Leviticus 5:16

And he shall make amends for the harm that he hath done in the holy thing, and shall add the fifth part thereto, and give it unto the priest: and the priest shall make an atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering, and it shall be forgiven him.

And he shall make amends {H7999} for the harm {H2398} that he hath done in the holy thing {H6944}, and shall add {H3254} the fifth part {H2549} thereto, and give {H5414} it unto the priest {H3548}: and the priest {H3548} shall make an atonement {H3722} for him with the ram {H352} of the trespass offering {H817}, and it shall be forgiven {H5545} him.

In addition, he is to make restitution for whatever he did wrong in regard to the holy thing; moreover, he is to add to that one-fifth and give it to the cohen. Then the cohen will make atonement with the ram of the guilt offering, and he will be forgiven.

Regarding any holy thing he has harmed, he must make restitution by adding a fifth of its value to it and giving it to the priest, who will make atonement on his behalf with the ram as a guilt offering, and he will be forgiven.

and he shall make restitution for that which he hath done amiss in the holy thing, and shall add the fifth part thereto, and give it unto the priest; and the priest shall make atonement for him with the ram of the trespass-offering, and he shall be forgiven.

Commentary

Leviticus 5:16 describes the specific requirements for an individual who has committed an unintentional sin against the Lord's holy things, or through fraud concerning sacred items. This verse highlights the crucial components of the trespass offering, emphasizing both restitution and atonement for forgiveness.

Context

This verse is part of a broader section in Leviticus (chapters 1-7) detailing the sacrificial system ordained by God for ancient Israel. Specifically, Leviticus 5:14-19 outlines the law for the trespass offering, also known as the guilt offering. Unlike the sin offering, which primarily dealt with unintentional sins against God's commands, the trespass offering addressed sins that involved specific damage, loss, or misappropriation, particularly concerning "holy things" (items consecrated to God, like tithes, offerings, or temple property) or fraud against a neighbor (as expanded upon in Leviticus 6:1-7). The emphasis here is on making full reparation for the wrong done, in addition to bringing a sacrifice.

Key Themes

  • Restitution and Reparation: The verse explicitly states, "he shall make amends for the harm that he hath done." This goes beyond mere confession; it demands active restoration. The addition of "the fifth part thereto" (20% extra) serves as a penalty and ensures full, even over-full, repayment, underscoring the seriousness of the offense and the commitment to rectify it.
  • Sanctity of Holy Things: Sins against "the holy thing" (Hebrew: qodesh) were considered serious because they infringed upon God's direct property or consecrated items. This principle underscores the reverence due to God and what belongs to Him.
  • Atonement through Sacrifice: The "ram of the trespass offering" was central to the process. The priest's role was to "make an atonement for him," signifying the covering or propitiation for the sin. This ritual was vital for restoring the individual's relationship with God.
  • Divine Forgiveness: The ultimate outcome promised is, "it shall be forgiven him." This highlights God's gracious provision for forgiveness when His prescribed means of repentance and atonement are followed. It illustrates the comprehensive nature of God's justice and mercy.

Linguistic Insights

The term "trespass offering" comes from the Hebrew word 'asham, which refers to guilt or a reparation offering. It carries the nuance of making good on a debt or wrong. The phrase "make amends" implies a direct action of returning or compensating for what was taken or damaged. "Atonement" (Hebrew: kaphar) means to cover, purge, or make propitiation, signifying the means by which reconciliation with God is achieved.

Practical Application

While the specific sacrificial system of Leviticus is no longer practiced today (as Christ became the ultimate sacrifice for sin, as seen in Hebrews 9:22 and beyond), the principles embedded in Leviticus 5:16 remain profoundly relevant:

  • The Importance of Restitution: True repentance often involves more than just saying "I'm sorry." When possible, we are called to make amends for the harm we've caused, especially in cases of theft, damage, or financial wrongdoing (compare with Zacchaeus's actions in Luke 19:8).
  • Respect for What is Holy: The principle of respecting God's "holy things" reminds us to treat spiritual matters, His Word, His house, and His people with reverence and care.
  • God's Provision for Forgiveness: This verse beautifully illustrates God's desire to forgive. Through Christ, we have a superior means of atonement, allowing us to receive complete forgiveness for our sins, including our trespasses. Our part is to confess, repent, and seek to make right what we have wronged, trusting in His grace.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 22:14

    And if a man eat [of] the holy thing unwittingly, then he shall put the fifth [part] thereof unto it, and shall give [it] unto the priest with the holy thing.

  • Numbers 5:7

    Then they shall confess their sin which they have done: and he shall recompense his trespass with the principal thereof, and add unto it the fifth [part] thereof, and give [it] unto [him] against whom he hath trespassed.

  • Leviticus 27:27

    And if [it be] of an unclean beast, then he shall redeem [it] according to thine estimation, and shall add a fifth [part] of it thereto: or if it be not redeemed, then it shall be sold according to thy estimation.

  • Leviticus 27:13

    But if he will at all redeem it, then he shall add a fifth [part] thereof unto thy estimation.

  • Leviticus 27:15

    And if he that sanctified it will redeem his house, then he shall add the fifth [part] of the money of thy estimation unto it, and it shall be his.

  • Leviticus 6:4

    Then it shall be, because he hath sinned, and is guilty, that he shall restore that which he took violently away, or the thing which he hath deceitfully gotten, or that which was delivered him to keep, or the lost thing which he found,

  • Leviticus 6:5

    Or all that about which he hath sworn falsely; he shall even restore it in the principal, and shall add the fifth part more thereto, [and] give it unto him to whom it appertaineth, in the day of his trespass offering.
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