Leviticus 6:3 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 6:3 mean?

Leviticus 6:3 describes a situation where someone finds something that was lost but then lies about it and swears falsely, committing a sin by doing so. The verse highlights that dishonesty and false oaths about lost property are considered sinful actions.

In this verse, God is giving instructions to Moses for the Israelites about handling cases of dishonesty, especially regarding lost property. The focus is on personal responsibility and truthfulness in everyday dealings, making it clear that even seemingly small acts of deceit—like lying about lost and found items—are serious in God’s eyes.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 6:3

• "found" (מָצָא, matsa): This word means to come upon or discover something. Here, it refers to someone finding something that does not belong to them.
• "lieth" (כָּחַשׁ, kachash): This word means to lie or deny. It emphasizes that the person is not just keeping the item but actively deceiving others about it.
• "sweareth" (שָׁבַע, shava): This word means to swear or take an oath. The verse points out that the person is making a false oath, which adds seriousness to the act.
• "falsely" (שֶׁקֶר, sheqer): This word means falsehood or deception. It underscores that the oath is not just mistaken but deliberately untrue.

Why Leviticus 6:3 matters

• Leviticus 6:3 clarifies that sin is not limited to obvious crimes like theft, but includes dishonesty and false promises, even in everyday matters.
• The verse shows that God’s law cares about truthfulness and integrity in personal relationships, not just ritual or ceremonial purity.
• This instruction connects to the wider passage by setting up the need for restitution and confession, which are explained in the following verses.