Leviticus 5:13

KJV

And the priest shall make an atonement for him as touching his sin that he hath sinned in one of these, and it shall be forgiven him: and [the remnant] shall be the priest's, as a meat offering.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the priest {H3548} shall make an atonement {H3722} for him as touching his sin {H2403} that he hath sinned {H2398} in one {H259} of these, and it shall be forgiven {H5545} him: and the remnant shall be the priest's {H3548}, as a meat offering {H4503}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Thus the cohen will make atonement for him in regard to the sin he committed concerning any of these things, and he will be forgiven. The rest will belong to the cohanim, as with a grain offering.'"

Berean Standard Bible

In this way the priest will make atonement for him for any of these sins he has committed, and he will be forgiven. The remainder will belong to the priest, like the grain offering.”

American Standard Version

And the priest shall make atonement for him as touching his sin that he hath sinned in any of these things, and he shall be forgiven: and the remnant shall be the priest’s, as the meal-offering.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 5:13 marks the culmination of the ritual for various unintentional sins, detailing the priest's role in making atonement for the individual. This verse assures divine forgiveness for sins committed unknowingly or inadvertently, provided the prescribed offering has been made. It also specifies the priest's rightful portion of the accompanying grain offering, underscoring God's meticulous provision for both the reconciliation of His people and the sustenance of those who ministered in His tabernacle.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 5:13 concludes a specific section within the book that addresses unintentional sins, following the detailed instructions for various scenarios in [Leviticus 5:1-12](/leviticus/5 "Leviticus 5 - Laws Concerning Unintentional Sins"). These sins include failing to testify as a witness, touching an unclean thing (whether a carcass of an unclean animal, human uncleanness, or an unclean creeping thing), or making a rash, thoughtless oath. For each of these offenses, a specific sin offering (חַטָּאת, _chattat_) is prescribed. The offerings are graded according to the individual's ability, ranging from a lamb or goat for the more affluent, to two doves or pigeons for the poor, and even a tenth of an ephah of fine flour for the very poor. Verse 13, therefore, serves as the concluding declaration, affirming the efficacy of these rituals in securing atonement and forgiveness, and also clarifying the disposition of the offering's remainder.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the tabernacle (and later the Temple) served as the central place of worship, where God's holy presence dwelt among His people. The elaborate sacrificial system outlined in Leviticus was God's divinely appointed means for maintaining a holy relationship between Himself and a sinful humanity. The concept of ritual purity was paramount, and even unintentional transgressions or defilements could disrupt an individual's standing within the covenant community and before God. The priest, acting as an intermediary, was crucial to this system. They were consecrated individuals responsible for performing the intricate sacrificial rites, mediating between the people and God. The provision for the priest's sustenance, as mentioned in [Leviticus 5:13](/leviticus/5-13 "Leviticus 5:13 - Atonement and the Priest's Portion"), was integral to the operation of the tabernacle, as priests often had no tribal land inheritance and relied on portions of the offerings for their livelihood, as seen in other passages like [Numbers 18:8-19](/numbers/18 "Numbers 18 - The Duties and Portions of Priests and Levites").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Atonement (Hebrew, כָּפַר, _kaphar_):** This verb fundamentally means "to cover," "to purge," "to make reconciliation," or "to make propitiation." In the context of the sacrificial system, it signifies the act by which sin is covered or expiated, thereby removing the defilement and guilt that separate a person from God. It is not merely a symbolic covering, but an act that brings about a change in the relationship between the sinner and a holy God, allowing for restoration and renewed fellowship. The priest's action of "making atonement" was the divinely ordained means by which this reconciliation was achieved.
* **Forgiven (Hebrew, סָלַח, _salach_):** This verb specifically refers to divine forgiveness, a gracious act initiated by God. Unlike human forgiveness, which can be conditional, God's _salach_ denotes a complete pardoning and remission of sin, a wiping away of the offense. The phrase "it shall be forgiven him" emphasizes that the efficacy of the atonement ritual ultimately rests on God's sovereign will and gracious character to pardon those who approach Him through His prescribed means.
* **Meat Offering (Hebrew, מִנְחָה, _minchah_):** While translated as "meat offering" in the KJV, this term is more accurately rendered as "grain offering" or "meal offering." It typically consisted of fine flour, often mixed with oil and frankincense, and was usually unleavened. Unlike the bloody sin or burnt offerings, the _minchah_ was a non-bloody offering, often presented as an act of devotion, thanksgiving, or as a complement to other sacrifices. In the context of Leviticus 5, for the very poor, it could serve as a substitute for a sin offering, demonstrating God's compassion and provision for all, regardless of their economic status. The "remnant" refers to the portion of this grain offering that was not burned on the altar but given to the priest.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the priest shall make an atonement for him":** This clause highlights the indispensable role of the Levitical priest. The priest, acting as God's appointed representative, performed the specific ritual acts—such as sprinkling blood or burning a portion of the offering—that were necessary to effect reconciliation between the individual and God. This underscores that atonement was not something an individual could achieve on their own but required a divinely sanctioned mediator.
* **"as touching his sin that he hath sinned in one of these":** This specifies that the atonement is for the particular unintentional sins previously detailed in [Leviticus 5:1-12](/leviticus/5 "Leviticus 5 - Laws Concerning Unintentional Sins"). It emphasizes the targeted nature of the sacrifice, addressing specific instances of error or defilement rather than general sinfulness. The phrase "in one of these" directly links back to the list of scenarios where an individual might unknowingly incur guilt.
* **"and it shall be forgiven him":** This is the divine outcome of the correctly performed atonement. God, in His mercy and faithfulness to His covenant, grants full pardon to the individual. This declaration signifies the restoration of the individual's standing before God and within the community, demonstrating that the sacrificial system was not merely a ritualistic exercise but a means to achieve genuine reconciliation and divine favor.
* **"and [the remnant] shall be the priest's, as a meat offering":** This final clause addresses the disposition of the offering. In the case of a grain offering (_minchah_) presented as a sin offering by the poor, only a portion was burned on the altar as a "memorial portion" to God. The remainder, the "remnant," was given to the priest for his consumption. This served as a practical means of supporting the priestly class, who were dedicated to the service of the tabernacle and did not possess land for their sustenance. It also signified the priest's participation in the sacred act and his share in the divine provision.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 5:13, within its broader context, employs several literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the sacrificial system itself serving as a powerful symbol of the gravity of sin, the necessity of divine intervention, and God's provision for reconciliation. The priest acts as a symbolic mediator, prefiguring a greater High Priest. The act of "making atonement" symbolizes the covering and purging of sin, restoring purity and relationship. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of the concept of "sin" (חַטָּאת, _chattat_) and "atonement" (כָּפַר, _kaphar_) throughout Leviticus, and particularly in chapter 5, underscores their central importance to the covenant relationship. The meticulous detail in outlining various sin scenarios and their corresponding remedies highlights the pervasive nature of sin and God's comprehensive provision. Finally, there is an element of **Typology**, as the entire system, including the mediatorial role of the priest and the efficacy of atonement, points forward to the ultimate and perfect work of Jesus Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 5:13 powerfully illustrates several core theological truths: the absolute holiness of God, the pervasive nature and seriousness of sin (even unintentional), and God's gracious provision for reconciliation. It reveals that sin, regardless of intent, creates a barrier between humanity and a holy God, necessitating a divinely ordained means of atonement. God, in His mercy, established a system whereby forgiveness could be secured, demonstrating His unwavering desire to restore fellowship with His people. The priest's mediatorial role underscores the principle that humanity cannot approach a holy God directly in their sinfulness but requires an intercessor. This entire system, though temporary, served as a pedagogical tool, teaching Israel about the cost of sin and the nature of divine grace, all while pointing to a greater, more perfect sacrifice to come.

* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without the Shedding of Blood There Is No Forgiveness")
* [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession of Sins and God's Faithfulness")
* [Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 5:13, while rooted in an ancient sacrificial system, offers profound timeless truths for contemporary believers. It reminds us that all sin, whether conscious or unconscious, is an offense against a holy God and requires divine intervention for reconciliation. While we no longer offer animal sacrifices, the principle that sin must be dealt with remains. This verse encourages us to cultivate a deep sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's conviction, even for sins we might not immediately recognize or understand as such. It calls us to regularly examine our hearts and actions, seeking God's forgiveness through the finished work of Jesus Christ, our ultimate atonement. Understanding God's meticulous provision for forgiveness in the Old Testament deepens our appreciation for the complete and perfect redemption offered in the New Covenant, fostering both humility for our failings and immense gratitude for His boundless mercy and grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "unintentional sin" in Leviticus challenge my understanding of sin today?**
* **What does God's provision for atonement in Leviticus 5:13 reveal about His character and His desire for relationship with humanity?**
* **How does knowing that even unintentional sins required atonement deepen my appreciation for the complete work of Christ on the cross?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a greater sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's conviction in my daily life, even for subtle or overlooked areas of sin?**

### FAQ
**What constitutes an "unintentional sin" in the context of Leviticus 5?**

Answer: In Leviticus 5, "unintentional sins" (often translated from the Hebrew _shagag_, meaning "to err," "to go astray") refer to transgressions committed unknowingly, inadvertently, or through oversight, rather than through willful rebellion or defiance against God's commands. These include failing to testify as a witness to a crime, touching an unclean carcass (of an unclean animal, creeping thing, or human uncleanness) without realizing it, or making a rash, thoughtless oath that is later broken. The key characteristic is the lack of deliberate intent to disobey, yet the act still incurred guilt and required atonement because it defiled the individual or violated God's holy standards, as detailed in [Leviticus 5:1-4](/leviticus/5-1 "Leviticus 5:1-4 - Specific Unintentional Sins").

**Why was a portion of the offering given to the priest?**

Answer: The portion of the grain offering (_minchah_) that was not burned on the altar was given to the priest as part of God's provision for their sustenance. The Levitical priests, particularly those of the Aaronic line, were consecrated to serve in the tabernacle and did not receive a tribal land inheritance like the other tribes of Israel. Therefore, God ordained that they would live by the offerings of the people. This arrangement, detailed in various passages like [Numbers 18:8-19](/numbers/18 "Numbers 18 - The Priests' Portion of Offerings"), ensured that those dedicated to ministering before the Lord were adequately supported, allowing them to focus on their sacred duties without being burdened by worldly concerns for their livelihood. It highlights God's meticulous care for those who served Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 5:13, with its emphasis on priestly atonement and divine forgiveness for unintentional sins, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Levitical system, with its repeated sacrifices and mediatorial priests, served as a shadow pointing to the reality of Christ. The blood of bulls and goats could only "cover" sin temporarily, but Jesus, as the perfect [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offered Himself as the [once-for-all sacrifice](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through the Offering of Jesus Christ") for all sins—intentional and unintentional. His blood provides not merely a covering, but a complete removal and cleansing of sin, securing [eternal redemption](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption"). Moreover, Jesus is our [great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), who entered the true, heavenly tabernacle not with the blood of animals but with His own blood, securing an eternal atonement that the Levitical priests could never achieve. He perpetually [intercedes for us](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ Intercedes for Us") before the Father, ensuring that the forgiveness promised in Leviticus 5:13 is fully realized and eternally secured for all who believe in Him.

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.