Leviticus 5:1

ΒΆ And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and [is] a witness, whether he hath seen or known [of it]; if he do not utter [it], then he shall bear his iniquity.

And if a soul {H5315} sin {H2398}, and hear {H8085} the voice {H6963} of swearing {H423}, and is a witness {H5707}, whether {H176} he hath seen {H7200} or known {H3045} of it; if he do not utter {H5046} it, then he shall bear {H5375} his iniquity {H5771}.

"'If a person who is a witness, sworn to testify, sins by refusing to tell what he has seen or heard about the matter, he must bear the consequences.

β€œIf someone sins by failing to testify when he hears a public charge about something he has witnessed, whether he has seen it or learned of it, he shall bear the iniquity.

And if any one sin, in that he heareth the voice of adjuration, he being a witness, whether he hath seen or known, if he do not utter it, then he shall bear his iniquity.

Commentary

Leviticus 5:1 introduces a specific category of sin within the Mosaic Law, focusing on the responsibility of a witness who fails to disclose crucial information. This verse highlights the gravity of silence when truth and justice are at stake, particularly in matters involving oaths or public adjurations.

Context

This verse is the beginning of a section in Leviticus chapter 5 that details various scenarios of unintentional sins or sins of omission that still require atonement. The broader context of Leviticus emphasizes God's call for holiness and purity within the Israelite community, outlining the sacrificial system designed to cleanse from sin and ritual impurity. Specifically, Leviticus 5:1 deals with the failure to testify or reveal information when one has witnessed an oath or adjuration (Hebrew: 'alah). In ancient Israel, oaths were solemn and binding, often invoked in legal proceedings or as a public declaration. Withholding knowledge when one is a witness, especially if it pertains to a false oath or a curse invoked against those who conceal truth, was considered a serious offense against both God and the community's system of justice. This law underscores the vital importance of truthfulness and civic duty in maintaining the integrity of the community.

Key Themes

  • Sin of Omission: This verse powerfully illustrates that sin is not only about what one actively does, but also about what one fails to do. It teaches that silence can be a form of culpability, especially when it prevents justice, truth, or the well-being of others from being upheld. This concept resonates with the New Testament teaching about knowing what is good to do and not doing it.
  • Witness Accountability: The law places significant emphasis on the moral and legal responsibility of a witness. If an individual "hath seen or known" something vital, they are obligated to "utter it." This provision was crucial for ensuring that justice could be served and that individuals were held accountable for their knowledge, thereby preventing cover-ups, perjury, or the perversion of justice within the community.
  • Community Purity and Justice: By requiring individuals to testify truthfully, this law contributed significantly to the overall moral and legal integrity of the Israelite community. It reinforced the idea that every member had a role in upholding God's righteous standards and fostering a just and pure society.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated as "swearing" in the KJV is 'alah (ΧΦΈΧœΦΈΧ”). This term can refer to an oath, a curse, or an imprecation. In the context of Leviticus 5:1, the "voice of swearing" likely refers to a public adjuration or a solemn pronouncement where a curse is invoked against anyone who knows information about a matter but withholds it. It could also refer to being put under oath in a legal context. Failure to respond to such a call for testimony, especially when possessing knowledge, constitutes a failure to uphold truth and justice, leading to the individual bearing their "iniquity" ('avon), which signifies their guilt or the punishment due for their wrongdoing.

Practical Application

While the specific legal context of public adjuration may differ in modern society, the underlying principles of Leviticus 5:1 remain profoundly relevant for believers today:

  • Embrace Truthfulness and Integrity: We are called to be people of truth, not only by avoiding lies but also by actively speaking the truth when it is required. This applies particularly in situations where silence might perpetuate injustice, allow wrongdoing to continue, or harm the innocent.
  • Take Responsibility for Knowledge: When we are privy to information that could prevent harm, correct injustice, or protect others, there is a moral and spiritual obligation to act responsibly with that knowledge. This might involve reporting wrongdoing, testifying truthfully, or simply speaking up for what is right.
  • Recognize Sins of Omission: This verse serves as a powerful reminder that sin encompasses not only what we do, but also what we fail to do. Inaction, apathy, or silence can be sinful when they contradict God's call to love, justice, and righteousness. Understanding this helps us to be thorough in our confession of sin and pursue a life of complete obedience to God.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 5:17

    And if a soul sin, and commit any of these things which are forbidden to be done by the commandments of the LORD; though he wist [it] not, yet is he guilty, and shall bear his iniquity.

  • Proverbs 29:24

    ΒΆ Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth [it] not.

  • Leviticus 7:18

    And if [any] of the flesh of the sacrifice of his peace offerings be eaten at all on the third day, it shall not be accepted, neither shall it be imputed unto him that offereth it: it shall be an abomination, and the soul that eateth of it shall bear his iniquity.

  • Matthew 26:63

    But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.

  • Leviticus 19:8

    Therefore [every one] that eateth it shall bear his iniquity, because he hath profaned the hallowed thing of the LORD: and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.

  • Isaiah 53:11

    He shall see of the travail of his soul, [and] shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

  • 1 Kings 8:31

    If any man trespass against his neighbour, and an oath be laid upon him to cause him to swear, and the oath come before thine altar in this house:
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