Leviticus 5:5

KJV

And it shall be, when he shall be guilty in one of these [things], that he shall confess that he hath sinned in that [thing]:

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall be, when he shall be guilty {H816} in one {H259} of these things, that he shall confess {H3034} that he hath sinned {H2398} in that thing:

Complete Jewish Bible

A person guilty of any of these things is to confess in what manner he sinned

Berean Standard Bible

If someone incurs guilt in one of these ways, he must confess the sin he has committed,

American Standard Version

And it shall be, when he shall be guilty in one of these things, that he shall confess that wherein he hath sinned:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 5:5 is a foundational verse within the Mosaic Law, specifically detailing the required personal response to inadvertent transgressions outlined in the preceding verses. It mandates that upon becoming aware of one's guilt in an unintentional sin, the individual must explicitly confess their wrongdoing. This act of confession was not a mere ritualistic formality but an indispensable prerequisite for the subsequent offering of atonement, thereby underscoring the divine demand for a contrite heart and personal accountability in the process of purification and restoration before God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 5:5 is strategically placed within a broader section of Leviticus (chapters 4-5) that meticulously outlines the various types of sin offerings (*chatta't*) and guilt or trespass offerings (*asham*). Specifically, Leviticus 5:1-4 enumerates particular scenarios of unintentional sin: failing to testify as a witness when adjured, inadvertently touching an unclean carcass or human uncleanness, or making a rash oath without realizing its implications. These are not defiant acts of rebellion but rather sins committed out of ignorance or oversight. Leviticus 5:5 serves as the crucial bridge, stipulating the necessary personal acknowledgment of guilt *before* the prescribed sacrifice (often a sin offering for these specific unintentional sins, as detailed in [Leviticus 5:6-13](/leviticus/5-6-13 "Leviticus 5:6-13 - Specific Sin Offerings")) could be offered. It profoundly highlights that the ritual sacrifice was not a magical act, but required a preceding internal and verbal admission of fault, emphasizing the holistic nature of reconciliation and the importance of a penitent heart.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, a covenant community founded on God's holiness, sin—whether intentional or unintentional—had profound implications. It defiled the individual, potentially the community, and ultimately impaired their relationship with a holy God. The meticulous purity laws and sacrificial system were God's gracious provision to maintain this relationship and enable a sinful people to dwell in the presence of a holy God. Unintentional sins, though not defiant, still incurred guilt and required atonement because they violated God's perfect standard. The requirement for confession in [Leviticus 5:5](/leviticus/5-5 "Leviticus 5:5 - Confession of Unintentional Sin") was a vital component of this system, fostering personal responsibility and ensuring that the individual acknowledged their fault before seeking divine forgiveness. This practice reinforced the understanding that sin was not merely a social transgression but a breach of covenant with God, necessitating a specific, divinely ordained process for restoration, as seen throughout the instructions for offerings in [Leviticus chapters 4 and 5](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4-5 - Sin and Guilt Offerings").
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Leviticus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the **absolute holiness of God** and the pervasive nature of sin, demonstrating that even unintentional transgressions require divine intervention for purification. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **personal responsibility and accountability**, showing that God desires a conscious acknowledgment of wrongdoing from His people, not just blind adherence to ritual. Thirdly, it emphasizes **God's gracious provision for atonement**, showcasing His mercy in establishing a system through which a sinful people could be reconciled to a holy God. This system, detailed in [Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - Sin Offerings") and [Leviticus 5](/leviticus/5 "Leviticus 5 - Guilt and Sin Offerings"), illustrates God's desire for fellowship and His meticulous plan to remove the barriers created by sin.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Guilty (Hebrew, _ʼâsham'_):** From H816, this term signifies being in a state of culpability or having committed a trespass that requires expiation. It describes the objective state of having committed a wrong, even if unknowingly at the time of the act. In the context of [Leviticus 5](/leviticus/5 "Leviticus 5 - Guilt and Sin Offerings"), it specifically refers to the moment the individual *becomes aware* of their previously committed, unintentional sin, recognizing their breach of God's law.
* **Confess (Hebrew, _yâdâh'_):** From H3034, while _yâdâh_ can mean "to praise" or "to give thanks" in other contexts, here it carries the strong connotation of acknowledging wrongdoing, admitting guilt, and making a public or private declaration of sin. This act of verbal confession was integral to the process of seeking forgiveness and purification under the Mosaic Law, demonstrating a contrite heart and a willingness to accept responsibility for the specific transgression.
* **Sinned (Hebrew, _châṭâʼ'_):** From H2398, this verb means "to miss the mark," "to err," or "to fall short." It encompasses a broad range of transgressions, both intentional and unintentional. In [Leviticus 5](/leviticus/5 "Leviticus 5 - Guilt and Sin Offerings"), it specifically refers to the unintentional nature of the sin, emphasizing that even actions not consciously chosen to defy God still fall short of His perfect standard and require atonement to restore the relationship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall be, when he shall be guilty in one of these [things]":** This initial clause establishes the precise trigger for the required action. It refers to the moment an individual, having committed one of the specific unintentional sins enumerated in [Leviticus 5:1-4](/leviticus/5-1-4 "Leviticus 5:1-4 - Specific Unintentional Sins"), becomes conscious of their guilt. The "guilty" state is not merely an objective fact of having committed the act, but a subjective realization and acknowledgment of having violated God's holy law, even if inadvertently.
* **"that he shall confess that he hath sinned in that [thing]:"** This is the mandated response upon the realization of guilt. The individual is required to verbally acknowledge their specific transgression. This confession is not a general admission of sinfulness but a precise identification of the particular "thing" (the specific unintentional sin) for which they are culpable. This act of confession precedes and is distinct from the bringing of the sacrifice, highlighting its foundational importance as a demonstration of a repentant heart in the process of atonement.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 5:5 primarily employs **Legal Formulary**, which is characteristic of the Mosaic Law, presenting a clear, prescriptive instruction for a specific scenario. The structure "when he shall be guilty... that he shall confess" is a typical conditional legal statement, outlining the necessary response to a particular condition. There is also an element of **Emphasis** through repetition, as the phrase "in that [thing]" reinforces the specificity of both the guilt and the required confession. This precision underscores the meticulous nature of God's law and the importance of specific acknowledgment of sin. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates **Theological Progression**, moving from the objective state of guilt to the subjective realization and then to the active, verbal response of confession, which then paves the way for the subsequent ritual of atonement. This progression highlights that God desires not just ritualistic adherence but a genuine, internal acknowledgment of wrongdoing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 5:5 profoundly reveals God's nature as both perfectly holy and mercifully gracious. It underscores that sin, regardless of intent, separates humanity from a holy God and requires a response. The necessity of confession before atonement demonstrates that God desires a contrite heart and personal responsibility, not just a ritualistic offering. This principle of acknowledging guilt as a prerequisite for reconciliation is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing that true repentance begins with an honest admission of one's shortcomings before God. It highlights God's provision for restoration, even for sins committed in ignorance, demonstrating His desire to maintain fellowship with His people.

