Speak unto the children of Israel, When a man or woman shall commit any sin that men commit, to do a trespass against the LORD, and that person be guilty;

NUMBERS 5:6KJV
Know the Bible

Numbers 5:6 (KJV)

What does Numbers 5:6 mean?

Numbers 5:6 instructs Moses to tell the Israelites that when any man or woman commits a sin that people commonly commit—specifically, a sin that is a trespass against the LORD—and is found guilty, there are consequences to address. The verse sets up the need for dealing with wrongdoing among the people, especially offenses that break trust with God.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses, who is then to relay the message to the "children of Israel" (the Israelite community). The context is about maintaining the community’s purity and relationship with God, especially when someone’s actions have violated that trust. The verse introduces the idea that both men and women are accountable for their actions, and that certain sins are seen as not just wronging another person, but as offenses against God Himself.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 5:6

  • The word for "sin" is חַטָּאָה (chatta'ah), which often refers to missing the mark or falling short of what is right. Here, it highlights that the wrongdoing is not just a mistake but a moral failure.
  • The word for "trespass" is מַעַל (ma'al), which carries the idea of acting unfaithfully or betraying trust. In this context, it emphasizes that the sin is not only against another person but is seen as a breach of faithfulness to the LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH).
  • The word for "guilty" is אָשֵׁם (asham), which means to bear guilt or be held responsible. This word underlines that the person is not just accused but is actually found to be at fault and must deal with the consequences.

Why Numbers 5:6 matters

  • Numbers 5:6 clarifies that both men and women are equally responsible for their actions before God, which was a significant statement in its original cultural context.
  • The verse emphasizes that some sins are not just social wrongs but are considered betrayals of God’s trust, deepening the seriousness of such actions.
  • This verse sets the stage for the following instructions about confession and restitution, showing that restoration is possible but requires honest acknowledgment of guilt.

Where else these words appear

“trespass” Hebrew H4604 · used in 29 verses

  • Leviticus 5:15 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:
  • Joshua 22:22 The LORD God of gods, the LORD God of gods, he knoweth, and Israel he shall know; if it be in rebellion, or if in transgression against the LORD,(save us not this day,)
  • Ezra 9:4 Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the transgression of those that had been carried away; and I sat astonied until the evening sacrifice.

“guilty” Hebrew H816 · used in 32 verses

  • Leviticus 4:13 And if the whole congregation of Israel sin through ignorance, and the thing be hid from the eyes of the assembly, and they have done somewhat against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which should not be done, and are guilty;
  • Numbers 5:7 Then they shall confess their sin which they have done: and he shall recompense his trespass with the principal thereof, and add unto it the fifth part thereof, and give it unto him against whom he hath trespassed.
  • Ezekiel 6:6 In all your dwellingplaces the cities shall be laid waste, and the high places shall be desolate; that your altars may be laid waste and made desolate, and your idols may be broken and cease, and your images may be cut down, and your works may be abolished.

“commit” Hebrew H4603 · used in 35 verses

  • Leviticus 5:15 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:
  • 1 Chronicles 5:25 And they transgressed against the God of their fathers, and went a whoring after the gods of the people of the land, whom God destroyed before them.
  • Ezra 10:10 And Ezra the priest stood up, and said unto them, Ye have transgressed, and have taken strange wives, to increase the trespass of Israel.