Numbers 5:7

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then they shall confess {H3034} their sin {H2403} which they have done {H6213}: and he shall recompense {H7725} his trespass {H817} with the principal {H7218} thereof, and add {H3254} unto it the fifth {H2549} part thereof, and give {H5414} it unto him against whom he hath trespassed {H816}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He must confess the sin which he has committed; and he must make full restitution for his guilt, add twenty percent and give it to the victim of his sin.

Berean Standard Bible

and must confess the sin he has committed. He must make full restitution, add a fifth to its value, and give all this to the one he has wronged.

American Standard Version

then he shall confess his sin which he hath done: and he shall make restitution for his guilt in full, and add unto it the fifth part thereof, and give it unto him in respect of whom he hath been guilty.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 5:7 articulates a foundational divine mandate for an Israelite who has committed a trespass against another person, requiring a comprehensive process of reconciliation. This process begins with a sincere confession of the wrongdoing, followed by a precise and generous act of material restitution. The verse underscores God's profound concern for both individual integrity and the harmonious functioning of the covenant community, establishing a robust legal and moral framework that addresses not only the spiritual dimension of sin against God but also the tangible, material consequences of sin against one's neighbor. It stands as a pivotal text for understanding the Old Testament's holistic approach to justice, accountability, and the restoration of broken relationships.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned within a broader section of purification laws and regulations for the Israelite camp, immediately following instructions concerning ritual uncleanness. Numbers 5:1-4 details the expulsion of those defiled by leprosy, bodily discharges, or contact with the dead, emphasizing the paramount necessity of maintaining the camp's sanctity due to the holy presence of the Lord among His people. Numbers 5:5-10 then transitions seamlessly from ritual purity to moral and legal purity, specifically addressing trespasses committed by one Israelite against another. The inclusion of this law directly after the ritual purity codes powerfully highlights that ethical and relational integrity is considered as crucial to the camp's holiness as ceremonial cleanliness. Numbers 5:7, therefore, provides the specific mechanism for rectifying wrongs that are simultaneously an offense against a fellow human and, as stated in [Numbers 5:6](/numbers/5-6 "Numbers 5:6 - Trespass Against the Lord"), a "trespass against the Lord." This structural placement emphasizes the interconnectedness of spiritual and social holiness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The laws presented in the book of Numbers were delivered to the Israelites during their formative period in the wilderness, as they were being shaped into a holy nation under God's covenant. The meticulous regulations regarding the camp's order and purity, as evidenced in earlier chapters like [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - Census and Camp Order") and [Numbers 2](/numbers/2 "Numbers 2 - Arrangement of the Camp"), were indispensable for a nomadic people living in close proximity, where disputes and infringements could easily arise and disrupt social cohesion. In ancient Near Eastern societies, the principle of restitution for wrongdoing was a common legal tenet. However, the Mosaic Law frequently surpassed these contemporary legal codes by integrating a profound theological dimension, framing offenses against humans as also offenses against God. The Mosaic requirement for not only confession but also an added "fifth part" (20%) penalty went beyond mere repayment, serving as a strong deterrent against future wrongdoing and ensuring ample, even generous, compensation for the wronged party. This reflects a divine standard of justice that aimed for comprehensive restoration and the preservation of the social fabric, distinct from other legal codes of the time.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 5:7 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, extending it beyond ritualistic cleanliness to encompass moral and relational integrity. The camp's holiness depends not only on ceremonial adherence but also on righteous conduct between individuals. Secondly, it highlights **Divine Justice and Righteousness**, demonstrating God's meticulous concern for fairness and the rectification of wrongs within His covenant community. This justice is portrayed as both punitive (deterring sin) and restorative (healing relationships). Thirdly, the verse underscores the theme of **Accountability and Responsibility**, emphasizing that individuals are held personally responsible for their actions and must actively participate in making amends. Finally, it speaks to **Reconciliation and Restoration**, providing a clear pathway for mending broken relationships, not just between individuals but also between the offender and God, as the trespass is ultimately against Him. This holistic approach to justice is foundational to the covenant relationship, ensuring that breaches of trust are met with a process designed to re-establish harmony, as seen in the broader context of God's desire for His people to live righteously, as detailed in [Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Confess (Hebrew, _yâdâh'_):** From the primitive root H3034, meaning "to use (i.e. hold out) the hand; physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the hands)." In its Hithpael stem, as seen in the word "they shall confess" (yithwaddû), it signifies an open, voluntary, and often public admission of guilt or wrongdoing. It implies a "throwing out" or "casting forth" of one's sin, indicating a sincere recognition of fault that is a prerequisite for true repentance and the subsequent acts of restitution. This is not merely a legal formality but a profound spiritual and moral act of self-acknowledgment before God and the wronged party.
* **Trespass (Hebrew, _ʼâshâm'_):** This noun (H817), derived from the root H816 meaning "to be guilty," specifically denotes an act of unfaithfulness, disloyalty, or a breach of trust, often involving sacred things or property dedicated to God. While it can refer to various wrongs, its use here underscores that an offense against a fellow human, particularly involving property or trust, is not merely a civil matter but also a violation of God's covenant and His established order. It implies a betrayal of the relationship with God and the community, making the act far more serious than a simple theft or damage, demanding a specific form of atonement.
* **Recompense (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** From the primitive root H7725, meaning "to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point); generally to retreat; often adverbial, again." In its Hiphil stem, as seen in "he shall recompense" (wəhēšîḇ), it means "to bring back, restore, repay." This emphasizes the active and concrete act of returning what was taken or damaged. It is not passive forgiveness but an active making-right, ensuring that the victim is restored to their original state, as much as possible. This highlights the practical and material dimension of justice in God's law, where the wrong is actively undone or compensated for.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then they shall confess their sin which they have done:"** This opening clause establishes confession as the indispensable first step in the process of atonement and reconciliation. It mandates not just an internal feeling of guilt, but a genuine, verbal acknowledgment of the specific sin committed. This highlights the moral and spiritual dimension of the transgression and the absolute necessity of personal responsibility and humility before any material amends can be made.
* **"and he shall recompense his trespass with the principal thereof,"** Following the act of confession, the offender is legally and morally obligated to restore the original value or the exact item that was taken, damaged, or withheld. "The principal thereof" refers to the precise amount or value of the loss incurred by the victim. This ensures that the victim is made whole and that justice is served on a foundational, material level, directly addressing the tangible harm caused by the trespass.
* **"and add unto it the fifth [part] thereof,"** Beyond the full restoration of the principal, an additional penalty of one-fifth (20%) of the value of the trespass is mandated. This surcharge serves multiple crucial purposes: it acts as a strong deterrent against future wrongdoing, provides additional compensation to the wronged party for their trouble, inconvenience, or suffering, and underscores the profound seriousness of the offense as not just a material loss but a significant breach of trust and covenant.
* **"and give [it] unto [him] against whom he hath trespassed."** This concluding phrase emphasizes the direct and personal nature of the restitution. The payment is not made to the priests, the temple treasury, or a communal fund, but explicitly and directly to the injured party. This ensures that the victim receives immediate and tangible justice, fostering genuine reconciliation and actively working to restore the broken relationship between the individuals involved, rather than merely satisfying a legal requirement.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 5:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message regarding justice and reconciliation. The most prominent is **Legal Language**, characterized by its precise, prescriptive, and imperative commands ("they shall confess," "he shall recompense," "add unto it," "give it"). This direct, authoritative style underscores the divine origin and non-negotiable nature of these laws within the covenant community, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding the required actions. There is also a strong element of **Emphasis** achieved through the detailed breakdown of restitution. The verse progresses from the general "recompense his trespass" to the specific "principal thereof" and then the "fifth part thereof," meticulously outlining the full scope of required amends. This detailed specification ensures clarity and reinforces the comprehensive nature of the offender's responsibility. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates a clear **Progressive Unfolding** of the path to reconciliation, moving from the internal, spiritual act of confession to the external, tangible acts of restitution. This sequence mirrors the journey from inner repentance to outward demonstration of a changed heart, illustrating that true restoration requires both inward transformation and outward action.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 5:7 reveals a profound theological truth: sin against one's neighbor is simultaneously a trespass against God. This holistic view of sin underscores the interconnectedness of human relationships and the divine order. God's justice is portrayed not merely as punitive but fundamentally restorative, aiming to heal broken relationships and re-establish harmony within the community. The requirement for confession highlights the importance of truthfulness, humility, and personal responsibility before God and others, while the detailed restitution ensures that justice is tangible and that victims are not left to suffer financial or material loss due to another's wrongdoing. This principle of making comprehensive amends goes beyond mere forgiveness, demanding practical action to rectify the harm caused, thereby reflecting God's character as one who desires both righteousness and reconciliation in the fullest sense.