* [Numbers 5:7](/numbers/5-7 "Numbers 5:7 - Confession and Restitution")
* [Proverbs 28:13](/proverbs/28-13 "Proverbs 28:13 - Confession Leads to Mercy")
* [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - God's Forgiveness Through Confession")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the sacrificial system of the Old Covenant has been fulfilled in Christ, the spiritual principle embedded in Leviticus 5:5 remains eternally relevant for believers today. This verse teaches us the enduring value of honesty and humility before God. It reminds us that God is not content with mere outward rituals; He desires a heart that acknowledges its failings, even those committed unintentionally or out of ignorance. When the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, whether through a direct prompting, a passage of Scripture, or the counsel of another believer, our immediate and appropriate response should be confession. This is the first, crucial step towards spiritual restoration and renewed fellowship with God. Just as the Israelite needed to confess before bringing their offering, we too must confess our sins to God to receive the forgiveness and cleansing He offers through the finished work of Jesus Christ. This practice cultivates a sensitive conscience and fosters a deep reliance on God's grace, enabling us to walk in greater purity and freedom, continually aligning our hearts with His holy will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on confessing unintentional sins in Leviticus 5:5 challenge my understanding of sin and my own accountability before a holy God?**
* **In what ways might I be committing "unintentional" sins today (e.g., through ignorance of God's Word, unexamined biases, or thoughtless actions) that require my confession and repentance?**
* **What does it mean for me to have a "contrite heart" in my confession, and how does this differ from merely admitting fault or offering a superficial apology?**
* **How does understanding the role of confession in the Old Covenant deepen my appreciation for the accessibility and completeness of forgiveness in the New Covenant through Christ's finished work?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of confessing "unintentional" sins?**

