Leviticus 5:19

KJV

It [is] a trespass offering: he hath certainly trespassed against the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

It is a trespass offering {H817}: he hath certainly {H816} trespassed {H816} against the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It is a guilt offering - he is certainly guilty before ADONAI."

Berean Standard Bible

It is a guilt offering; he was certainly guilty before the LORD.”

American Standard Version

It is a trespass-offering: he is certainly guilty before Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 5:19 serves as a definitive concluding statement for the regulations concerning the trespass (or guilt) offering, articulating its profound purpose and the ultimate nature of the transgression it addresses. This verse unequivocally declares that any offense requiring this specific atonement, whether against sacred objects or another person, is fundamentally a direct trespass against the Lord Himself. It thereby underscores God's absolute standard of holiness and justice, while simultaneously highlighting His gracious provision for reconciliation and forgiveness within the covenant relationship He established with Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 5:19 functions as the concluding summary of a distinct legal section (Leviticus 5:14-19) that meticulously outlines the laws of the *ʾāšām*, or trespass offering. This section is strategically placed immediately following the broader regulations for the *ḥaṭṭāʾt*, or sin offering, found in [Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - The Sin Offering") and the initial verses of [Leviticus 5](/leviticus/5 "Leviticus 5 - Laws of Sin and Trespass Offerings") concerning unintentional sins. The trespass offering is distinguished by its focus on sins that involve a breach of trust, a violation of rights, or a sacrilege, particularly when there is quantifiable damage or defilement, often necessitating restitution. The subsequent verses in [Leviticus 6:1-7](/leviticus/6-1-7 "Leviticus 6:1-7 - Further Laws for the Trespass Offering") further elaborate on the practical application of the trespass offering, especially in cases of defrauding a neighbor, thereby reinforcing the profound theological principle that such offenses are ultimately directed against the Lord Himself.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Mosaic Law, including the intricate sacrificial system detailed in Leviticus, was divinely revealed to the nascent nation of Israel at Mount Sinai, shortly after their miraculous exodus from Egyptian bondage. This period marked the formalization of their covenant relationship with Yahweh, who had condescended to dwell among them in the Tabernacle. The sacrificial system, encompassing offerings like the trespass offering, represented God's merciful provision to maintain holiness within the community and facilitate atonement for a people living in intimate proximity to a holy God. While ancient Near Eastern cultures shared concepts of guilt, restitution, and appeasement for offenses, Israel's system was unique in its divine origin, its emphasis on the absolute holiness of God, and its ethical dimension that linked interpersonal offenses directly to one's standing before the divine. The trespass offering specifically addressed situations where there was a quantifiable loss or defilement, whether to God's holy things (e.g., tithes, consecrated items) or to a fellow Israelite, thereby acknowledging that even seemingly "minor" or unintentional transgressions carried serious implications for one's covenant relationship with God and standing within the community. The requirement for restitution, often with an added penalty (e.g., one-fifth more, as seen in [Leviticus 5:16](/leviticus/5-16 "Leviticus 5:16 - Restitution for Trespass")), underscored the gravity of the offense and the imperative to restore what was broken or taken, both materially and relationally.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 5:19 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **God's Holiness and Justice**, emphasizing that His nature demands a response to sin, and that even unintentional wrongs are not overlooked. The verse also highlights the **Comprehensive Nature of Sin**, revealing that all human transgression, regardless of its immediate target, ultimately constitutes an offense against the sovereign God. This elevates the seriousness of every act of disobedience or unfaithfulness. Furthermore, the passage underscores **God's Gracious Provision for Atonement and Reconciliation**, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to providing a means for His people to be restored to fellowship with Him despite their failings. The concept of **Restitution and Restoration** is also a key theme, particularly as it pertains to the trespass offering, teaching that true repentance often involves making tangible amends for wrongs committed, reflecting God's desire for wholeness and justice within His covenant community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Trespass Offering (Hebrew, _ʾâshâm'_):** This Hebrew term (H817) refers to a specific category of sacrifice, often translated as "guilt offering" or "reparation offering." Beyond the animal sacrifice itself, *ʾâshâm* also denotes the state of guilt or culpability incurred by the offender. It implies a breach of trust, a violation of rights, or an act of sacrilege, particularly in cases involving property rights, sacred things, or the breaking of an oath. Distinctively, the *ʾâshâm* often required not only the prescribed animal sacrifice but also restitution, typically with an additional one-fifth, to the wronged party or to the sanctuary.