* [Proverbs 28:13](/proverbs/28-13 "Proverbs 28:13 - Confession and Mercy")
* [Leviticus 6:5](/leviticus/6-5 "Leviticus 6:5 - Restitution in Trespass Offerings")
* [Luke 19:8](/luke/19-8 "Luke 19:8 - Zacchaeus's Restitution")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 5:7 offers timeless and profound wisdom for navigating human relationships and addressing wrongdoing in any community, whether ancient Israel or contemporary society. It challenges us to move beyond superficial apologies or vague expressions of regret to genuine, specific confession, acknowledging the precise harm we have caused. More profoundly, it calls us to take active, tangible, and often costly steps toward restitution, understanding that true reconciliation frequently requires more than just words; it demands practical efforts to make things right and restore what was lost or damaged. This principle compels us to consider the full impact of our actions on others and to prioritize the comprehensive restoration of those we have wronged. In a world often quick to offer cheap forgiveness without demanding accountability, or to punish without seeking restoration, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's justice is comprehensive, encompassing both spiritual acknowledgment and material amends. It fosters a deeper sense of personal responsibility and promotes true, holistic healing within our relationships and communities, reflecting God's desire for integrity and peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I need to move from a general sense of guilt to a precise and open confession of wrongdoing?**
* **What practical and tangible steps can I take to make restitution for harm I have caused, even if it feels uncomfortable, costly, or challenging?**
* **How does the emphasis on direct and generous restitution to the wronged party challenge or deepen my current understanding of forgiveness and reconciliation?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "fifth part" (20%) added to the principal?**

