Leviticus 6:2

KJV

If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the LORD, and lie unto his neighbour in that which was delivered him to keep, or in fellowship, or in a thing taken away by violence, or hath deceived his neighbour;

KJV (with Strong's)

If a soul {H5315} sin {H2398}, and commit {H4603} a trespass {H4604} against the LORD {H3068}, and lie {H3584} unto his neighbour {H5997} in that which was delivered {H6487} him to keep, or in fellowship {H8667}{H3027}, or in a thing taken away by violence {H1498}, or hath deceived {H6231} his neighbour {H5997};

Complete Jewish Bible

"If someone sins and acts perversely against ADONAI by dealing falsely with his neighbor in regard to a deposit or security entrusted to him, by stealing from him, by extorting him,

Berean Standard Bible

“If someone sins and acts unfaithfully against the LORD by deceiving his neighbor in regard to a deposit or security entrusted to him or stolen, or if he extorts his neighbor

American Standard Version

If any one sin, and commit a trespass against Jehovah, and deal falsely with his neighbor in a matter of deposit, or of bargain, or of robbery, or have oppressed his neighbor,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 6:2 meticulously details specific instances where an individual's dishonest actions against a neighbor are considered a direct "trespass against the LORD." This verse, part of the broader instructions for the guilt (or trespass) offering, underscores the profound theological truth that human relationships are inextricably linked to one's relationship with God, establishing that offenses against others are simultaneously offenses against the divine, necessitating both atonement and restitution.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the instructions for the guilt offering (also known as the trespass offering, [Leviticus 5:14](/leviticus/5-14 "Leviticus 5:14 - The Guilt Offering")). While [Leviticus 5:14-19](/leviticus/5-14 "Leviticus 5:14-19 - Unintentional Trespasses") addresses unintentional trespasses, [Leviticus 6:1-7](/leviticus/6-1 "Leviticus 6:1-7 - Intentional Trespasses and Restitution") specifically deals with intentional acts of dishonesty and fraud against a neighbor, which are then compounded by a denial or lie. The preceding chapters (Leviticus 1-5) meticulously outline various other offerings—burnt, grain, peace, and sin offerings—each addressing different aspects of sin and worship. The guilt offering, however, uniquely emphasizes the need for not only atonement but also tangible restitution and a penalty, highlighting the restorative justice inherent in the Mosaic Law.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, a society structured around communal living and covenant relationship with Yahweh, integrity and truthfulness were paramount. Property rights, contractual agreements, and the sanctity of an oath were foundational to social order and religious piety. The Mosaic Law, as given through [Moses](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Giving of the Law at Sinai"), sought to establish a just and righteous society that reflected God's character. This verse addresses common scenarios of betrayal of trust that could arise in such a community: mishandling entrusted goods (as seen in [Exodus 22:7-13](/exodus/22-7 "Exodus 22:7-13 - Laws Concerning Deposits")), dishonesty in business partnerships ("fellowship"), or outright theft and denial. The severity with which these acts are treated—as a "trespass against the LORD"—demonstrates that ethical conduct was not merely a secular matter but a deeply spiritual one, directly impacting one's standing before God and within the covenant community. Such laws aimed to prevent social decay and promote a culture of honesty and accountability.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sin (Hebrew, _chata'_):** This general term for "sin" (חָטָא) refers to missing the mark, falling short of a standard, or deviating from a path. In this context, it introduces the broader category of transgression, emphasizing that the actions described are not merely social faux pas but moral failures against God's righteous standards.
* **Trespass (Hebrew, _ma'al'_):** The word _ma'al_ (מַעַל) is crucial here. It signifies an act of unfaithfulness, perfidy, or a breach of trust, particularly against God. While the immediate action is against a neighbor, the use of _ma'al_ elevates the offense to a violation of the covenant relationship with Yahweh. It implies a betrayal of sacred trust, a disloyalty that defiles.
* **Lie (Hebrew, _kachash'_):** The verb _kachash_ (כָּחַשׁ) means "to deny," "to deceive," "to act falsely," or "to disown." Its inclusion highlights the intentionality and compounding nature of the sin. It's not just the initial act of wrongdoing (e.g., taking something by violence) but the subsequent denial or deception that solidifies the "trespass against the LORD" and triggers the specific requirements of the guilt offering.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the LORD,"**: This opening clause establishes the profound theological premise: any act of dishonesty or injustice against a fellow human being is ultimately an offense against God Himself. The "soul" (נֶפֶשׁ, _nephesh_) refers to the individual person, emphasizing personal responsibility for their actions. The "trespass against the LORD" underscores that the covenant relationship requires righteous conduct towards both God and neighbor.
* **"and lie unto his neighbour in that which was delivered him to keep,"**: This specifies the first scenario: a breach of trust where an individual denies possessing or misuses something that was entrusted to them for safekeeping. This highlights the importance of integrity in stewardship and the sanctity of agreements within the community.
* **"or in fellowship,"**: This phrase (literally "or in a hand-deposit" or "in a partnership") refers to dishonesty within a business partnership, a joint venture, or any shared enterprise. It speaks to the betrayal of trust and fraudulent dealings that could occur when individuals pool resources or work together.
* **"or in a thing taken away by violence,"**: This refers to robbery, extortion, or taking something by force. The sin is not just the violent act, but the subsequent denial of having committed it, compounding the initial offense with deceit.
* **"or hath deceived his neighbour;"**: This final, broader clause encompasses any other form of fraud, swindling, or intentional deception not covered by the more specific categories. It serves as a catch-all for various acts of dishonesty, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of the law's demand for truthfulness and integrity in all interpersonal dealings.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 6:2 employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Casuistic Law** is evident, presenting specific "if...then" scenarios that outline particular transgressions and their legal consequences. This detailed, case-by-case approach ensures clarity and comprehensiveness in applying the law. The verse also utilizes **Enumeration**, listing various forms of deceit (entrusted goods, fellowship, violence, general deception), which serves to illustrate the wide scope of actions considered a "trespass against the LORD." This enumeration emphasizes that dishonesty takes many forms, all of which are equally serious in God's eyes. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Parallelism** between the direct offense against the neighbor and the ultimate offense against the Lord, reinforcing the inseparable link between horizontal (human-to-human) and vertical (human-to-God) relationships. The **Repetition** of "his neighbour" throughout the verse stresses the relational context of these sins, anchoring the theological concept of trespass in everyday human interactions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 6:2 profoundly articulates the theological truth that sin against one's neighbor is inextricably linked to sin against God. The concept of "trespass against the LORD" for acts of human dishonesty reveals that ethical conduct is not merely a social construct but a divine imperative, flowing from the very nature of God and His covenant with His people. This passage emphasizes that true piety is demonstrated not only in ritual worship but also in righteous and honest dealings in the marketplace and within the community. It highlights God's demand for integrity, truthfulness, and justice, demonstrating that He is deeply concerned with how His people treat one another, viewing breaches of trust and acts of deception as direct affronts to His holiness and His covenant. The subsequent requirement for restitution (Leviticus 6:5) further underscores the principle of restorative justice, where repentance must be accompanied by tangible efforts to right the wrong and make amends for harm caused.

