Leviticus 5:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'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.

Berean Standard Bible

“If 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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 5:1 introduces a specific and profound category of sin within the Mosaic Law: the sin of omission by a witness. It addresses the solemn obligation of an individual who has heard a public adjuration or curse, and possesses vital information, yet chooses to remain silent. This statute underscores the deep theological truth that culpability extends beyond active transgression to include the failure to speak truth and uphold justice, resulting in the individual bearing their own iniquity before God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 5:1 initiates a new section (5:1-13) detailing various scenarios of unintentional sins or sins of omission that require specific sin offerings. This follows the general instructions for different types of offerings in chapters 1-4 (burnt, grain, peace, sin, guilt offerings). Chapter 4 focused on unintentional sins committed by various societal groups (priest, congregation, ruler, common person) requiring a sin offering. Chapter 5 expands on this by addressing specific instances where an individual might incur guilt, often through negligence or omission, rather than direct, intentional transgression. Verses 2-3 deal with ritual impurity from touching unclean things, and verse 4 with rash oaths, all requiring a guilt offering (or sin offering, depending on the interpretation of the 'asham/chattat distinction here). Thus, 5:1 serves as the foundational example of a sin of omission that necessitates atonement, setting the stage for other similar cases.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, oaths and public adjurations were profoundly serious matters, often invoked in legal settings or as a community-wide call for truth. The Hebrew term for "swearing" (אָלָה, _'alah'_) refers to a solemn oath or an imprecation, often accompanied by a curse invoked upon anyone who might conceal information relevant to a matter under investigation. Such a public declaration, like those found in [Numbers 5:11-31](/numbers/5 "Numbers 5 - Law of Jealousy") concerning a suspected adulteress, placed a moral and legal burden on anyone who heard it and possessed pertinent knowledge. To withhold testimony in such a context was not merely a social slight but a direct affront to the community's pursuit of justice and, more critically, an offense against God, who was invoked as the ultimate witness and enforcer of oaths. The integrity of the legal system and the purity of the covenant community depended heavily on the truthful testimony of witnesses, as seen in other laws regarding false witness in [Exodus 23:1-3](/exodus/23 "Exodus 23:1-3 - Laws of Justice and Mercy"). Thus, Leviticus 5:1 underscored the vital role of individual accountability in maintaining the divine order and social fabric of Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Soul (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** This term, often translated as "soul" or "person," emphasizes the individual nature of the responsibility. It highlights that the law applies to any Israelite, regardless of status, underscoring the universal moral obligation to truthfulness and justice within the covenant community. The use of _nephesh_ here points to the totality of the person, implying that the sin affects one's entire being and standing before God.
* **Swearing (Hebrew, _'alah'_):** More than just a casual oath, _'alah_ refers to a solemn adjuration, imprecation, or curse. In this context, it likely signifies a public pronouncement, perhaps by a judge or an injured party, invoking divine judgment upon anyone who knows information about a crime or dispute but conceals it. The "voice of swearing" implies that this adjuration is heard publicly, making the witness's silence a deliberate act of omission against a divinely sanctioned call for truth.
* **Iniquity (Hebrew, _'avon'_):** This term denotes guilt, punishment for sin, or the sin itself, often carrying the connotation of perversity or distortion. When the text states the individual "shall bear his iniquity," it means they will be held culpable and suffer the consequences—both divine and potentially communal—for their failure to testify. It signifies that the sin of omission is not trivial but incurs genuine guilt that requires atonement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if a soul sin":** This opening clause establishes the premise of the law: it addresses a situation where an individual incurs guilt or commits a transgression. The "sin" here is not necessarily an active, malicious act but a failure to meet a divine expectation, specifically an omission.
* **"and hear the voice of swearing":** This specifies the context: the individual is privy to a public adjuration or a solemn oath, often accompanied by a curse invoked against those who withhold information. This implies a formal or public setting where truth is being sought, making the witness's subsequent silence particularly egregious.
* **"and [is] a witness, whether he hath seen or known [of it]":** This clarifies the individual's position and knowledge. They are not merely bystanders but have direct or indirect knowledge ("seen or known") pertinent to the matter under oath. This clause emphasizes the personal responsibility tied to possessing crucial information.
* **"if he do not utter [it]":** This is the core of the omission. Despite hearing the adjuration and possessing knowledge, the individual fails to speak or disclose what they know. Their silence, in this specific context, constitutes the sin.
* **"then he shall bear his iniquity":** This is the consequence. The individual becomes culpable for their silence. "Bearing his iniquity" means they incur guilt and are subject to the divine and legal repercussions of their sin, necessitating atonement through the prescribed sacrifices (as detailed later in Leviticus 5).

