Leviticus 5:2

KJV

Or if a soul touch any unclean thing, whether [it be] a carcase of an unclean beast, or a carcase of unclean cattle, or the carcase of unclean creeping things, and [if] it be hidden from him; he also shall be unclean, and guilty.

KJV (with Strong's)

Or if a soul {H5315} touch {H5060} any unclean {H2931} thing {H1697}, whether it be a carcase {H5038} of an unclean {H2931} beast {H2416}, or a carcase {H5038} of unclean {H2931} cattle {H929}, or the carcase {H5038} of unclean {H2931} creeping things {H8318}, and if it be hidden {H5956} from him; he also shall be unclean {H2931}, and guilty {H816}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If a person touches something unclean, whether the carcass of an unclean wild animal, a domestic animal or a reptile, he is guilty, even though he may not be aware that he is unclean.

Berean Standard Bible

Or if a person touches anything unclean—whether the carcass of any unclean wild animal or livestock or crawling creature—even if he is unaware of it, he is unclean and guilty.

American Standard Version

Or if any one touch any unclean thing, whether it be the carcass of an unclean beast, or the carcass of unclean cattle, or the carcass of unclean creeping things, and it be hidden from him, and he be unclean, then he shall be guilty.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 5:2 outlines a specific scenario within Israel's purity laws, addressing the defilement incurred by unknowingly touching the carcass of an unclean animal. This verse details that even unintentional contact with such a ritually impure object renders an individual "unclean" and "guilty," necessitating a prescribed purification offering. It underscores God's absolute standard of holiness, demonstrating that defilement, regardless of intent or awareness, created a barrier to full participation in the community's worship and required divine rectification.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 5:2 is situated within a broader section (Leviticus 4-5) that meticulously details various types of sin offerings (חַטָּאת, _ḥaṭṭaʾt_) and trespass/guilt offerings (אָשָׁם, _ʾāšām_). While Leviticus 4 focuses on unintentional sins committed by different societal groups (e.g., the anointed priest, the whole congregation, a ruler, a common person), Leviticus 5 expands on specific cases of unintentional guilt that required an offering. This particular verse, along with Leviticus 5:1 and 5:3-4, forms a triad of scenarios where a person incurs guilt through an unwitting transgression or an unfulfilled vow, emphasizing that even hidden or forgotten defilement required atonement. These specific cases serve as concrete examples of the general principle laid out in [Leviticus 4:2](/leviticus/4-2 "Leviticus 4:2 - Unintentional Sins and Offerings") regarding unintentional sin.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Israelite worldview was deeply shaped by the concept of ritual purity and impurity, which permeated every aspect of daily life and religious practice. God, being utterly holy, dwelt among His people in the Tabernacle, and any impurity could compromise this sacred space and the people's ability to approach Him. The extensive purity laws, detailed throughout [Leviticus 11-15](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11-15 - Laws of Clean and Unclean"), defined what constituted ritual uncleanness, including contact with animal carcasses, certain bodily discharges, or skin diseases. Touching a dead body, especially of an unclean animal, was considered a significant source of defilement. This was not necessarily a moral failing but a ritual state that rendered a person temporarily unfit for participation in sacred activities or even interaction within the community. The requirement for an offering, even for unknown defilement, highlights the pervasive nature of sin and impurity in a fallen world and God's meticulous provision for maintaining a holy relationship with His covenant people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Unclean (Hebrew, _ṭame'_):** This term (טָמֵא) refers to a state of ritual impurity or defilement. It is distinct from moral sin, though ritual impurity could prevent access to holy things or participation in worship. It describes a temporary, external state that required a prescribed purification process to be removed, restoring the individual to a state of ritual purity (טָהוֹר, _ṭahor_). The concept of _ṭame'_ emphasized the separation between the holy God and anything that could defile His presence.
* **Guilty (Hebrew, _'ashem'_):** The Hebrew word (אָשֵׁם) denotes a state of culpability or liability, indicating that an individual has incurred a debt or violated a standard, necessitating a specific offering—often a trespass or guilt offering (also _'āšām_). In this context, even though the defilement was unintentional and initially unknown, the person was still "guilty" in the sense that they were liable for the ritual impurity and required a prescribed action (an offering) to rectify the situation and be restored to a right standing before God and the community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Or if a soul touch any unclean thing":** This phrase introduces the specific scenario, focusing on the individual ("a soul" or "a person") and the act of contact. The "unclean thing" serves as the general category of defilement, setting the stage for the specific examples that follow. The emphasis is on physical contact as the source of ritual impurity.
* **"whether [it be] a carcase of an unclean beast, or a carcase of unclean cattle, or the carcase of unclean creeping things":** This provides a detailed list of specific sources of defilement. The repetition of "carcase" (נְבֵלָה, _nevelah_) emphasizes the dead body as the source of impurity. The categories—beast, cattle, creeping things—cover a wide range of animals explicitly defined as unclean in [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Clean and Unclean Animals"), reinforcing the comprehensive nature of the purity laws and the potential for defilement in everyday life.
* **"and [if] it be hidden from him":** This crucial clause highlights the unintentional nature of the defilement. The person was unaware of the contact at the time it occurred, or perhaps forgot about it. This distinguishes it from willful sin and underscores that even ignorance or forgetfulness did not negate the state of uncleanness or the subsequent guilt. The obligation to address the impurity arose once the defilement was realized.
* **"he also shall be unclean, and guilty":** This states the dual consequence of the unintentional contact. "Unclean" refers to the ritual state of impurity, making the person unfit for sacred activities. "Guilty" signifies the culpability or liability incurred, requiring a specific offering (as detailed in subsequent verses of [Leviticus 5](/leviticus/5 "Leviticus 5 - Guilt Offerings")) to atone for the defilement and restore the individual to a state of purity and right standing within the covenant community.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 5:2 employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Casuistic Law** is prominent, presenting a specific case ("If a soul touch...") followed by its consequence ("he also shall be unclean, and guilty"). This "if... then..." structure is characteristic of much of Israelite legal literature, providing clear guidelines for various scenarios. The **Repetition** of "unclean" (טָמֵא, _ṭame'_) emphasizes the pervasive nature of ritual impurity and its consistent consequence. Furthermore, the detailed listing of "a carcase of an unclean beast, or a carcase of unclean cattle, or the carcase of unclean creeping things" functions as a form of **Enumeration**, ensuring comprehensive coverage and leaving no ambiguity regarding the types of contact that would incur defilement. This meticulous detail underscores the seriousness with which God viewed purity and the necessity of adherence to His standards.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 5:2 profoundly reveals God's absolute holiness and the pervasive nature of sin and impurity in a fallen world. It teaches that even unintentional defilement or unknown transgressions create a barrier between humanity and a holy God, necessitating a divinely prescribed means of atonement. This principle highlights that God's standards are not contingent on human awareness or intent but are inherent to His perfect character. The requirement for an offering, even when the "sin" was hidden, underscores the depth of human fallenness and the constant need for divine grace and purification to maintain fellowship with the Creator. It foreshadows a greater need for a comprehensive cleansing that addresses not only known sins but also the subtle, often unconscious, ways humanity falls short of God's glory.

* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without the Shedding of Blood There Is No Forgiveness")
* [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned and Fall Short of the Glory of God")
* [1 Peter 1:16](/1_peter/1-16 "1 Peter 1:16 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While believers today are no longer under the Mosaic ceremonial laws, Leviticus 5:2 offers profound spiritual insights for Christian living. It challenges us to consider the subtle and often unseen ways in which we might become spiritually defiled or fall short of God's perfect standard. Just as the Israelite was "guilty" even if the defilement was hidden, we recognize that sin, whether conscious or unconscious, still separates us from God and requires His cleansing. This verse cultivates a deeper awareness of God's absolute holiness and the pervasive nature of sin, prompting a humble reliance on Christ's atoning work for all aspects of our lives. It encourages a posture of ongoing confession and repentance, not just for overt transgressions, but also for the hidden faults and imperfections that only God fully sees. Our spiritual sensitivity should grow, leading us to seek purification whenever the Holy Spirit reveals an area of defilement, trusting in the complete and sufficient sacrifice of Jesus.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Leviticus 5:2 challenge my understanding of sin, particularly "unintentional" or "hidden" sin?**
* **In what ways might I be unknowingly "defiled" in my thoughts, attitudes, or actions that require God's cleansing?**
* **How does the concept of being "guilty" even when unaware deepen my appreciation for Christ's comprehensive atonement?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a greater sensitivity to God's holiness and a quicker response to spiritual defilement?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between "unclean" and "guilty" in this context?**

Answer: In Leviticus 5:2, "unclean" (טָמֵא, _ṭame'_) refers to a state of ritual impurity. It means a person is ceremonially defiled and temporarily unfit to participate in sacred activities or approach the Tabernacle. It's a temporary, external state. "Guilty" (אָשֵׁם, _'ashem_) refers to the culpability or liability incurred by being in that unclean state. Even if the defilement was unintentional or unknown, the person was still "guilty" in the sense that they were obligated to perform a specific action—namely, bringing a prescribed offering—to rectify the situation and be restored to a state of purity. So, "unclean" is the condition, and "guilty" is the obligation or liability that arises from that condition, requiring atonement.

**Why did unintentional contact with an unclean carcass make someone "guilty"?**

Answer: The Mosaic Law emphasized God's absolute holiness, which required a separation from anything impure. Even unintentional contact with an unclean carcass, which represented death and decay, contaminated a person ritually. This defilement, though not a moral sin in the sense of a deliberate transgression, still violated God's standard of purity for His covenant people. The "guilt" arose not from a malicious intent, but from the objective reality of impurity in the presence of a holy God. It taught the Israelites that defilement, regardless of how it occurred, created a barrier to full fellowship with God and required a divinely appointed means of cleansing. This highlights the pervasive nature of impurity and the meticulousness of God's standards for His people, ensuring they could appropriately approach His holy presence in the Tabernacle, as seen throughout [Leviticus](/leviticus "The Book of Leviticus").

**How do these laws about ceremonial uncleanness apply to Christians today?**

Answer: While Christians are no longer under the Mosaic ceremonial laws (as Christ has fulfilled them), the underlying spiritual principles remain profoundly relevant. Leviticus 5:2 teaches us about God's absolute holiness and the seriousness of sin, even unintentional or hidden sin. It underscores that any defilement, whether known or unknown, separates us from God. For believers, this translates to understanding that even our subtle imperfections, forgotten transgressions, or areas of spiritual ignorance still require the cleansing power of Christ's blood. It encourages a posture of humility and a reliance on God's grace, knowing that we constantly fall short of His glory, and that only through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus are we truly purified from all unrighteousness, as taught in [1 John 1:7-9](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7-9 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood and Confession"). It reminds us that our spiritual walk requires ongoing self-examination and a readiness to confess and repent when the Holy Spirit reveals any area of defilement.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 5:2, with its emphasis on unintentional defilement leading to guilt and the need for atonement, finds its profound and ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sacrificial system, including the offerings for unintentional sins and ritual impurities, served as a shadow pointing to the perfect and final sacrifice of the Lamb of God. Where the Israelite needed a specific offering for each instance of hidden defilement, Christ's single, all-sufficient sacrifice on the cross provides complete cleansing for all sins—known and unknown, intentional and unintentional. He became sin for us, bearing the full weight of our guilt and impurity, 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")). The ceremonial laws meticulously defined what made one "unclean," but Christ, through His death and resurrection, abolished the very power of sin and death, making us pure before God not by ritual washing but by His shed blood ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice Cleanses Conscience")). He is the ultimate High Priest who entered the true Tabernacle, heaven itself, to secure an eternal redemption, rendering all previous offerings obsolete ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ, the High Priest of the Good Things to Come")). Thus, the "guilty" state incurred by the Israelite in Leviticus 5:2 is fully and eternally resolved for the believer in Christ, who has cleansed us from all unrighteousness ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")).

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 5:17

And if a soul sin, and commit any of these things which are forbidden to be done by the commandments of the LORD; though he wist [it] not, yet is he guilty, and shall bear his iniquity.

Deuteronomy 14:8

And the swine, because it divideth the hoof, yet cheweth not the cud, it [is] unclean unto you: ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch their dead carcase.

Haggai 2:13

Then said Haggai, If [one that is] unclean by a dead body touch any of these, shall it be unclean? And the priests answered and said, It shall be unclean.

Leviticus 11:11

They shall be even an abomination unto you; ye shall not eat of their flesh, but ye shall have their carcases in abomination.

Numbers 19:11

¶ He that toucheth the dead body of any man shall be unclean seven days.

Numbers 19:16

And whosoever toucheth one that is slain with a sword in the open fields, or a dead body, or a bone of a man, or a grave, shall be unclean seven days.

Leviticus 11:24

And for these ye shall be unclean: whosoever toucheth the carcase of them shall be unclean until the even.