Leviticus 5:18

KJV

And he shall bring a ram without blemish out of the flock, with thy estimation, for a trespass offering, unto the priest: and the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his ignorance wherein he erred and wist [it] not, and it shall be forgiven him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he shall bring {H935} a ram {H352} without blemish {H8549} out of the flock {H6629}, with thy estimation {H6187}, for a trespass offering {H817}, unto the priest {H3548}: and the priest {H3548} shall make an atonement {H3722} for him concerning his ignorance {H7684} wherein he erred {H7683} and wist {H3045} it not, and it shall be forgiven {H5545} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

He must bring a ram without defect from the flock, or its equivalent according to your appraisal, to the cohen for a guilt offering; the cohen will make atonement concerning the error which he committed, even though he was unaware of it; and he will be forgiven.

Berean Standard Bible

He is to bring to the priest an unblemished ram of proper value from the flock as a guilt offering. Then the priest will make atonement on his behalf for the wrong he has committed in ignorance, and he will be forgiven.

American Standard Version

And he shall bring a ram without blemish out of the flock, according to thy estimation, for a trespass-offering, unto the priest; and the priest shall make atonement for him concerning the thing wherein he erred unwittingly and knew it not, and he shall be forgiven.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 5:18 meticulously outlines the provision for a trespass offering required for an unintentional sin committed in ignorance, where the individual was genuinely unaware of their transgression. This specific law underscores God's absolute holiness, which holds individuals accountable for all sin—whether known or unknown—while simultaneously demonstrating His profound mercy in establishing a clear pathway for atonement and forgiveness through the divinely prescribed sacrificial system. It profoundly illustrates the pervasive nature of human fallenness and the comprehensive scope of divine grace in reconciling humanity to a holy God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus chapter 5 is an integral part of the Mosaic Law, specifically detailing various scenarios requiring either a sin offering (`chatta't`) or a trespass offering (`asham`). The preceding verses (Leviticus 5:1-13) primarily address sin offerings for unintentional sins that become known, such as failing to testify, touching an unclean thing, or making a rash oath, emphasizing the need for purification from defilement. The focus then shifts in Leviticus 5:14-16 to the trespass offering (`asham`), which deals with offenses against "the holy things of the Lord" or against another person, often involving an element of restitution. Leviticus 5:17-19 then introduces a unique and profound category: unintentional sins committed without the individual's knowledge. Verse 18, in particular, specifies the requirement of a ram for such an unknown error, emphasizing that even unconscious transgressions against God's commands incur guilt and necessitate divine provision for atonement, distinct from the specific restitution cases outlined earlier in the chapter. This progression reveals the law's meticulousness in addressing the full spectrum of human sinfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The sacrificial system was the bedrock of ancient Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh, a holy God who chose to dwell among them in the Tabernacle. In a society where ritual purity and adherence to divine commands were paramount for maintaining communion with God, the concept of sin—whether intentional or unintentional, known or unknown—carried immense theological and social weight. The various offerings, including the trespass offering, provided a structured and tangible means for the Israelites to deal with sin, restore their standing before God, and cleanse the Tabernacle from defilement. The ram, a valuable and unblemished animal, signified the significant cost of sin and the seriousness of the offense, even when committed in ignorance. The priest's role was indispensable, acting as the divinely appointed mediator who performed the precise ritual actions necessary for atonement, thereby bridging the gap between a sinful people and a holy God. This elaborate system, as detailed throughout [the book of Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - The Book of Laws and Offerings"), served to educate the people about God's character, the gravity of sin, and His merciful provision for reconciliation.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 5:18 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the **absolute holiness of God**, demonstrating that His perfect standard is so comprehensive that even unknown or unconscious transgressions incur guilt and require atonement. This underscores that sin is not merely a conscious act of rebellion but any deviation from God's perfect will, regardless of human awareness. Secondly, it emphasizes the theme of **divine provision for sin**. Despite the pervasive nature of sin, God, in His boundless mercy, provides a gracious means for reconciliation through the sacrificial system, ensuring that His people can maintain their covenant relationship with Him. This is a recurring theme seen in various offerings throughout [Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - The Sin Offering") and [Leviticus 6](/leviticus/6 "Leviticus 6 - Laws for Offerings"). Thirdly, the verse reinforces the **seriousness and cost of sin**, even unintentional sin, by requiring a valuable ram and the priestly mediation, illustrating that forgiveness is never cheap but always comes at a significant cost. Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **human fallibility and pervasive sinfulness**, acknowledging that humans are prone to err even without knowing it, thus requiring God's continuous and comprehensive grace for their redemption, echoing the sentiment found in [Psalm 19:12](/psalms/19-12 "Psalm 19:12 - Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults.").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Trespass Offering (Hebrew, _ʼâshâm'_):** This term (H817) refers to a specific type of sacrifice that addresses guilt, liability, and often involves an element of restitution or compensation for an offense. Unlike the general "sin offering" (`chatta't`), which often focused on purification from defilement, the `asham` emphasizes the incurred debt or obligation due to a violation, particularly concerning God's holy things or another person's rights. In Leviticus 5:18, it highlights that even an unknown error incurs a debt before God, requiring a specific offering to cover this guilt.
* **Wist (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This archaic English word (from H3045) translates to "to know" or "to be aware of." Its negative usage in the phrase "wist it not" (coupled with H7683, `shâgag`, to err, and H7684, `shᵉgâgâh`, ignorance) is crucial. It emphasizes that the sin in question was genuinely committed in ignorance, without conscious intent or knowledge of wrongdoing. This underscores the profound truth that sin's guilt is inherent in the act itself, irrespective of the offender's awareness, highlighting the absolute standard of God's holiness.
* **Atonement (Hebrew, _kâphar'_):** This foundational theological term (H3722) means "to cover," "to purge," "to expiate," or "to make propitiation." In the context of the sacrificial system, `kâphar` describes the process by which the priest, through the prescribed ritual and sacrifice, mediates the removal of guilt and the restoration of a right relationship between God and the sinner. It is the divine act of reconciliation, making forgiveness possible by covering the sin and appeasing divine wrath.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he shall bring a ram without blemish out of the flock":** This clause specifies the required animal for the trespass offering in this particular scenario. The "ram" (H352, `ʼayil`), a male sheep, was a valuable and strong animal, indicating the seriousness and costliness of the atonement. The phrase "without blemish" (H8549, `tâmîym`) denotes its perfect, unblemished condition, symbolizing the purity and acceptability required for an offering to a holy God.
* **"with thy estimation, for a trespass offering, unto the priest":** The "estimation" (H6187, `ʻêrek`) refers to the value assigned to the ram, or potentially to the damage caused by the trespass, often determined by the priest. This highlights that even for unknown sins, there is a measurable cost or liability. The offering is brought "unto the priest" (H3548, `kôhên`), who serves as the divinely appointed mediator in the sacrificial system, performing the necessary rituals.
* **"and the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his ignorance wherein he erred and wist [it] not":** This clause describes the central action and purpose of the offering. The priest performs the ritual act of "atonement" (H3722, `kâphar`) specifically for the individual's "ignorance" (H7684, `shᵉgâgâh` - an unintentional error or mistake) where they "erred" (H7683, `shâgag` - to stray or wander unintentionally) and "wist it not" (H3045, `yâdaʻ` - did not know). This emphasizes God's comprehensive provision for even the most hidden and unconscious transgressions.
* **"and it shall be forgiven him":** This is the ultimate, blessed outcome of the atonement process. God grants forgiveness (H5545, `çâlach`), signifying the removal of guilt, the restoration of the individual's standing before Him, and the re-establishment of the covenant relationship. This demonstrates God's gracious response to the prescribed act of atonement.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 5:18 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Repetition** of the concept of "ignorance" or "not knowing" (through the Hebrew terms `shᵉgâgâh`, `shâgag`, and `yâdaʻ`) emphatically highlights the unique category of sin being addressed, underscoring God's comprehensive provision for all human failings, even those beyond conscious awareness. **Symbolism** is central, with the "ram without blemish" serving as a potent symbol of the perfect, unblemished sacrifice required to cover human imperfection and sin, foreshadowing a greater, ultimate sacrifice. The act of "atonement" itself is symbolic of a covering or purging, illustrating God's merciful initiative to bridge the chasm created by sin. Furthermore, there is an implicit **contrast** between sins committed knowingly and those committed unknowingly (as addressed in other parts of Leviticus 5), which serves to magnify the depth of God's grace and the pervasive reach of His law, demonstrating that His holiness demands a response to all forms of sin, regardless of the offender's awareness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 5:18 unveils a profound aspect of God's character: His absolute holiness demands a response to all sin, yet His infinite mercy provides a pathway for reconciliation even for those transgressions committed unknowingly. This passage teaches that sin's guilt is inherent in the act, not solely dependent on human consciousness or intention. It underscores the pervasive nature of human fallenness, where even our best efforts can fall short of God's perfect standard, leading to unintentional and unknown breaches of His law. This comprehensive provision for unknown sins prefigures the ultimate, all-encompassing atonement that would be provided in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly satisfied the demands of God's justice for all sin, known and unknown.

