Leviticus 6:3

KJV

Or have found that which was lost, and lieth concerning it, and sweareth falsely; in any of all these that a man doeth, sinning therein:

KJV (with Strong's)

Or have found {H4672} that which was lost {H9}, and lieth {H3584} concerning it, and sweareth {H7650} falsely {H8267}; in any {H259} of all these that a man {H120} doeth {H6213}, sinning {H2398} therein {H2007}:

Complete Jewish Bible

or by dealing falsely in regard to a lost object he has found, or by swearing to a lie -if a person commits any of these sins,

Berean Standard Bible

or finds lost property and lies about it and swears falsely, or if he commits any such sin that a man might commit—

American Standard Version

or have found that which was lost, and deal falsely therein, and swear to a lie; in any of all these things that a man doeth, sinning therein;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 6:3 meticulously outlines a specific transgression within the Mosaic Law, focusing on the profound sin of dishonesty regarding found property. This verse condemns the act of discovering lost goods, subsequently denying possession through deceit, and compounding the transgression by taking a false oath to conceal the wrongdoing. Such actions are unequivocally declared as sin, necessitating the prescribed ritual of atonement and restitution within the covenant community, highlighting the gravity of violating truth and trust.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The immediate literary context of Leviticus 6:3 is the detailed instruction for the trespass offering, or guilt offering (Hebrew: _'asham_), found in [Leviticus 6:1-7](/leviticus/6-1-7 "Leviticus 6:1-7 - Laws of the Trespass Offering"). This section specifically addresses scenarios where an individual has sinned against a neighbor, particularly through acts of dishonesty, fraud, or breach of trust. Preceding this verse, [Leviticus 6:2](/leviticus/6-2 "Leviticus 6:2 - Offenses Requiring a Trespass Offering") enumerates several offenses, including defrauding a neighbor, robbery, or withholding a deposit. [Leviticus 6:3](/leviticus/6-3 "Leviticus 6:3 - Lying and False Oaths Regarding Lost Property") then extends this list by focusing on the specific transgression of finding lost property and subsequently lying about it, culminating in a false oath to cover the deceit. This progression underscores the escalating nature of the offense and the comprehensive scope of the law in addressing various forms of dishonesty that harm both human relationships and the covenant with God, emphasizing the need for both atonement and restitution.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, community cohesion and economic stability heavily relied upon trust and integrity. Property, often essential for survival, was highly valued, and its loss could be devastating for a family. Therefore, finding lost property and returning it was not merely a good deed but a moral and communal expectation, as outlined in laws like [Deuteronomy 22:1-3](/deuteronomy/22-1-3 "Deuteronomy 22:1-3 - Returning Lost Property"). Furthermore, oaths were profoundly sacred, typically sworn in the name of Yahweh, serving as a binding declaration that invoked divine witness and judgment. To "swear falsely" (perjury) was not merely a lie against a neighbor but a direct affront and blasphemy against God himself, undermining the very foundation of truth and justice within the covenant community. This made the sin described in [Leviticus 6:3](/leviticus/6-3 "Leviticus 6:3 - The Gravity of False Oaths") exceptionally grave, as it violated both horizontal (human-to-human) and vertical (human-to-God) dimensions of the covenant, demanding a specific form of atonement and reconciliation.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 6:3 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes found throughout the Pentateuch and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **God's holiness and demand for integrity**, illustrating that His character requires truthfulness in all human dealings, especially within the covenant community. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **sin as a violation of both horizontal and vertical relationships**, demonstrating that offenses against one's neighbor are ultimately offenses against God Himself, particularly when His name is invoked in deceit. This connects to the foundational principles of the Ten Commandments, especially the prohibitions against stealing and bearing false witness ([Exodus 20:15-16](/exodus/20-15-16 "Exodus 20:15-16 - The Eighth and Ninth Commandments")). Finally, the verse, in conjunction with the surrounding passages on the trespass offering, underscores the themes of **atonement, restitution, and reconciliation**, emphasizing that true repentance involves not only spiritual cleansing but also tangible efforts to rectify wrongs and restore justice within the community, ensuring that the wronged party is compensated and relationships are healed.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lieth (Hebrew, _kâchash'_):** This primitive root means "to be untrue," encompassing actions of lying, feigning, disowning, or disappointing. In the context of Leviticus 6:3, it signifies a deliberate act of verbal deceit, where the individual denies possession or knowledge of the lost item. This word highlights the intentionality of the wrongdoing, moving beyond mere negligence to active and conscious deception, undermining trust within the community.
* **Sweareth (Hebrew, _shâbaʻ'_):** Derived from the word for "seven," implying completeness or a solemn declaration repeated seven times, this root means "to swear" or "to take an oath." In ancient Israel, an oath was a profoundly sacred act, often invoking the name of God as a witness to the truthfulness of a statement. To "swear falsely" (as qualified by the following word) was not merely a lie, but a direct affront to God's holiness and truth, making the transgression exceptionally serious as it involved blasphemy and a desecration of the divine name.