* **Trespassed (Hebrew, _ʾâsham'_):** The verb *ʾâsham* (H816) is a primitive root meaning "to be guilty." By implication, it can also mean to be punished or to perish. In the context of the trespass offering, it signifies the act of becoming guilty through a breach of trust, an offense, or a violation. The KJV's "he hath certainly trespassed" utilizes a Hebrew infinitive absolute construction (e.g., *ʾāshōm ʾāsham*), which serves to intensify the verb, emphasizing the undeniable, grievous, and culpable nature of the offense. This highlights the certainty of guilt incurred.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenant name of God (H3068), derived from the verb "to be," signifying "the self-Existent" or "Eternal One." It reveals God's personal, relational, and unchanging character as the sovereign Lord of Israel. The phrase "against the LORD" is profoundly significant, as it elevates all trespasses—even those seemingly directed only against a person or a sacred object—to a direct offense against the supreme, covenant-keeping God of Israel. It underscores that all moral, ethical, and religious obligations are ultimately rooted in one's relationship with YHWH and His holy covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"It [is] a trespass offering":** This opening clause definitively identifies the specific sacrificial remedy prescribed for the situations detailed in the preceding verses (Leviticus 5:14-18). It signifies that the particular nature of the sin—a breach of trust or duty, often involving quantifiable damage or defilement—demands this distinct type of offering for atonement and reconciliation. The offering itself is the divinely appointed means by which the incurred guilt (*ʾāshām*) is addressed, removed, and the breach repaired.
* **"he hath certainly trespassed against the LORD":** This is the emphatic declaration of the offender's undeniable guilt and, crucially, the ultimate recipient of the transgression. The Hebrew construction "he hath certainly trespassed" (an infinitive absolute of *ʾâsham*) powerfully affirms the absolute reality and gravity of the offense. Most significantly, even if the immediate object of the trespass was a holy thing (as in [Leviticus 5:15](/leviticus/5-15 "Leviticus 5:15 - Trespass against Holy Things")) or a fellow human being (as elaborated in [Leviticus 6:2-3](/leviticus/6-2-3 "Leviticus 6:2-3 - Trespass against a Neighbor")), the ultimate violation is against the covenant Lord Himself. This profound theological insight highlights God's absolute sovereignty, His pervasive holiness, and His deep concern for justice and integrity in all aspects of human life and relationships.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 5:19 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message with clarity and impact. **Legal Language** is foundational, as the entire book of Leviticus functions as a divine legal code, and this verse utilizes precise, technical terminology ("trespass offering," "trespassed") to define both the nature of the offense and its prescribed remedy. The **Repetition** of the root *ʾšm* (trespass/guilt) and the emphatic verbal construction "certainly trespassed" (from *ʾâsham*) throughout the passage, culminating in this verse, serves to underscore the undeniable and serious nature of the transgression. This **Emphasis** ensures that the reader grasps the gravity of even "unintentional" offenses and the certainty of the guilt incurred. Furthermore, the verse functions as a powerful **Summary Statement**, providing a theological capstone to the specific regulations of the trespass offering by reiterating its fundamental premise. The underlying principle of **Typology** is also implicitly present, as this ancient sacrificial system, with its emphasis on atonement and restitution, foreshadows the ultimate and perfect sacrifice of Christ, who would comprehensively address humanity's trespasses against God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 5:19 encapsulates profound theological truths about the nature of sin, the absolute holiness of God, and His gracious provision for atonement. It reveals that all sin, regardless of its immediate target or perceived magnitude, is fundamentally an offense against a holy God. This understanding elevates the seriousness of every transgression, reminding us that our actions, even those against our neighbor or seemingly "unintentional," ultimately violate God's perfect standard and His covenant. The trespass offering, therefore, was not merely a ritualistic act but a tangible expression of God's unwavering justice and His merciful provision for humanity to be reconciled to Him, emphasizing the dual necessity of both atonement through sacrifice and, where applicable, restitution.

* [Psalm 51:4](/psalms/51-4 "Psalm 51:4 - David's Confession of Sin Against God")
* [Romans 3:23-25](/romans/3-23-25 "Romans 3:23-25 - All Have Sinned and Are Justified by Grace")
* [Luke 19:8](/luke/19-8 "Luke 19:8 - Zacchaeus's Restitution and Repentance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 5:19, though deeply rooted in ancient Israel's sacrificial law, offers timeless and transformative principles for our spiritual lives today. It compels us to recognize that sin, in all its insidious forms, is not merely a violation of human rules, social norms, or personal ethics, but a direct affront to the holy and righteous character of God Himself. This profound truth should deepen our conviction of sin, fostering a healthy sorrow for our transgressions, and simultaneously heighten our boundless appreciation for God's immeasurable grace and His provided pathway to forgiveness. This verse challenges us to engage in honest self-examination, not only for overt acts of rebellion but also for subtle breaches of trust, neglect of duty, or unintentional wrongs that may have caused harm to others or dishonored God's name. Furthermore, the principle of restitution embedded within the trespass offering reminds us that genuine repentance often involves more than mere verbal confession; it calls for active, tangible steps to make amends, restore what was broken, and seek reconciliation where possible. This holistic approach to dealing with sin fosters profound humility, cultivates unwavering integrity, and inspires a deeper, more consecrated commitment to living in a way that truly honors God and blesses our neighbor.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding that all sin is ultimately "against the LORD" transform your perspective on seemingly minor transgressions or "unintentional" wrongs in your own life?**
* **In what specific areas of your life might you have committed a "trespass" against God or others that requires not only confession but also active steps toward restitution, reconciliation, or making things right?**
* **How does the concept of the Old Testament trespass offering deepen your appreciation for the completeness and sufficiency of Christ's once-for-all sacrifice, which fully addressed all forms of our guilt and trespass before a holy God?**

### FAQ
**What is the primary difference between a sin offering and a trespass offering in Leviticus?**

Answer: While both the sin offering (*ḥaṭṭāʾt*) and the trespass offering (*ʾāšām*) dealt with atonement for sin, their specific applications and nuances differed significantly. The sin offering primarily addressed unintentional sins that violated general divine commands and rendered a person ritually unclean or guilty before God, often without a specific quantifiable loss to God or another person (e.g., touching an unclean thing, as described in [Leviticus 5:2-3](/leviticus/5-2-3 "Leviticus 5:2-3 - Unintentional Uncleanness")). The trespass offering, as highlighted in [Leviticus 5:14-19](/leviticus/5-14-19 "Leviticus 5:14-19 - The Trespass Offering"), was specifically for sins that involved a breach of trust or duty, often resulting in quantifiable damage or defilement, either against God's holy things (e.g., withholding tithes or consecrated items) or against a fellow human being (e.g., fraud, as detailed in [Leviticus 6:2-3](/leviticus/6-2-3 "Leviticus 6:2-3 - Trespass against a Neighbor")). A key and defining distinction of the trespass offering was the frequent requirement for restitution—paying back the wronged party (or the sanctuary) the amount defrauded, plus an additional 20 percent.