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 5:1 primarily employs **Legal Language** and a **Conditional Structure**. The verse is framed as a legal statute, using precise, declarative language to define a specific offense and its consequence ("If... then..."). This **Conditional Structure** is characteristic of Mosaic Law, clearly outlining the circumstances under which an individual incurs guilt and what the resulting obligation is. The use of the term "voice of swearing" can be seen as a form of **Metonymy**, where "voice" stands for the public pronouncement or adjuration itself, emphasizing its auditory and public nature. Furthermore, the concept of "bearing his iniquity" functions as a form of **Legal Metaphor**, representing the legal and spiritual burden of guilt that falls upon the individual due to their failure to act, requiring a specific means of expiation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 5:1 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle of sins of omission, demonstrating that moral culpability extends beyond active transgression to include the failure to do what is right. This law underscores God's demand for truthfulness and justice within His covenant community, revealing that silence in the face of known wrongdoing or injustice is not neutral but incurs guilt. It highlights the interconnectedness of individual responsibility and communal purity, asserting that every member has a role in upholding God's righteous standards. The theological implication is clear: God holds His people accountable not only for their actions but also for their inaction, particularly when it undermines truth, justice, or the well-being of others. This principle resonates throughout Scripture, emphasizing the holistic nature of obedience.

* [James 4:17](/james/4-17 "James 4:17 - Knowing Good and Not Doing It")
* [Proverbs 24:11-12](/proverbs/24-11-12 "Proverbs 24:11-12 - Rescuing the Perishing")
* [Matthew 25:41-45](/matthew/25-41-45 "Matthew 25:41-45 - The Judgment of the Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific legal context of a public adjuration may not be common in modern society, the enduring principles of Leviticus 5:1 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse challenges us to consider our own postures of silence in a world often plagued by injustice, falsehood, and suffering. It compels us to examine whether we are truly "witnesses" in the biblical sense—those who not only see and know but are also prepared to "utter" the truth, even when it is uncomfortable or costly. This includes speaking up for the vulnerable, exposing corruption, or simply correcting misinformation. It also prompts a deeper introspection into our spiritual lives, reminding us that apathy, inaction, or a failure to engage with the needs of others can be as spiritually detrimental as active sin. Ultimately, Leviticus 5:1 calls us to a proactive righteousness, where our knowledge is coupled with courageous action, reflecting God's own character of truth and justice in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be guilty of a "sin of omission" by remaining silent when I should speak up?**
* **How does my understanding of God's demand for justice influence my willingness to be a truthful witness in my community, workplace, or family?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a greater commitment to truthfulness and proactive righteousness in my daily interactions?**

### FAQ
**Does this law apply to unintentional sins only?**

Answer: Yes, Leviticus 5:1 is part of a section dealing with unintentional sins or sins of omission. The context of the entire chapter (Leviticus 5) outlines scenarios where a person incurs guilt without necessarily intending to commit a malicious act. In this specific case, the sin is not actively lying, but rather the passive failure to disclose known information after hearing a public adjuration. While the omission is a choice, it falls under the category of sins requiring atonement, distinct from deliberate, high-handed rebellion against God's law. The subsequent verses in [Leviticus 5:2-4](/leviticus/5-2-4 "Leviticus 5:2-4 - Further Unintentional Sins") further illustrate this focus on unintentional impurity or rash oaths.

**What does "bear his iniquity" mean in a practical sense?**

Answer: To "bear his iniquity" (נָשָׂא עָוֹן, _nasa' 'avon'_) means to incur guilt and become accountable for the sin, necessitating a process of atonement. In the context of the Mosaic Law, this typically meant the individual was required to bring a specific sacrifice (a sin offering or guilt offering, as detailed in [Leviticus 5:5-13](/leviticus/5-5-13 "Leviticus 5:5-13 - Offerings for Unintentional Sins")) to cleanse themselves from this guilt and restore their standing with God and the community. Failure to do so would leave them in a state of unresolved guilt, potentially leading to divine judgment or exclusion from the community. It signifies that even sins of omission have real, tangible consequences that require divine intervention for forgiveness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 5:1, with its emphasis on the sin of omission and the burden of unconfessed guilt, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The law reveals humanity's pervasive inability to perfectly uphold God's righteous standards, not only in active transgression but also in our failures to speak truth and act justly. Every instance of "bearing one's iniquity" under the Old Covenant pointed forward to the necessity of a perfect sacrifice. Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly fulfilled the law's demands, living a life of absolute truthfulness and never failing to "utter" the Father's will. More profoundly, He bore the iniquity of all humanity—not just sins of commission, but also the vast accumulation of our omissions, our silences, and our failures to love God and neighbor as we ought. On the cross, He became sin for us, taking upon Himself the full weight of our guilt, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Through His atoning work, believers are freed from the burden of their own iniquity, receiving complete forgiveness and the power of the Holy Spirit to live lives that proactively speak truth and pursue justice, no longer bound by the fear of bearing their own guilt, but resting in His finished work ([Romans 8:1-4](/romans/8-1-4 "Romans 8:1-4 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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

¶ 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: