Leviticus 5:4

KJV

Or if a soul swear, pronouncing with [his] lips to do evil, or to do good, whatsoever [it be] that a man shall pronounce with an oath, and it be hid from him; when he knoweth [of it], then he shall be guilty in one of these.

KJV (with Strong's)

Or if a soul {H5315} swear {H7650}, pronouncing {H981} with his lips {H8193} to do evil {H7489}, or to do good {H3190}, whatsoever it be that a man {H120} shall pronounce {H981} with an oath {H7621}, and it be hid {H5956} from him; when he knoweth {H3045} of it, then he shall be guilty {H816} in one {H259} of these.

Complete Jewish Bible

If someone allows to slip from his mouth an oath to do evil or to do good, and he doesn't remember that he clearly spoke this oath, then, no matter what it was about, when he learns of it, he is guilty.

Berean Standard Bible

Or if someone swears thoughtlessly with his lips to do anything good or evil—in whatever matter a man may rashly pronounce an oath—even if he is unaware of it, when he realizes it, he is guilty in the matter.

American Standard Version

Or if any one swear rashly with his lips to do evil, or to do good, whatsoever it be that a man shall utter rashly with an oath, and it be hid from him; when he knoweth of it, then he shall be guilty in one of these things.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 5:4 delineates a specific category of unintentional sin: the breaking of an oath or vow that was initially made, forgotten, or whose full implications were not recognized, but later came to the individual's awareness. This statute underscores the profound sanctity of spoken commitments within ancient Israelite society and before God, establishing that even an unknowingly broken vow incurs guilt. It mandates a prescribed offering for atonement, thereby providing a divine pathway for restoration to a right relationship with a holy God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 5:4 is strategically positioned within the broader legal framework of Leviticus 4-5, which meticulously details the laws concerning unintentional sins and their corresponding sin and trespass offerings. Chapter 4 provides a comprehensive overview of offerings required for various societal strata (priest, congregation, ruler, common person) who inadvertently transgress God's commandments. Chapter 5 then refines this focus, addressing specific scenarios of unintentional transgression that necessitate a trespass offering. These include failing to testify as a witness (Leviticus 5:1), inadvertently touching an unclean thing (Leviticus 5:2-3), and, as highlighted in our verse, the unwitting failure to fulfill a solemn oath (Leviticus 5:4). The subsequent verses (Leviticus 5:5-13) delineate the specific sacrificial requirements for these trespasses, emphasizing that the moment of awareness of the sin triggers the obligation for atonement. This structured progression from general to specific cases underscores God's unwavering concern for purity and holiness, alongside His gracious provision for cleansing and reconciliation within the covenant community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, oaths and vows were not mere casual promises but profoundly serious matters, often involving the solemn invocation of God's name, thereby transforming the declaration into a sacred covenant before the divine. Such commitments carried immense spiritual and social weight, reflecting a cultural expectation of absolute integrity and trustworthiness in one's spoken word. The distinction between "hidden" or "unintentional" sin, as addressed in this verse, and deliberate, "high-handed" transgressions was crucial. Presumptuous sins, committed with full knowledge and defiant intent, typically incurred far more severe penalties, sometimes even capital punishment, as exemplified in [Numbers 15:30-31](/numbers/15-30-31 "Numbers 15:30-31 - Presumptuous Sin and Its Consequences"). However, even unintentional sins were understood to ritually defile the individual and, by extension, the community, creating a barrier between them and a perfectly holy God. The elaborate sacrificial system, including the specific trespass offering mentioned in [Leviticus 5:6](/leviticus/5-6 "Leviticus 5:6 - Trespass Offering for Unintentional Sins"), provided the divinely ordained means for purification, reconciliation, and restoration of fellowship, ensuring that even unwitting failures could be addressed and atoned for.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 5:4 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 Human Sinfulness**. The meticulous laws concerning sin, even unintentional sin, highlight the absolute purity of God and the pervasive nature of human imperfection, emphasizing that any deviation from His standard requires atonement. Another prominent theme is the **Sanctity of Oaths and Vows**. This verse, alongside other passages like [Numbers 30](/numbers/30 "Numbers 30 - Laws Concerning Vows") and [Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21-23 "Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - Fulfilling Vows"), underscores the binding nature of spoken commitments made before God, reflecting a divine expectation of truthfulness and integrity. The concept of **Atonement and Reconciliation** is also central, as the verse immediately implies the need for a trespass offering once the sin is recognized. This points to God's gracious provision for restoring broken fellowship, even when the transgression was initially unknown. Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Conscience and Awareness**, as culpability is triggered "when he knoweth [of it]," emphasizing that personal awareness of sin is a critical step towards repentance and seeking divine forgiveness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **swear (Hebrew, _shâbaʻ_):** From H7650, a primitive root meaning "to seven oneself," implying to bind oneself by an oath as if by repeating a declaration seven times. This verb signifies the solemn act of making a vow or taking an oath, often with the invocation of a divine witness or authority to confirm the truthfulness or binding nature of the declaration. It conveys the gravity and sacredness of the spoken commitment, indicating that the person has placed themselves under a divine obligation.
* **hid (Hebrew, _ʻâlam_):** From H5956, a primitive root meaning "to veil from sight, i.e., conceal (literally or figuratively)." This term is crucial for understanding the unintentional nature of the sin described. It indicates that the individual was unaware of the oath's implications, had forgotten it, or did not immediately recognize their transgression. The sin is not a deliberate act of rebellion but an oversight, a failure of memory, or a lack of full perception.
* **guilty (Hebrew, _ʼâsham_):** From H816, a primitive root meaning "to be guilty; by implication to be punished or perish." This term describes the state of culpability incurred by the individual. It signifies that the person is liable for an offense and requires atonement. This guilt is incurred not at the moment of the initial, unwitting transgression, but specifically "when he knoweth [of it]," highlighting that awareness triggers the obligation for a trespass offering (also called _ʼasham_).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Or if a soul swear, pronouncing with [his] lips":** This opening clause establishes the subject and the nature of the transgression. "A soul" (נֶפֶשׁ, _nephesh_, H5315) refers to the whole person, emphasizing that the entire being is bound by the commitment. The explicit mention of "pronouncing with his lips" (שָׂפָה, _sâphâh_, H8193) highlights that the oath is a spoken, deliberate, and outward declaration, not merely an internal thought or intention. This underscores the public and binding nature of the vow.
* **"to do evil, or to do good, whatsoever [it be] that a man shall pronounce with an oath":** This phrase broadens the scope of the oath, indicating its comprehensive applicability. An oath could involve a commitment to perform a specific positive action ("to do good," יָטַב, _yâṭab_, H3190) or to refrain from a negative one ("to do evil," רָעַע, _râʻaʻ_, H7489). The phrase "whatsoever it be that a man (אָדָם, _ʼâdâm_, H120) shall pronounce with an oath (שְׁבֻעָה, _shᵉbûwʻâh_, H7621)" further emphasizes the wide-ranging nature of the law, applying to any solemn vow made by an individual.
* **"and it be hid from him; when he knoweth [of it]":** This is the pivotal condition that defines the unintentional nature of the sin in this specific law. The initial transgression is not a conscious act of defiance but an unwitting oversight—the oath or its implications were "hid" (עָלַם, _ʻâlam_, H5956) or forgotten. The crucial moment of culpability is not the initial failure but the point at which the individual gains knowledge or awareness ("when he knoweth," יָדַע, _yâdaʻ_, H3045) of their transgression. This "knowing" brings with it the immediate obligation to rectify the error.
* **"then he shall be guilty in one of these":** Upon realizing the broken oath, the individual is immediately deemed "guilty" (אָשֵׁם, _ʼâsham_, H816). The phrase "in one (אֶחָד, _ʼechâd_, H259) of these" refers to the categories of unintentional sins requiring a trespass offering outlined in Leviticus 5:1-4. This incurred guilt necessitates the prescribed ritual of atonement, as detailed in the subsequent verses of the chapter, to restore the individual's standing before God and remove the defilement.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 5:4 employs several literary devices to effectively convey its legal and theological message. The passage exhibits a clear **Legal Formulation**, characteristic of the Mosaic Law, presenting a hypothetical case ("Or if a soul swear...") followed by a precise consequence ("then he shall be guilty"). This structured presentation ensures clarity, enforceability, and systematic application within the covenant community. There is also a subtle use of **Emphasis** through the repeated mention of "oath" and "pronounce," which serves to underscore the profound solemnity and binding nature of spoken vows. Furthermore, the phrase "pronouncing with his lips" functions as a form of **Synecdoche**, where the lips, a part of the body, represent the entire act of speaking and making a vow. This highlights the outward, public, and therefore legally binding nature of the commitment. The crucial distinction between the oath being "hid from him" and "when he knoweth [of it]" creates a sharp **Contrast** that defines the specific nature of this unintentional sin, emphasizing that culpability arises not from initial intent but from subsequent awareness and the failure to act upon that knowledge.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 5:4 profoundly illuminates God's absolute holiness and His meticulous concern for integrity, extending even to the realm of human speech and unintentional failings. It teaches that all sin, regardless of intent, creates a defilement that separates humanity from a perfectly holy God, necessitating a divinely provided means for atonement. The law underscores the sanctity of oaths and vows, demonstrating that God holds His people accountable for their spoken words, even when the implications are not immediately apparent or are later forgotten. This principle extends beyond the ritualistic, emphasizing a divine expectation of truthfulness and faithfulness in all commitments. The moment of "knowing" is critical, highlighting that awareness of sin triggers the obligation for confession and reconciliation, demonstrating God's grace in providing a pathway back to fellowship and purity.

* [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "Numbers 30:2 - The Binding Nature of Vows")
* [Deuteronomy 23:21](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21 - Fulfilling Vows to the Lord")
* [Ecclesiastes 5:4-5](/ecclesiastes/5-4-5 "Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 - Do Not Delay to Pay Your Vow")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 5:4, though rooted in the ancient sacrificial laws of Israel, offers enduring principles that hold profound relevance for the modern believer. It challenges us to deeply consider the profound weight and spiritual gravity of our spoken words, reminding us that God takes our promises and commitments with utmost seriousness. In a contemporary culture often characterized by casual speech, impulsive declarations, and readily broken promises, this verse calls us to cultivate an unwavering integrity in all our declarations, whether they be formal vows, informal commitments, or even everyday conversations. Furthermore, it speaks powerfully to the reality of unintentional sin in our lives. We may unknowingly fall short of God's perfect standards, or fail to uphold obligations we have assumed, perhaps due to forgetfulness, ignorance, or a lack of full understanding regarding the implications of our words or actions. The pivotal moment "when he knoweth [of it]" serves as a crucial point of spiritual awakening. It prompts us to engage in honest self-examination, reflecting on areas where the Holy Spirit might be convicting us of unacknowledged or forgotten transgressions. This awareness is not intended to condemn us into despair but to graciously lead us to confession and repentance, embracing the abundant provision for forgiveness found solely in Jesus Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How seriously do I consider my spoken commitments and promises, both to God and to others, in my daily life?**
* **Are there any "hidden" or forgotten obligations, vows, or areas of unintentional sin that the Holy Spirit might be bringing to my awareness right now?**
* **How do I typically respond when I become aware of a personal failing or sin, whether it was intentional or unintentional in its origin?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater integrity, thoughtfulness, and spiritual discipline in my speech and commitments?**

### FAQ
**What kind of "oath" is being referred to here?**

Answer: The "oath" (שְׁבֻעָה, _shᵉbûwʻâh_, H7621) referred to in Leviticus 5:4 is a solemn vow or declaration made by an individual, often invoking God's name or authority, concerning future actions or abstentions. It could encompass a wide range of commitments, such as a promise to perform a specific task, to refrain from certain foods, or to dedicate something to the Lord (like a Nazirite vow, as seen in [Numbers 6](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - The Law of the Nazirite")). The key characteristic is its binding nature and the expectation that it would be meticulously fulfilled. The verse specifically notes that the oath could be "to do evil, or to do good," meaning it covers both positive promises (e.g., "I will give this to the Lord") and negative prohibitions (e.g., "I will not eat this food").

**Why is someone "guilty" if the sin was unintentional or "hid from him"?**

Answer: In the Levitical sacrificial system, sin, regardless of intent, created a state of ritual impurity and defilement that disrupted the individual's relationship with a holy God and the covenant community. While unintentional sins did not carry the same severe punitive consequences as deliberate, "high-handed" sins (cf. [Numbers 15:30](/numbers/15-30 "Numbers 15:30 - Presumptuous Sin")), they still required atonement to restore purity and fellowship. The "guilt" (אָשֵׁם, _ʼâsham_, H816) in this context arises not from the initial unknowing transgression itself, but from the failure to address it once knowledge of the broken oath is gained. The moment "when he knoweth [of it]" is crucial; it triggers the obligation to make amends through the prescribed trespass offering. This system profoundly underscored God's absolute holiness and the pervasive nature of sin, teaching the Israelites that all deviations from His perfect standard required a divine provision for forgiveness and reconciliation. It highlighted that sin's defiling effect was objective, not solely dependent on subjective intent.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 5:4, with its focus on unintentional sin and the dire need for atonement for forgotten or unwitting transgressions, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The entire sacrificial system of the Old Testament, including the specific trespass offering for such sins, served as a prophetic shadow, pointing forward to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Unlike the repeated animal sacrifices that could only cover sin temporarily and ritually, Christ's death on the cross cleanses us from *all* sin—intentional and unintentional, known and unknown, past, present, and future. His perfect obedience to the Father's will, even unto death on a cross (cf. [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience unto Death")), means that we are no longer bound by the impossible task of perfectly fulfilling every vow or commandment, for He has perfectly fulfilled the law on our behalf. When we become aware of our shortcomings, even those we previously overlooked or committed unknowingly, we do not need to bring an animal sacrifice. Instead, we can confess our sins to God, knowing that "if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" ([1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")). Moreover, the New Covenant emphasizes a heart of truthfulness and integrity that transcends the need for complex, binding vows, teaching us to let our "yes be yes" and our "no be no" (cf. [Matthew 5:33-37](/matthew/5-33-37 "Matthew 5:33-37 - Oaths") and [James 5:12](/james/5-12 "James 5:12 - Do Not Swear")). Christ, our great High Priest, sympathizes with our weaknesses, even those we might not immediately perceive, and His precious blood provides complete and eternal purification for every stain of sin, making us truly holy and blameless before God ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Our Sympathetic High Priest") and [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses the Conscience")).

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

Ecclesiastes 5:2

Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter [any] thing before God: for God [is] in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.

Ecclesiastes 5:6

Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it [was] an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?

Acts 23:12

¶ And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.

Mark 6:23

And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give [it] thee, unto the half of my kingdom.

Judges 11:31

Then it shall be, that whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, shall surely be the LORD'S, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.

Numbers 30:8

But if her husband disallowed her on the day that he heard [it]; then he shall make her vow which she vowed, and that which she uttered with her lips, wherewith she bound her soul, of none effect: and the LORD shall forgive her.

1 Samuel 25:22

So and more also do God unto the enemies of David, if I leave of all that [pertain] to him by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall.