Leviticus 5:5 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 5:5 mean?

Leviticus 5:5 says that when someone realizes they are guilty of one of the specific wrongs listed earlier in the chapter, they must openly admit what they have done wrong. The verse makes clear that confession—saying out loud what was done—is a required part of making things right.

In this part of Leviticus, God is giving instructions to Moses for the Israelites about how to handle unintentional sins or failures. The verse comes in the context of laws about sin offerings, where a person discovers they have broken a command, often without meaning to. The requirement to confess shows that acknowledging the wrong is not optional; it is a key step before any sacrifice or ritual can restore the relationship with God and the community.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 5:5

• "Guilty" (אָשֵׁם, 'asham): This word means to be found at fault or to bear responsibility for a wrongdoing. In this verse, it highlights that the person must recognize their own guilt before taking action.
• "Confess" (יָדָה, yadah): This word means to acknowledge or declare openly. Here, it emphasizes that the person must not just feel sorry inside but must actually speak out and admit the specific sin.
• "Sinned" (חָטָא, chata): This word means to miss the mark or to do wrong. The verse uses it to make clear that the confession should be about the actual wrong committed, not just general guilt.

Why Leviticus 5:5 matters

• Leviticus 5:5 shows that confession is not just a private feeling but a spoken act, making the process of making things right both personal and public.
• The verse clarifies that realizing guilt is not enough; a person must take the step of admitting their specific wrongdoing before seeking forgiveness.
• This requirement connects confession directly to the broader system of offerings, showing that honesty and openness are essential in restoring relationships with God and others in the community.