Or all that about which he hath sworn falsely; he shall even restore it in the principal, and shall add the fifth part more thereto, and give it unto him to whom it appertaineth, in the day of his trespass offering.

LEVITICUS 6:5KJV
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Leviticus 6:5 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 6:5 mean?

Leviticus 6:5 says that if someone has sworn falsely about something and wronged another person, they must return what was taken, pay back the full amount, and add an extra fifth as compensation, giving it to the rightful owner on the same day they bring their guilt offering. This verse sets out the requirement for making things right with another person before seeking forgiveness from God.

In context, God is giving Moses instructions for the Israelites about what to do when someone has sinned against another person, especially by lying or stealing. The verse emphasizes not just returning what was taken, but also adding extra as a way to make up for the harm done. This process is tied to the act of bringing a "trespass offering," showing that making things right with people is connected to making things right with God.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 6:5

  • "Sworn" (שָׁבַע, shava): This word means to take an oath or swear, highlighting that the wrongdoing here involves a false promise or oath, not just theft.
  • "Falsely" (שֶׁקֶר, sheqer): This word means a lie or falsehood, stressing that the sin is not only in the act but also in the dishonesty.
  • "Restore" (שָׁלַם, shalam): This verb means to make whole or repay, showing that true repentance includes practical steps to repair the damage.
  • "Principal" (רֹאשׁ, rosh): Literally "head" or "main part," this word refers to the original amount taken or lost, making clear that full restitution is required.
  • "Add" (יָסַף, yasaf) and "part" (חֲמִשִּׁית, chamishit): Together, these words mean to add a fifth (20%) to the original amount, underlining that restitution goes beyond just returning what was lost.

Why Leviticus 6:5 matters

  • Leviticus 6:5 clarifies that making amends for wrongdoing is not just a private matter between a person and God; it requires real action toward the person who was harmed.
  • The verse shows that honesty and restitution are central to the community's life, not just ritual sacrifices.
  • By linking restitution to the day of the trespass offering, the verse connects personal relationships and worship, teaching that reconciliation with others is part of reconciliation with God.

Where else these words appear

“offering” Hebrew H819 · used in 17 verses

  • Leviticus 4:3 If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto the LORD for a sin offering.
  • 2 Chronicles 28:10 And now ye purpose to keep under the children of Judah and Jerusalem for bondmen and bondwomen unto you: but are there not with you, even with you, sins against the LORD your God?
  • Ezra 9:13 And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great trespass, seeing that thou our God hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and hast given us such deliverance as this;

“part” Hebrew H2549 · used in 44 verses

  • Genesis 1:23 And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.
  • Numbers 33:38 And Aaron the priest went up into mount Hor at the commandment of the LORD, and died there, in the fortieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the first day of the fifth month.
  • 1 Chronicles 26:4 Moreover the sons of Obededom were, Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, and Sacar the fourth, and Nethaneel the fifth,

“restore” Hebrew H7999 · used in 107 verses

  • Genesis 44:4 And when they were gone out of the city, and not yet far off, Joseph said unto his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say unto them, Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good?
  • 1 Kings 22:44 And Jehoshaphat made peace with the king of Israel.
  • Proverbs 7:14 I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows.

“falsely” Hebrew H8267 · used in 109 verses

  • Exodus 5:9 Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words.
  • Psalms 144:11 Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood:
  • Jeremiah 8:8 How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of the LORD is with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he it; the pen of the scribes is in vain.