And the priest shall make an atonement for him before the LORD: and it shall be forgiven him for any thing of all that he hath done in trespassing therein.

LEVITICUS 6:7KJV
Know the Bible

Leviticus 6:7 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 6:7 mean?

Leviticus 6:7 says that when a priest makes atonement for someone before the LORD, that person is forgiven for anything they have done wrong in their trespasses. The verse highlights that forgiveness is granted through the priest’s actions as part of the ritual God commanded.

In this part of Leviticus, God is giving Moses instructions for the priests about handling cases where someone has sinned against another person—like stealing or lying—and then confessed and made restitution. The priest acts as a mediator, performing a ritual that brings about forgiveness from God for the wrongdoer. This verse wraps up the section by assuring that, after these steps, the person’s guilt is fully dealt with in God’s eyes.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 6:7

  • priest (כֹּהֵן, kohen): This word refers to the official religious leader who performs the ritual. The role of the kohen is central, as forgiveness is not automatic but comes through the priest’s mediation.
  • atonement (כָּפַר, kaphar): This verb means to cover over or make reconciliation. In this context, it describes the priest’s action that removes the barrier between the person and God, allowing for forgiveness.
  • forgiven (סָלַח, salach): This word means to be pardoned or released from guilt. The use of salach here emphasizes that the forgiveness is real and complete, not just a symbolic gesture.
  • trespassing (אָשָׁם, asham): This refers to a specific kind of wrongdoing, often involving harm to another person or breaking trust. The verse makes clear that even these serious offenses can be forgiven through the prescribed process.

Why Leviticus 6:7 matters

  • Leviticus 6:7 clarifies that forgiveness in ancient Israel was not just a private feeling but involved a public, ritual process overseen by a priest.
  • The verse emphasizes that no matter the specific wrong, God’s forgiveness is available when the right steps are taken, showing the seriousness and hopefulness of the system.
  • This verse ties together the instructions about restitution and sacrifice, showing that both making things right with others and seeking God’s forgiveness were necessary for true restoration.

Where else these words appear

“trespassing” 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;

“forgiven” Hebrew H5545 · used in 45 verses

  • Exodus 34:9 And he said, If now I have found grace in thy sight, O Lord, let my Lord, I pray thee, go among us; for it is a stiffnecked people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for thine inheritance.
  • Numbers 15:28 And the priest shall make an atonement for the soul that sinneth ignorantly, when he sinneth by ignorance before the LORD, to make an atonement for him; and it shall be forgiven him.
  • 2 Chronicles 6:30 Then hear thou from heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and render unto every man according unto all his ways, whose heart thou knowest;(for thou only knowest the hearts of the children of men:)

“atonement” Hebrew H3722 · used in 94 verses

  • Genesis 6:14 Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.
  • Leviticus 14:29 And the rest of the oil that is in the priest's hand he shall put upon the head of him that is to be cleansed, to make an atonement for him before the LORD.
  • Numbers 28:22 And one goat for a sin offering, to make an atonement for you.