* **Sinning (Hebrew, _châṭâʼ'_):** This widely used primitive root fundamentally means "to miss the mark" or "to fall short" of a standard. In this context, it signifies a deliberate transgression against God's revealed will and the moral fabric of the covenant community. The inclusion of "sinning therein" emphasizes that these specific acts of deceit and perjury are not mere social missteps but grave offenses against divine law, requiring atonement and demonstrating a failure to live up to God's righteous expectations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Or have found that which was lost":** This clause sets the initial scenario, describing the discovery of property that belongs to another. The law assumes knowledge of the owner or the ability to determine it, placing a moral and legal obligation on the finder to return the item, as mandated by broader Israelite law concerning lost property.
* **"and lieth concerning it":** Following the discovery, the individual commits an act of verbal deceit, actively denying possession or knowledge of the lost item. This highlights the intentionality of the wrongdoing, moving beyond mere negligence to active, malicious deception, which directly harms the wronged party.
* **"and sweareth falsely":** This is the culmination and most grievous aspect of the transgression. To "swear falsely" means to take a deceitful oath, often invoking God's name, to validate the lie. This act elevates the sin from a lie against a neighbor to a direct affront against God's holiness and truthfulness, making it perjury—a profound violation of the covenant itself.
* **"in any of all these that a man doeth, sinning therein":** This concluding phrase unequivocally declares that any of the previously listed actions—finding lost property, lying about it, and swearing falsely to conceal it—constitute a sin. It underscores the divine judgment on such acts of dishonesty and deceit, establishing them as violations of God's righteous standards that require atonement and restitution, leaving no ambiguity about their sinful nature.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 6:3 employs several literary devices to convey its legal and theological weight with precision and impact. Primarily, it uses **Legal Language**, characterized by precise, conditional clauses ("Or have found... and lieth... and sweareth...") that clearly define the specific offense. This direct and unambiguous phrasing is typical of Mosaic Law, leaving no room for misinterpretation regarding the nature of the transgression. The verse also demonstrates **Categorization**, placing this particular act of deceit and perjury within a broader class of offenses that require the trespass offering, thereby linking it to a specific ritual and consequence. Furthermore, there is an element of **Escalation** in the description of the sin: from merely finding lost property, to lying about it, and finally to the grave act of taking a false oath. This progression emphasizes the increasing severity of the wrongdoing, culminating in the most serious offense against both man and God. The concluding phrase, "sinning therein," functions as a definitive **Declaration of Guilt**, unequivocally labeling these actions as violations of divine law and establishing the need for atonement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 6:3 profoundly connects to several core theological and thematic principles. It underscores God's absolute demand for **truthfulness and integrity** within the covenant community, revealing that deceit and dishonesty are not merely social infractions but direct affronts to His holy character. The verse highlights the dual nature of sin: while the immediate victim of the lie and false oath is a fellow human being, the act is ultimately a **sin against God** Himself, particularly when His name is invoked in a false oath. This emphasizes that all ethical breaches within the community have theological implications, disrupting both horizontal relationships and the vertical relationship with the divine. The requirement of a trespass offering, alongside restitution (as detailed in subsequent verses), further establishes the themes of **accountability, atonement, and reconciliation**, demonstrating that true repentance involves not only confession but also tangible efforts to rectify the wrong and restore justice, aligning human conduct with divine righteousness.
* [Exodus 20:16](/exodus/20-16 "Exodus 20:16 - The Ninth Commandment against False Witness")
* [Proverbs 12:22](/proverbs/12-22 "Proverbs 12:22 - Lying Lips are an Abomination to the Lord")
* [Zechariah 8:16-17](/zechariah/8-16-17 "Zechariah 8:16-17 - Speak Truth and Do Not Swear Falsely")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The principles embedded in Leviticus 6:3 remain profoundly relevant for believers today, transcending their ancient legal context. This verse serves as a timeless reminder of the enduring importance of **absolute honesty and integrity** in all human interactions. It challenges us to examine our own hearts regarding truthfulness, not only in grand declarations but also in seemingly small matters, such as found items or minor disputes. The gravity of taking a false oath, invoking God's name in deceit, should instill in us a profound reverence for truth and a deep aversion to any form of perjury or manipulation. Furthermore, the underlying principle that sin against a neighbor is also sin against God compels us to view our relationships with others through a theological lens, recognizing that our ethical conduct reflects upon the character of the God we serve. This passage calls us to cultivate a lifestyle of transparent honesty, willing to confess wrongdoing and make restitution where necessary, thereby living out the righteousness that God demands and provides, fostering trust and genuine community.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the specific sin addressed in Leviticus 6:3—finding lost property, lying, and swearing falsely—illuminate the broader importance of integrity in my daily life?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to compromise truthfulness for personal convenience or gain, and what steps can I take to resist such temptations?**
* **Considering that a sin against a neighbor is also a sin against God, how does this understanding deepen my commitment to ethical conduct in all my relationships?**
* **What does "sinning therein" mean for my own actions and attitudes, and how can I ensure my conscience remains clear before God and others?**