* [Leviticus 5:14](/leviticus/5-14 "Leviticus 5:14-19 - Unintentional Trespasses and the Guilt Offering")
* [Numbers 5:6](/numbers/5-6 "Numbers 5:6-7 - Confession and Restitution")
* [Matthew 5:23](/matthew/5-23 "Matthew 5:23-24 - Reconciliation Before Worship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 6:2 serves as a timeless reminder that our integrity in human relationships is a direct reflection of our relationship with God. In a world often characterized by deception, fraud, and a casual disregard for truth, this ancient text calls believers to a radical standard of honesty and accountability. It challenges us to examine our own lives: Do we handle entrusted resources with absolute integrity? Are we transparent and fair in our business dealings and partnerships? Do we ever deny wrongdoing or deceive others to avoid consequences? This verse teaches us that every act of dishonesty, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, carries spiritual weight, impacting our standing before God. It compels us to cultivate a heart that values truth above personal gain and to be quick to confess and make restitution when we have wronged another, recognizing that such actions are not just social niceties but acts of worship and obedience to the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to compromise on truthfulness or integrity, perhaps by denying a mistake or withholding information?**
* **How does understanding that sin against a neighbor is also a "trespass against the LORD" change my perspective on interpersonal conflicts and ethical dilemmas?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure I live with greater transparency and honesty in my daily interactions, both personal and professional?**
* **If I have wronged someone, am I willing to not only confess but also make tangible restitution, as this passage implies?**

### FAQ
**Why is lying against a neighbor considered a "trespass against the LORD" in this verse?**

Answer: In the Old Testament covenant, Israel's relationship with God was intrinsically linked to their ethical conduct within the community. God's holiness and righteousness were to be mirrored in the lives of His people. Therefore, any act of injustice, dishonesty, or betrayal of trust against a fellow Israelite was seen as a direct violation of the covenant and an affront to the God who established it. Lying and deceit undermine the very fabric of the community that God intended to be a reflection of His character. When one defrauds or deceives a neighbor, they are not only breaking a human trust but also transgressing against God's moral law and His divine order for society, hence it is a "trespass against the LORD." This principle is echoed throughout the Law, emphasizing that love for God is demonstrated through love for one's neighbor, as seen in [Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor").

**What was the significance of the "trespass offering" (or guilt offering) connected to these sins?**

Answer: The trespass offering (Hebrew: _asham_) was unique among the Levitical sacrifices because it specifically addressed sins that involved defrauding or causing damage to another person, or to God's holy things. Unlike the sin offering, which primarily atoned for unintentional sins and restored fellowship, the trespass offering had a strong emphasis on restitution. It required the offender not only to confess and offer a ram as a sacrifice but also to restore what was taken or damaged, plus an additional 20% (one-fifth) as a penalty (as detailed in [Leviticus 6:5](/leviticus/6-5 "Leviticus 6:5 - Restitution and Penalty")). This underscored the principle that true repentance for such sins involved not just spiritual atonement but also practical, tangible efforts to right the wrong and make amends for the harm caused. It ensured that justice was served and that the victim was compensated, promoting reconciliation and integrity within the community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 6:2, with its meticulous focus on restitution for sins against one's neighbor that are also a "trespass against the LORD," finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament's elaborate system of offerings, including the guilt offering, pointed to the profound truth that sin, whether against God or neighbor, demands a penalty and requires atonement. While the Law could identify sin and prescribe temporary remedies, it could not perfectly atone for the deep-seated human propensity to lie, deceive, and betray trust. Jesus, as the perfect [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), became the ultimate and final guilt offering, bearing the full weight of humanity's trespasses—both against God and against one another—on the cross. His sacrifice not only provides forgiveness for our sins but also empowers us to live lives of truth and integrity. He taught that genuine reconciliation with God often requires reconciliation with our human brothers and sisters, even urging us to [first be reconciled to our brother before offering a gift at the altar](/matthew/5-23 "Matthew 5:23-24 - Reconciliation Before Worship"). Through Christ, we are not only forgiven for our past deceptions but are also given the Holy Spirit to empower us to live truthfully, reflecting the character of the God who is truth, thereby fulfilling the spirit of the Law's demand for integrity and restitution in a new covenant way (cf. [Ephesians 4:25](/ephesians/4-25 "Ephesians 4:25 - Put Away Falsehood")).

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.