TRV
Study This Verse
Commentary on Leviticus 5 verses 14–19
Hitherto in this chapter orders were given concerning those sacrifices that were both sin-offerings and trespass-offerings, for they go by both names, Lev 5:6. Here we have the law concerning those that were properly and peculiarly trespass-offerings, which were offered to atone for trespasses done against a neighbour, those sins we commonly call trespasses. Now injuries done to another may be either in holy things or in common things; of the former we have the law in these verses; of the latter in the beginning of the next chapter. If a man did harm (as it is Lev 5:16) in the holy things of the Lord, he thereby committed a trespass against the priests, the Lord's ministers, who were entrusted with the care of these holy things, and had the benefit of them. Now if a man did alienate or convert to his own use any thing that was dedicated to God, unwittingly, he was to bring this sacrifice; as suppose he had ignorantly made use of the tithes, or first-fruits, or first-born of his cattle, or (which, it should seem by Lev 22:14-16, is principally meant here) had eaten any of those parts of the sacrifices which were appropriated to the priests; this was a trespass. It is supposed to be done through mistake, or forgetfulness, for want either of care or zeal; for if it was done presumptuously, and in contempt of the law, the offender died without mercy, Heb 10:28. But in case of negligence and ignorance this sacrifice was appointed; and Moses is told, 1. What must be done in case the trespass appeared to be certain. The trespasser must bring an offering to the Lord, which, in all those that were purely trespass-offerings, must be a ram without blemish, "of the second year," say the Jewish doctors. He must likewise make restitution to the priest, according to a just estimation of the thing which he had so alienated, adding a fifth part to it, that he might learn to take more heed next time of embezzling what was sacred to God, finding to his cost that there was nothing got by it, and that he paid dearly for his oversights. 2. What must be done in case it were doubtful whether he had trespassed or no; he had cause to suspect it, but he wist it not (Lev 5:17), that is, he was not very certain; in this case, because it is good to be sure, he must bring his trespass-offering, and the value of that which he feared he had embezzled, only he was not to add the fifth part to it. Now this was designed to show the very great evil there is in sacrilege. Achan, that was guilty of it presumptuously, died for it; so did Ananias and Sapphira. But this goes further to show the evil of it, that if a man had, through mere ignorance, and unwittingly, alienated the holy things, nay, if he did but suspect that he had done so, he must be at the expense, not only of a full restitution with interest, but of an offering, with the trouble of bringing it, and must take shame to himself, by making confession of it; so bad a thing is it to invade God's property, and so cautious should we be to abstain from all appearances of this evil. We are also taught here to be jealous over ourselves with a godly jealousy, to ask pardon for the sin, and make satisfaction for the wrong, which we do but suspect ourselves guilty of. In doubtful cases we should take and keep the safer side.
Continue studying Leviticus 5:14 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Leviticus 5:14 serves as a pivotal introductory statement, characteristic of the book of Leviticus, marking the divine origin and absolute authority of the subsequent instructions concerning the trespass offering. This concise verse signals the commencement of new divine directives from Yahweh to Moses, specifically those detailing the regulations for restitution and atonement for unintentional offenses, thereby underscoring that the laws governing Israel's worship, communal life, and reconciliation are not human ordinances but direct, authoritative commands from the Almighty.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Leviticus 5:14 primarily employs a Formulaic Introduction or Divine Oracle Formula. This repetitive phrase, "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying," is a hallmark of the Pentateuch, especially Leviticus, serving as a powerful literary and theological marker. Its consistent Repetition throughout the book emphasizes the divine origin and absolute authority of every command and ordinance that follows. This formula acts as a Framing Device, segmenting the text into distinct units of divine revelation and underscoring that the entire legal and sacrificial system is not a human construct but a direct outpouring of God's will. It also functions as an Authoritative Declaration, leaving no ambiguity about the source of the laws and thereby demanding absolute obedience and reverence from the people of Israel. The conciseness of the phrase belies its profound theological weight, acting as a divine stamp of authenticity.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 5:14, though brief, is profoundly significant as it reiterates the fundamental theological truth that God is a God who speaks, reveals His will, and initiates relationship with humanity. It underscores the absolute authority of His word and His meticulous care in providing a pathway for a sinful people to approach and maintain fellowship with a holy God. This verse sets the stage for the trespass offering, which highlights God's concern not only for intentional sin but also for unintentional wrongs and the need for restitution, demonstrating His comprehensive provision for atonement and reconciliation within the Old Covenant. It points to God's character as both holy and merciful, demanding justice while simultaneously providing a means for forgiveness and restoration. This divine initiative in communication establishes the foundation for all covenantal interaction.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 5:14, by its very simplicity, invites us to pause and consider the profound privilege of divine revelation. In a world often filled with conflicting voices and uncertain truths, this verse reminds us that the God of the universe has chosen to speak clearly and authoritatively to humanity. For us today, it cultivates a posture of reverence and attentiveness towards God's Word, recognizing that every command, every instruction, every narrative within Scripture is divinely breathed and purposeful. It challenges us to ask: Am I truly listening to what the LORD has spoken? Do I approach His Word with the understanding that it is not merely ancient text but the living, active voice of God, intended to shape my life and guide my steps? This verse calls us to embrace the divine authority of Scripture, knowing that in its pages, God continues to reveal His character, His will, and His enduring plan of redemption. It reminds us that genuine faith begins with hearing and submitting to the voice of God.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is a verse as brief as Leviticus 5:14 considered significant in biblical commentary?
Answer: While brief, Leviticus 5:14 is profoundly significant because it acts as a critical theological and literary marker. The phrase "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying" is a recurring divine oracle formula throughout the Pentateuch, especially prominent in Leviticus. Its presence here signifies several key truths:
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 5:14, with its emphasis on God speaking to Moses to reveal His will for atonement, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant system, initiated by God's spoken word through His prophet, was a shadow pointing to the perfect and final revelation. As Hebrews 1:1-2 powerfully declares, "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son." Jesus is God's ultimate and complete Word, the very embodiment of divine revelation, the one through whom God has spoken His final and most comprehensive message to humanity. Furthermore, just as Moses mediated God's instructions for the trespass offering, Jesus is the greater Mediator of a new and better covenant (Hebrews 8:6). He is not only the one through whom God speaks but also the perfect and ultimate trespass offering Himself, the "Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). The meticulous provisions for unintentional sin introduced by this verse are fully and finally satisfied in Christ's singular, all-sufficient sacrifice on the cross, which covers all sin—intentional and unintentional—and perfectly reconciles humanity to a holy God (Colossians 2:13-14). Thus, the divine initiative to speak and provide atonement, highlighted in Leviticus 5:14, culminates in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, making Him the living Word and the perfect sacrifice.