Answer: The addition of a "fifth part" (20%) to the principal amount of restitution served multiple significant purposes within the Mosaic Law, demonstrating God's comprehensive approach to justice. Firstly, it acted as a strong deterrent, making the cost of committing a trespass considerably higher than merely returning what was taken or damaged, thereby discouraging casual or intentional wrongdoing. Secondly, it provided additional, punitive compensation to the wronged party, acknowledging not just the material loss but also the inconvenience, distress, or potential loss of income incurred due to the trespass. It went beyond simple fairness to provide a measure of damages for the offender's breach of trust and peace. Thirdly, it underscored the profound seriousness of the offense, elevating a simple civil wrong to a transgression that required more than just equal repayment, reflecting its nature as a "trespass against the Lord" ([Numbers 5:6](/numbers/5-6 "Numbers 5:6 - Trespass Against the Lord")). This additional payment emphasized the gravity of violating both human and divine trust and served as a tangible expression of the offender's remorse.

**Why is confession required before restitution?**

Answer: The sequence of confession preceding restitution ("Then they shall confess... and he shall recompense...") is crucial and highlights the holistic nature of God's justice. Confession is not merely a legal formality but a spiritual and moral prerequisite for true reconciliation. It signifies a genuine acknowledgment of guilt and responsibility, demonstrating humility and a willingness to repent. Without sincere confession, restitution can become a cold, transactional act, devoid of true repentance and heart change, offering no spiritual healing for the offender or the relationship. God desires not just the repayment of a debt, but a transformed heart that recognizes its sin and the offense it has caused. This divinely ordained order ensures that the act of restitution flows from a place of genuine remorse and a profound desire for reconciliation, both with the wronged party and with God, who was also offended by the trespass ([Numbers 5:6](/numbers/5-6 "Numbers 5:6 - Trespass Against the Lord")).

**Does this law apply to all sins, or only specific types?**

Answer: Numbers 5:7 specifically addresses trespasses that involve a wrong committed by one person against another, particularly those concerning property or trust, which are also considered "trespasses against the Lord" ([Numbers 5:6](/numbers/5-6 "Numbers 5:6 - Trespass Against the Lord")). While the underlying principles of confession, accountability, and restitution are broadly applicable to many forms of sin throughout Scripture, this particular law focuses on situations where a tangible wrong has been done to another individual, resulting in a measurable loss or damage that can be materially restored. Other sins, such as idolatry, certain ritual impurities, or moral transgressions against God alone, had different prescribed atonement methods, often involving specific sacrifices without direct human restitution. However, the pervasive biblical principle that sin has consequences, both spiritual and relational, and requires active engagement for reconciliation, is profoundly illustrated by this law and permeates the broader biblical narrative.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 5:7, with its emphasis on confession and comprehensive restitution for trespasses, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound transformation in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament law meticulously demanded that the offender make amends, it inherently pointed to a deeper, more pervasive reality: humanity's utter inability to fully recompense its infinite trespass against a holy and righteous God. Our sin is not merely a "fifth part" added to a principal; it is an immeasurable debt that we, in our fallen state, can never repay. Jesus, as the perfect [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), fully recompensed our trespass, not with a principal and a fifth part, but with His own precious life, offering a perfect, once-for-all, and complete atonement on the cross ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love in Christ's Death")). Through His sacrificial death, He paid the ultimate "restitution" for our sin, satisfying divine justice and reconciling us completely to God ([2 Corinthians 5:18-19](/2_corinthians/5-18 "2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - Ministry of Reconciliation")). Furthermore, Christ's transformative work enables us to truly confess our sins, knowing that forgiveness is freely offered and guaranteed through His shed blood ([1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")). He empowers and enables us, by His indwelling Spirit, to live out the principles of restitution, reconciliation, and justice in our horizontal relationships with others, as powerfully exemplified by Zacchaeus's Spirit-driven transformation and generous restitution ([Luke 19:8-9](/luke/19-8 "Luke 19:8 - Zacchaeus's Restitution")). Thus, Christ is not only the one who perfectly paid our insurmountable debt but also the one who empowers us to live justly and restoratively, reflecting the very heart of God's redemptive plan in a broken world.

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 5:5

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]:

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;

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.

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.

Proverbs 28:13

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

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.

Leviticus 7:7

As the sin offering [is], so [is] the trespass offering: [there is] one law for them: the priest that maketh atonement therewith shall have [it].