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 5:15KJVWhat does Leviticus 5:15 mean?
Leviticus 5:15 describes what someone in ancient Israel should do if they accidentally misuse or disrespect something that belongs to God, called “the holy things of the LORD.” The person must bring a flawless ram from their flock as a “trespass offering,” along with a payment in silver, to make things right with God.
In this verse, God is giving instructions through Moses to the Israelites about what to do when someone sins unintentionally concerning sacred items or offerings. The focus is on mistakes made “through ignorance,” not deliberate wrongdoing. The process involves both a specific animal sacrifice and a monetary value, showing that even unintentional offenses against God’s holy things are taken seriously and require restitution.
The Hebrew behind Leviticus 5:15
- “Soul” (נֶפֶשׁ, nephesh): This word often means a person or individual, not just a spiritual part, so the instruction applies to anyone among the people.
- “Trespass” (מַעַל, ma‘al): This term points to a breach of trust or faithfulness, especially regarding things set apart for God, highlighting the seriousness of even accidental misuse.
- “Ignorance” (שְׁגָגָה, shegagah): This word means an unintentional mistake or error, clarifying that the command is about sins done without knowing, not willful disobedience.
- “Holy things” (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh): This refers to items or offerings dedicated to God, such as parts of sacrifices or temple property, emphasizing the special status of these things.
Why Leviticus 5:15 matters
- Leviticus 5:15 shows that even unintentional mistakes involving God’s sacred things are taken seriously and require a specific process to restore the relationship.
- The verse clarifies that ignorance does not remove responsibility; people are still accountable for their actions, even if they did not mean to do wrong.
- This instruction fits into a larger section about different types of offerings, helping readers understand the careful structure of worship and responsibility in ancient Israel.