Answer: The significance of confessing unintentional sins lies in God's absolute holiness and the pervasive nature of sin. Even actions committed unknowingly or without malicious intent still fall short of God's perfect standard and create a barrier in the relationship with Him. Confessing unintentional sins demonstrates an acknowledgment of God's supreme authority, a recognition of one's own imperfection, and a desire to be fully reconciled. It highlights that God's standard is not merely about conscious rebellion but about perfect conformity to His will, as seen in the detailed instructions for offerings in [Leviticus chapter 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - Sin Offerings"). This practice cultivates a sensitive conscience and a deep reverence for God's purity.

**Did confession alone forgive sins under the Old Covenant?**

Answer: No, confession was a necessary *prerequisite* for forgiveness, but it was not sufficient on its own. After confessing, the individual was required to bring a specific sacrifice (a sin offering or trespass offering, depending on the nature of the sin) to the tabernacle or temple. The shedding of blood and the priestly ritual were essential components of the atonement process, as highlighted in [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Necessity of Blood for Forgiveness"), which states, "And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission." Confession prepared the heart and mind for the sacrificial act, making it a meaningful and personal engagement with God's divinely ordained provision for sin.

**How does Leviticus 5:5 relate to confession in the New Testament?**

Answer: While the sacrificial system of animal offerings is fulfilled in Christ, the spiritual principle of confession remains paramount. In the New Testament, confession is still the initial step towards receiving God's forgiveness, but the atoning sacrifice is no longer an animal offering but the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness") directly states, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This shows a profound continuity of the spiritual principle: God desires an honest admission of guilt as a path to forgiveness, now freely available through Christ's blood and His completed work on the cross.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 5:5, with its emphasis on confession as a crucial prerequisite for atonement, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant system, with its repeated animal sacrifices and meticulous requirements for confession, served as a shadow pointing to the perfect reality to come. Humanity's deepest problem is sin, both intentional and unintentional, which separates us from a holy God. The animal sacrifices could only cover sin temporarily, requiring continuous repetition and a constant awareness of guilt, as [Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - Inadequacy of Animal Sacrifices") reminds us that "it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins." However, Jesus, the perfect [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offered Himself as the [once-for-all sacrifice](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice") for all sin—past, present, and future, known and unknown. Through His shed blood, He fully satisfies the demands of God's justice, making complete and eternal atonement. Now, under the New Covenant, our confession is not to prepare for an animal sacrifice, but to acknowledge our need for the forgiveness already secured by Christ on the cross. When we confess our sins, as encouraged in [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - God's Forgiveness Through Confession"), we are not earning forgiveness, but rather humbly receiving the boundless grace and cleansing that flow from Christ's finished work. He is the perfect High Priest who intercedes for us, and through His sacrifice, we have direct access to God, free from the burden of guilt for all our transgressions, whether we were aware of them at the time or not, because [He bore our sins in His own body on the tree](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins").

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

Proverbs 28:13

¶ He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh [them] shall have mercy.

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 26:40

¶ If they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespass which they trespassed against me, and that also they have walked contrary unto me;

Leviticus 16:21

And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send [him] away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness:

Romans 10:10

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Joshua 7:19

And Joshua said unto Achan, My son, give, I pray thee, glory to the LORD God of Israel, and make confession unto him; and tell me now what thou hast done; hide [it] not from me.

Psalms 32:5

I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.