Leviticus 6:5

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Historical and Cultural Context

Leviticus 6:5 is part of the detailed instructions for the trespass offering (also known as the guilt offering or reparation offering) within the Mosaic Law given to ancient Israel. This specific verse addresses situations where an individual has sinned against a neighbor, particularly in matters of property, trust, or fraud, often involving false swearing or perjury. In a society where property rights were foundational and oaths were taken very seriously, often in God's name, such offenses were not merely civil disputes but also sins against God. The law mandated not only a sacrifice for atonement but also a tangible act of making things right with the wronged party, emphasizing that true repentance involves both spiritual and practical restoration.

Key Themes

  • Restitution and Justice: The core message is that sin against a neighbor requires more than just a ritual sacrifice; it demands full restitution. The wronged party must be made whole, reflecting God's demand for justice and equity within the community.
  • Accountability and Consequence: The requirement to restore the principal amount and add a 20% penalty underscores personal accountability for wrongdoing. This financial consequence serves as a deterrent against deceit and fraud.
  • Integrity and Truthfulness: The mention of "sworn falsely" highlights the sanctity of oaths and the importance of truth in all dealings. Lying under oath was a grave offense, undermining the fabric of trust in the community.
  • Holistic Repentance: This verse illustrates that genuine repentance before God is not solely about spiritual contrition but also about rectifying the harm caused to others. The "day of his trespass offering" signifies that restitution is an integral part of the atonement process.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "sworn falsely" comes from the Hebrew shava' shaqer (ืฉึธืื‘ึทืข ืฉึถืืงึถืจ), directly meaning "to swear falsely" or "to lie under oath." This emphasizes the deliberate nature of the deception. The "fifth part more thereto" refers to an additional 20% (1/5th) of the principal amount. This punitive surcharge is a common feature in biblical laws concerning restitution for theft or fraud, serving as both penalty and incentive for honest dealings. The Hebrew term for "trespass offering" is asham (ืึธืฉึธืื), which inherently carries the idea of guilt and the need for reparation.

Related Scriptures

The principle of restitution found here echoes other laws in the Torah, such as the general principle of repayment for theft in Exodus 22:1. The emphasis on truthfulness aligns with the Ninth Commandment against bearing false witness. In the New Testament, the spirit of this law is exemplified by Zacchaeus in Luke 19:8, who, upon his repentance, declared his intention to restore fourfold anything he had defrauded, demonstrating a heart aligned with God's desire for justice and making amends.

Practical Application

Leviticus 6:5 remains profoundly relevant today. It teaches us that true repentance for wrongs committed against others requires tangible action, not just words or feelings. If we have caused financial or material harm through deceit, fraud, or false promises, biblical justice calls for us to:

  1. Acknowledge the wrong: Recognize the specific harm caused.
  2. Restore the principal: Return what was unjustly taken or withheld.
  3. Make amends beyond the principal: The 20% penalty serves as a reminder that making things right may require going above and beyond the minimum, demonstrating humility and a desire for reconciliation.
  4. Do so promptly: "In the day of his trespass offering" implies that restitution should be made as part of the process of seeking forgiveness, not as an afterthought.
This verse encourages a high standard of integrity, reminding believers that their faith should be reflected in their honest and just dealings with all people.

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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 5:16 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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