* [Psalm 19:12](/psalms/19-12 "Psalm 19:12 - Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults.")
* [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.")
* [Hebrews 9:7](/hebrews/9-7 "Hebrews 9:7 - The High Priest's annual atonement for himself and for the errors of the people.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 5:18 serves as a powerful and humbling reminder of the depth of God's holiness and the pervasive nature of sin, extending even into the unconscious aspects of our lives. It challenges our modern tendency to excuse actions based on ignorance, revealing that sin, regardless of awareness, creates a breach in our relationship with a perfectly holy God. This truth should cultivate a profound sense of humility within us, acknowledging that our righteousness is never based on our perfect knowledge or flawless performance, but entirely on God's gracious provision. It invites us to live in constant reliance on His mercy, trusting that His grace extends to cover not only our known transgressions but also every hidden fault and unconscious shortcoming. This passage fosters a deeper appreciation for the comprehensive nature of God's redemptive plan, prompting us to walk in greater reverence and dependence upon Him, knowing that He has made full provision for all our failings, ensuring our standing before Him is secure through His initiative, not our own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of atonement for unknown sins deepen your understanding of God's absolute holiness and meticulous justice?**
* **In what ways does this passage humble you regarding your own capacity for sin, even unintentional sin, and your need for divine grace?**
* **How does God's provision in Leviticus 5:18 point you to the completeness and sufficiency of Christ's work on the cross for all your sins, known and unknown?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between a sin offering (`chatta't`) and a trespass offering (`asham`)?**

Answer: While both the sin offering (`chatta't`) and the trespass offering (`asham`) dealt with unintentional sins, their specific applications and theological emphases differed. The sin offering primarily addressed sins that caused ritual impurity or defiled the Tabernacle and its holy things, focusing on cleansing and purification to restore the individual's purity before God. The trespass offering, as seen in [Leviticus 5:14-19](/leviticus/5-14-19 "Leviticus 5:14-19 - The Law of the Trespass Offering"), specifically dealt with offenses against God's holy things (e.g., inadvertently withholding tithes or firstfruits) or against the property or rights of another person. A key distinction was that the `asham` often involved an element of restitution or compensation in addition to the sacrifice, emphasizing the incurred debt or liability of the offense. Thus, while both provided atonement, the `chatta't` focused on defilement and purification, and the `asham` on guilt, liability, and reparation.

**Why would God require atonement for sins a person "wist not" (did not know)?**

Answer: God's requirement for atonement for unknown sins, as described in [Leviticus 5:18](/leviticus/5-18 "Leviticus 5:18 - Atonement for Unknown Trespass"), underscores several profound theological truths. Firstly, it highlights God's absolute holiness and the pervasive nature of sin. Sin is not merely a conscious act of rebellion but also any deviation from God's perfect standard, whether by commission or omission. Even unknown transgressions violate His perfect law and disrupt the harmony of His creation, thus incurring guilt. Secondly, it demonstrates God's comprehensive grace and mercy. Knowing that humans are fallible and prone to error, even unknowingly, God provided a means for reconciliation for all types of sin. This provision ensured that His people could maintain a right relationship with Him, not based on their perfect awareness or performance, but on His divine provision for their shortcomings. It teaches that true righteousness comes from God's initiative and provision, not from human perfection.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 5:18, with its meticulous provision for sins committed in ignorance, serves as a profound foreshadowing of the all-encompassing and perfect work of Jesus Christ. The "ram without blemish" required for the trespass offering finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who was Himself "without blemish and without spot" ([1 Peter 1:19](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Redeemed by the precious blood of Christ")). While the Levitical priest made atonement for specific, even unknown, errors, Jesus, as our [great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for all sin ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Sacrifice Once for All")). His atoning blood covers not only our known transgressions but also every hidden fault and unconscious sin, providing a complete and eternal forgiveness that animal sacrifices could never achieve ([Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - Animal Sacrifices Cannot Take Away Sins")). Through faith in Him, we are fully reconciled to God, our guilt removed, and our relationship restored, not based on our awareness of every sin, but on His perfect and comprehensive redemption ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Redemption Through Christ's Blood")). He is the ultimate "estimation" and satisfaction for all our trespasses, known and unknown, making us perfectly righteous before God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")).

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 5:15

If a soul commit a trespass, and sin through ignorance, in the holy things of the LORD; then he shall bring for his trespass unto the LORD a ram without blemish out of the flocks, with thy estimation by shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering:

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.

Leviticus 1:4

And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him.

Leviticus 6:6

And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the LORD, a ram without blemish out of the flock, with thy estimation, for a trespass offering, unto the priest:

Leviticus 6:7

And the priest shall make an atonement for him before the LORD: and it shall be forgiven him for any thing of all that he hath done in trespassing therein.

1 Timothy 2:5

For [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

1 Timothy 2:6

Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.