### FAQ
**What is the "trespass offering" mentioned in the context of this verse?**

Answer: The trespass offering (Hebrew: _'asham_), also known as the guilt offering, was one of the five main sacrifices in the Mosaic Law. It was specifically required for sins that involved defrauding or damaging another person's property or rights, or for unintentional sins against holy things. Unlike the sin offering, which focused on the removal of guilt, the trespass offering emphasized restitution and compensation to the wronged party, plus an additional 20%, alongside the offering itself. It highlighted the need to make things right both with God and with the offended party, demonstrating that atonement involved both divine forgiveness and human reconciliation, as detailed in [Leviticus 6:1-7](/leviticus/6-1-7 "Leviticus 6:1-7 - Laws of the Trespass Offering").

**Why is taking a "false oath" so serious?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, an oath was a solemn declaration, often made by invoking the name of God as a witness or guarantor of truth. To swear falsely was not merely a lie, but an act of perjury and blasphemy, directly dishonoring God's holy name and character. It undermined the very foundation of truth and justice within the covenant community, making it a particularly grievous sin that carried severe consequences, as seen in the Third Commandment, "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain" ([Exodus 20:7](/exodus/20-7 "Exodus 20:7 - The Third Commandment")). This act was a profound violation of both human trust and divine sanctity.

**Does this verse apply to modern legal systems or personal ethics?**

Answer: While the specific legal context of the trespass offering is fulfilled in Christ (see Christ-Centered Fulfillment), the underlying ethical principles of [Leviticus 6:3](/leviticus/6-3 "Leviticus 6:3 - Honesty and Integrity") remain timeless and universally applicable. The verse underscores the enduring importance of honesty, integrity, and truthfulness in all human interactions, whether in personal dealings, business transactions, or legal proceedings. It teaches that deceit, especially when compounded by false testimony, is a serious moral transgression that God condemns, calling believers to live with unwavering integrity as a reflection of His character and to "put away falsehood and speak truth, each one of you with his neighbor" ([Ephesians 4:25](/ephesians/4-25 "Ephesians 4:25 - Speak Truth to Your Neighbor")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 6:3, with its emphasis on the trespass offering for sins of dishonesty and false swearing, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament trespass offering, requiring restitution and a sacrificial animal, pointed forward to a greater, once-for-all atonement. Jesus, as the perfect [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), became the definitive trespass offering, bearing the guilt and consequences not only of our direct offenses against God but also of our sins against our neighbors, including acts of deceit, fraud, and false witness. His sinless life stands in stark contrast to the human propensity for lying and false oaths, embodying the very truthfulness that the law demands, for He is "the way, and the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Through His crucifixion, Christ made full "restitution" for humanity's sin, paying the debt we could never repay and reconciling us to God, thereby making peace by the blood of His cross ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Christ's Reconciling Work")). Believers, united with Him, are freed from the condemnation of such sins and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives of integrity and truth, reflecting His character and fulfilling the spirit of the law, not by ritual sacrifice, but by genuine repentance and righteous living, recognizing that we are "dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus" ([Romans 6:11](/romans/6-11 "Romans 6:11 - Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ")) and called to "put away falsehood and speak truth with his neighbor" ([Ephesians 4:25](/ephesians/4-25 "Ephesians 4:25 - Put Away Lying")).

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 19:12

And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I [am] the LORD.

Exodus 23:4

If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again.

Exodus 22:9

For all manner of trespass, [whether it be] for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, [or] for any manner of lost thing, which [another] challengeth to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges; [and] whom the judges shall condemn, he shall pay double unto his neighbour.

Exodus 22:11

[Then] shall an oath of the LORD be between them both, that he hath not put his hand unto his neighbour's goods; and the owner of it shall accept [thereof], and he shall not make [it] good.

Deuteronomy 22:1

¶ Thou shalt not see thy brother's ox or his sheep go astray, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt in any case bring them again unto thy brother.

Deuteronomy 22:4

Thou shalt not see thy brother's ass or his ox fall down by the way, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt surely help him to lift [them] up again.

Zechariah 5:4

I will bring it forth, saith the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my name: and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it with the timber thereof and the stones thereof.