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
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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.