespass offering rather than the sin offering. But if this were so, the words
trespass offering and
sin offering would be used synonymously in this verse, which is very unlikely, when they are immediately afterwards carefully distinguished. It is best to render
asham "for his trespass," that is, in expiation of his guilt, as in the next verse, in place of a
trespass offering.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Ifכִֽי־(ḵî-)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionsomeone incurs guiltיֶאְשַׁ֖ם(ye’·šam)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 816:To be guilty, to be punished, perishin oneלְאַחַ֣ת(lə·’a·ḥaṯ)Preposition-l | Number - feminine singular
Strong's 259:United, one, firstof these ways,מֵאֵ֑לֶּה(mê·’êl·leh)Preposition-m | Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428:These, thosehe must confessוְהִ֨תְוַדָּ֔ה(wə·hiṯ·wad·dāh)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3034:To throw, at, away, to revere, worship, to bemoanthe sin he has committed,חָטָ֖א(ḥā·ṭā)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2398:To miss, to sin, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn
Links
Leviticus 5:5 NIVLeviticus 5:5 NLTLeviticus 5:5 ESVLeviticus 5:5 NASBLeviticus 5:5 KJV
Leviticus 5:5 BibleApps.comLeviticus 5:5 Biblia ParalelaLeviticus 5:5 Chinese BibleLeviticus 5:5 French BibleLeviticus 5:5 Catholic Bible
OT Law: Leviticus 5:5 It shall be when he is guilty (Le Lv Lev.) 