**Does the requirement for a trespass offering imply that God demands payment for sins?**

Answer: The trespass offering, with its restitution component, does not imply that God demands a financial "payment" for sin in the sense of earning forgiveness or meriting atonement. Rather, it profoundly underscores the principle that sin creates a debt, a breach, or a quantifiable wrong that needs to be rectified. The animal sacrifice itself was a substitutionary act, a life given for a life, demonstrating the extreme seriousness of sin and the immense cost of atonement. The restitution component, particularly when defrauding a neighbor, highlighted God's unwavering justice and His desire for the restoration of relationships and property. It was a tangible act of repentance, a demonstration of genuine remorse, and a recognition that sin has real-world consequences beyond the purely spiritual realm. Ultimately, the entire sacrificial system, including the trespass offering, pointed forward to the absolute necessity of a perfect, once-for-all sacrifice that would fully pay the spiritual debt of sin, a debt that no human could ever repay, which was ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

**How is the concept of the trespass offering relevant for Christians today, given that Jesus Christ fulfilled the sacrificial system?**

Answer: While Christians are no longer bound by the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament, as Jesus Christ's perfect and complete sacrifice on the cross fully atoned for all sin (as powerfully articulated in [Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")), the profound theological principles embedded within the trespass offering remain profoundly relevant. It teaches us an enduring truth: all sin is ultimately against God, even if it directly harms others (as exemplified by David's confession in [Psalm 51:4](/psalms/51-4 "Psalm 51:4 - David's Confession of Sin")). It emphasizes the inherent seriousness of sin and the indispensable need for genuine repentance. Furthermore, the restitution component highlights that true repentance often involves not only confessing our sins to God but also, where possible and appropriate, actively making amends to those we have wronged. This might involve offering sincere apologies, restoring stolen property, repairing damaged relationships, or seeking to make right any harm we have caused, thereby reflecting the spirit of reconciliation that is central to the New Covenant (e.g., [Matthew 5:23-24](/matthew/5-23-24 "Matthew 5:23-24 - Reconciling with a Brother")). The trespass offering, therefore, serves as a powerful pedagogical tool, instructing us in the holistic nature of sin, repentance, and God's desire for justice and restoration.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 5:19, with its emphatic declaration that the trespass offering addresses one who has "certainly trespassed against the LORD," finds its ultimate, perfect, and comprehensive fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament trespass offering, with its dual emphasis on atonement for a breach of trust or duty and the requirement for restitution, served as a powerful foreshadowing of Christ's all-sufficient redemptive work. He is not merely *an* offering, but the definitive and eternal **Trespass Offering** for humanity (as prophetically alluded to in [Isaiah 53:10](/isaiah/53-10 "Isaiah 53:10 - The Suffering Servant as a Guilt Offering"), where the Servant is made an *ʾāšām* or "guilt offering"), taking upon Himself the full weight of our unfaithfulness, rebellion, and every breach against God's holy character. Whereas the ancient Israelite brought an animal to atone for specific, quantifiable trespasses, Christ, "who knew no sin, became sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His perfect sacrifice on the cross, He made full and complete restitution to God for humanity's cosmic debt of sin, canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands ([Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13-14 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Cancellation of Debt")). Through His atoning work, believers are reconciled to God, no longer guilty of trespass but declared righteous in Him ([Romans 5:10-11](/romans/5-10-11 "Romans 5:10-11 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). The need for animal sacrifices has ceased, for Christ's "one sacrifice for sins has made perfect forever those who are being made holy" ([Hebrews 10:14](/hebrews/10-14 "Hebrews 10:14 - Christ's One Sacrifice")), fully addressing the trespass and establishing an eternal covenant of grace.

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

Malachi 3:8

Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

Ezra 10:2

And Shechaniah the son of Jehiel, [one] of the sons of Elam, answered and said unto Ezra, We have trespassed against our God, and have taken strange wives of the people of the land: yet now there is hope in Israel concerning this thing.

Psalms 51:4

Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done [this] evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, [and] be clear when thou judgest.

2 Corinthians 5:19

To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 5:21

For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.