Leviticus 6:5

KJV

Or all that about which he hath sworn falsely; he shall even restore it in the principal, and shall add the fifth part more thereto, [and] give it unto him to whom it appertaineth, in the day of his trespass offering.

KJV (with Strong's)

Or all that about which he hath sworn {H7650} falsely {H8267}; he shall even restore {H7999} it in the principal {H7218}, and shall add {H3254} the fifth part {H2549} more {H3254} thereto, and give {H5414} it unto him to whom it appertaineth, in the day {H3117} of his trespass offering {H819}.

Complete Jewish Bible

or anything about which he has sworn falsely. He is to restore it in full plus an additional one-fifth; he must return it to the person who owns it, on the day when he presents his guilt offering.

Berean Standard Bible

or anything else about which he has sworn falsely. He must make restitution in full, add a fifth of the value, and pay it to the owner on the day he acknowledges his guilt.

American Standard Version

or any thing about which he hath sworn falsely; he shall even restore it in full, and shall add the fifth part more thereto: unto him to whom it appertaineth shall he give it, in the day of his being found guilty.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 6:5 delineates a critical component of the trespass offering, specifically addressing instances where an individual has wronged a neighbor through deceit, false swearing, or misappropriation of property. This verse mandates that beyond presenting a sacrificial offering for atonement, the offender must make full and immediate restitution to the wronged party. This restitution is not limited to the principal amount of what was taken or withheld but requires an additional one-fifth (20%) penalty, to be delivered directly to the victim on the same day the trespass offering is presented, thereby profoundly linking spiritual reconciliation with God to the practical restoration of justice and integrity within the community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 6:5 is situated within a broader section (Leviticus 5:14-6:7) that meticulously details the regulations for the *asham*, or trespass offering (also known as the guilt or reparation offering). While Leviticus 4 focuses on the *chatta't* (sin offering) for unintentional sins, the *asham* specifically addresses transgressions that involve a violation of God's holy things or, as highlighted here, a wrong committed against a neighbor, often entailing deceit, theft, or a breach of trust. Leviticus 6:1-5 elaborates on specific scenarios, such as lying about a deposit, robbery, extortion, or finding lost property and swearing falsely about it. This particular verse zeroes in on the deliberate act of false swearing, which carries a severe penalty due to its direct assault on truth and trust within the community, frequently invoking God's name in a lie. The immediate placement of this law after the instructions for the sacrificial ritual emphatically underscores that true repentance and atonement are not merely ritualistic acts but demand tangible, ethical action and reconciliation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, oaths were held in the highest regard, often invoked in the name of Yahweh, and were considered solemn, binding declarations. To "swear falsely" (Hebrew: *shava' sheqer*) was a profoundly serious offense, akin to perjury, that directly undermined the very fabric of justice, truth, and communal trust. Property rights were foundational to the social and economic structure, and the Mosaic Law provided extensive protections for individual and communal possessions. Offenses like theft, fraud, or withholding what was due were not merely civil disputes but were fundamentally understood as sins against God, as they violated His moral order and His covenant with His people. The requirement for restitution, particularly the additional 20% penalty, served multiple crucial purposes: it was punitive, acting as a strong deterrent against future wrongdoing; it was restorative, ensuring the wronged party was fully compensated, often for inconvenience, lost time, or emotional distress; and it was pedagogical, deeply impressing upon the offender the true cost and gravity of their sin. The phrase "in the day of his trespass offering" highlights that this restitution was an essential, immediate component of the atonement process, demonstrating that genuine repentance involved both spiritual contrition before God and practical amends to those harmed, reflecting the holistic nature of God's justice found throughout [the Torah's legal codes](/exodus/22 "Exodus 22 - Laws Concerning Property and Justice").
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 6:5 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it emphasizes **Holistic Justice and Righteousness**, demonstrating that God's holiness demands not only ritual purity but also ethical integrity and social justice among His people. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **True Repentance and Atonement**, asserting that genuine reconciliation with God is inextricably linked to making tangible amends for wrongs committed against others. The sacrificial system was never intended to be a mere ritualistic escape from consequences but a pathway to a transformed life that includes practical acts of restoration. Thirdly, the verse underscores the **Sanctity of Truth and Oaths**, revealing how deeply God values honesty and trustworthiness within the community, viewing false swearing as a grave offense that defiles both human relationships and His own name. This principle resonates with later prophetic calls for justice and righteousness, such as those found in [Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Let Justice Roll Down") and [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What Does the Lord Require?"). Finally, it speaks to **God's Concern for the Victim**, ensuring that the wronged party is not merely acknowledged but fully compensated, even beyond the direct loss, reflecting God's compassionate nature and His desire for the flourishing of all within His covenant community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sworn falsely (Hebrew, שָׁבַע שֶׁקֶר, _shâbaʻ sheqer'_):** This phrase combines two significant Hebrew words. _Shâbaʻ_ (H7650) means "to swear" or "to take an oath," often by invoking God's name. _Sheqer_ (H8267) means "falsehood," "deceit," or "untruth." Together, they denote a deliberate act of perjury or deception, specifically involving the taking of an oath that is untrue. In a society where oaths were solemn declarations made before God to confirm truth or innocence, a false oath was a profound violation of trust, an affront to God's holiness, and a destructive act against communal integrity. It implies a conscious and intentional act of deceit, distinguishing it from unintentional errors.
* **the fifth part (Hebrew, חֲמִישִׁי, _chămîyshîy'_):** This term (H2549) refers to an additional 20% (one-fifth) of the principal amount that was wrongfully obtained or withheld. This surcharge was a standard feature in biblical laws concerning restitution for certain offenses (e.g., [Numbers 5:7](/numbers/5-7 "Numbers 5:7 - Restitution for Guilt")). It served as both a punitive measure for the transgression and a means to ensure the wronged party was fully compensated, potentially covering any incidental damages, inconvenience, or lost interest, thereby making them more than whole. It underscores the severity of the offense and the demand for comprehensive restoration.
* **trespass offering (Hebrew, אָשְׁמָה, _ʼashmâh'_):** This term (H819) denotes a specific type of sacrifice, often translated as "guilt offering" or "reparation offering." Unlike the sin offering (*chatta't*), which typically addressed unintentional sins, the *ʼashmâh* specifically dealt with sins that involved a violation of God's holy things or an infringement upon the rights of a neighbor, requiring not only atonement but also tangible reparation. The very name *ʼashmâh* carries the idea of guilt and the necessity of making amends, highlighting that the offering was incomplete without the accompanying restitution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Or all that about which he hath sworn falsely":** This initial clause precisely identifies the nature of the sin being addressed: a deliberate lie made under oath, often concerning property, a deposit, or a trust. It highlights the intentionality and gravity of the deception, which fundamentally undermines truth, justice, and the sacredness of an oath.
* **"he shall even restore it in the principal, and shall add the fifth part more thereto":** This specifies the mandatory and comprehensive nature of the restitution. The offender is required to return the exact amount (the "principal") that was unjustly taken or withheld, plus an additional 20% of that amount. This demonstrates that mere return of the stolen item or amount is insufficient; there must be a punitive and restorative element that goes beyond simple compensation, acknowledging the full cost of the transgression.
* **"and give it unto him to whom it appertaineth":** This clause emphasizes the direct and personal nature of the restitution. The payment is not made to the priests or the tabernacle treasury, but directly to the individual who was wronged. This ensures that the victim is made whole and underscores the relational aspect of reconciliation, demanding a face-to-face acknowledgment of the wrong.
* **"in the day of his trespass offering":** This crucial phrase links the act of tangible restitution directly to the sacrificial ritual. It signifies that the practical act of making amends to the wronged party is not an optional afterthought but an integral, immediate, and non-negotiable part of the atonement process before God. True repentance encompasses both spiritual confession and practical restoration, demonstrating a complete turning from sin.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 6:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Legal Formulary**, characterized by its precise, prescriptive, and imperative language ("he shall even restore it," "he shall add," "give it unto him"). This formal structure underscores the divine authority and binding nature of the law, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding the required actions and emphasizing the absolute necessity of compliance. There is also an element of **Repetition and Emphasis** in the detailed enumeration of the restitution requirements (the "principal" *and* "the fifth part more thereto"), which serves to highlight the unwavering demand for full and complete restoration, ensuring the message is clear and unforgettable. Furthermore, the 20% surcharge can be seen as **Symbolism**; it is not merely a financial penalty but a symbolic representation of the true cost of sin, the necessity of going above and beyond to make amends, and God's desire for abundant justice and healing for the wronged party. The entire concept of the "trespass offering" itself is a powerful **Symbol** of guilt and the comprehensive reparation required, encompassing both spiritual reconciliation and material restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 6:5 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering demand for holistic justice and genuine repentance. It teaches that sin, especially against a neighbor, is not merely an abstract spiritual transgression but often has tangible consequences that necessitate practical rectification. God's holiness is not only offended by ritual impurity but also by injustice, deceit, and the violation of trust among His people. The explicit requirement for restitution, particularly the added 20%, reveals a deep divine concern for the victim, ensuring their full restoration and demonstrating that God champions the cause of the oppressed and wronged. This law underscores that true atonement involves both vertical reconciliation with God through sacrifice and horizontal reconciliation with those we have wronged through tangible acts of making amends, reflecting the inseparable nature of love for God and love for neighbor, a principle echoed throughout the biblical narrative.

* [Exodus 22:1](/exodus/22-1 "Restitution for Theft")
* [Numbers 5:6-7](/numbers/5-6-7 "Confession and Restitution for Guilt")
* [Luke 19:8](/luke/19-8 "Zacchaeus's Commitment to Restitution")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 6:5 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, challenging us to a higher standard of integrity, honesty, and genuine repentance in all aspects of our lives. It teaches us that our faith must be lived out in practical honesty and justice in all our dealings, whether financial, relational, or reputational. When we cause harm to others, whether through direct deceit, broken promises, financial wrongdoing, or even careless words, true repentance requires more than just saying "sorry" or feeling regret. It demands tangible action to make things right. This means acknowledging the specific wrong, restoring what was taken or damaged, and often, going above and beyond to demonstrate a sincere desire for reconciliation, much like the 20% penalty suggests. The phrase "in the day of his trespass offering" implies urgency; restitution should be an immediate and integral part of seeking forgiveness, not a delayed afterthought. This verse calls us to cultivate a conscience sensitive to the impact of our actions on others, fostering a community built on truth, trust, and a commitment to restorative justice, reflecting the character of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life—whether financial, relational, or reputational—might I need to make tangible restitution for wrongs committed, even those not legally mandated or widely known?**
* **How does the principle of adding "the fifth part more thereto" challenge me to go "above and beyond" in making amends, demonstrating humility, generosity, and a sincere desire for true reconciliation?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the holistic nature of true repentance, encompassing both spiritual contrition before God and practical restoration to those I have wronged?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater commitment to truthfulness, integrity, and trustworthiness in all my dealings, recognizing that deceit against others is also a sin against God and a breach of communal trust?**

### FAQ
**Why was the 20% penalty required in addition to the principal amount?**

Answer: The additional 20% (one-fifth) penalty served multiple crucial purposes within the Mosaic Law. First, it acted as a strong punitive measure, a deterrent against future deceit, fraud, and false swearing, making the cost of wrongdoing significantly higher than any potential gain. Second, it ensured comprehensive restoration for the wronged party, compensating them not only for the direct loss (the principal) but also for any inconvenience, emotional distress, lost time, or potential interest incurred due to the offender's actions. It was a form of "damages" that ensured the victim was made more than whole, reflecting God's deep concern for the injured party. Third, it underscored the profound seriousness of the sin, particularly when it involved false swearing, which violated both human trust and the sanctity of God's name. This additional amount emphasized that true repentance required a costly and tangible demonstration of remorse, going beyond mere repayment. This principle is also seen in other restitution laws, such as in [Numbers 5:7](/numbers/5-7 "Numbers 5:7 - Restitution for Guilt").

**Does this law of restitution (principal + 20%) apply to Christians today?**

Answer: While Christians are not under the Mosaic ceremonial law or its specific legal mechanisms, the underlying ethical and theological principles of Leviticus 6:5 remain profoundly relevant and binding. The specific requirement of a trespass offering and a literal 20% penalty is part of the Old Covenant legal system, which pointed forward to the ultimate work of Christ. However, the moral imperative to make restitution for wrongs committed against others is a timeless biblical principle affirmed throughout Scripture. The New Testament emphasizes that genuine repentance involves not only confessing sin to God but also actively seeking to make amends to those we have harmed. The example of [Zacchaeus in Luke 19:8](/luke/19-8 "Luke 19:8 - Zacchaeus's Repentance and Restitution"), who voluntarily offered to restore fourfold what he had defrauded, demonstrates a heart transformed by grace, going beyond even the Mosaic Law's requirements. Therefore, while the precise legal mechanism has changed, the spiritual principle that true repentance includes tangible efforts to rectify harm and restore justice remains a vital aspect of Christian discipleship, reflecting the transforming power of the Gospel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 6:5, with its stringent demand for costly restitution and a 20% penalty for sins against a neighbor, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Humanity's sin is fundamentally a trespass against God, a false swearing against His truth, and a defrauding of His glory. We, like the offender in Leviticus, owe a debt we cannot pay, a debt that includes not only the principal of our rebellion but also the incalculable damages incurred by our sin. Yet, Christ became our ultimate "trespass offering," the perfect sacrifice who bore the full guilt and consequences of our sin, as prophetically declared in [Isaiah 53:10](/isaiah/53-10 "Isaiah 53:10 - The Suffering Servant"). He did not merely restore the "principal" of what was lost through sin—our relationship with God, our peace, and our rightful inheritance—but He added infinitely "the fifth part more thereto," offering an over-abundant, super-abundant payment that secured for us not just forgiveness but reconciliation, adoption into God's family ([Galatians 4:5](/galatians/4-5 "Galatians 4:5 - Adoption as Sons")), and eternal life. Through His perfect sacrifice on the cross, Christ fully satisfied God's justice and made us "more than conquerors" ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors")), restoring us to a state far greater than what was lost in Eden. His work is the complete and perfect restitution, enabling us to be reconciled to God ([2 Corinthians 5:18-19](/2_corinthians/5-18-19 "2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - The Ministry of Reconciliation")) and empowering us by His Spirit to live lives of integrity and justice, making amends to others as a response to the boundless restitution and grace He has made for us.

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 5:16

And he shall make amends for the harm that he hath done in the holy thing, and shall add the fifth part thereto, and give it unto the priest: and the priest shall make an atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering, and it shall be forgiven him.

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.

Numbers 5:8

But if the man have no kinsman to recompense the trespass unto, let the trespass be recompensed unto the LORD, [even] to the priest; beside the ram of the atonement, whereby an atonement shall be made for him.

Luke 19:8

And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore [him] fourfold.

1 Samuel 12:3

Behold, here I [am]: witness against me before the LORD, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received [any] bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you.

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.

2 Samuel 12:6

And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.