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 the divine mandate for an Israelite who has committed a trespass against another person, requiring not only a sincere confession of the wrongdoing but also a comprehensive and precise act of restitution. This verse underscores God's profound concern for both individual integrity and communal harmony within the covenant community, establishing a legal and moral framework that addresses both the spiritual dimension of sin against God and the practical, material consequences of sin against one's neighbor. It serves as a foundational text for understanding the Old Testament's holistic approach to justice, reconciliation, and the restoration of broken relationships.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated 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, discharge, or contact with the dead, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining the camp's sanctity due to God's presence among His people. Numbers 5:5-10 then transitions from ritual purity to moral and legal purity, specifically addressing trespasses committed by one Israelite against another. The inclusion of this law directly after ritual purity codes highlights that ethical and relational integrity is 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 a "trespass against the Lord."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The laws in Numbers were given to the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings, as they were being shaped into a holy nation under God's covenant. The meticulous regulations regarding the camp's order and purity (as seen 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 essential for a nomadic people living in close proximity, where disputes and infringements could easily arise. In ancient Near Eastern societies, restitution for wrongdoing was a common legal principle, but the Mosaic Law often surpassed these by integrating a theological dimension, framing offenses against humans as also offenses against God. The requirement for confession and an added "fifth part" (20%) penalty went beyond simple repayment, serving as a strong deterrent and ensuring ample compensation for the wronged party, reflecting a divine standard of justice that aimed for restoration and the preservation of social fabric.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Confess (Hebrew, _yithwaddû'_):** This verb, derived from the root יָדָה (yadah), meaning "to throw, cast," often appears in the Hithpael stem (as here) to mean "to confess, acknowledge, praise." In the context of sin, it signifies an open, public, and often painful admission of guilt, a "throwing out" or "casting forth" of one's wrongdoing. It implies a voluntary and sincere recognition of fault, which is a prerequisite for true repentance and the subsequent acts of restitution. This is not merely a legal formality but a spiritual and moral act.
* **Trespass (Hebrew, _ma'al'_):** This noun 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.
* **Recompense (Hebrew, _wəhēšîḇ'_):** From the root שׁוּב (shuv), meaning "to turn, return," this verb in the Hiphil stem means "to bring back, restore, repay." It emphasizes the active and concrete act of returning what was taken or damaged. It's 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.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then they shall confess their sin which they have done:"** This clause establishes confession as the indispensable first step in the process of atonement and reconciliation. It's not enough to simply make amends; a genuine, verbal acknowledgment of the specific sin committed is required. This highlights the moral and spiritual dimension of the transgression and the need for personal responsibility.
* **"and he shall recompense his trespass with the principal thereof,"** Following confession, the offender is obligated to restore the original value or item that was taken, damaged, or withheld. "Principal thereof" refers to the exact 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 material level.
* **"and add unto it the fifth [part] thereof,"** Beyond the principal, an additional penalty of one-fifth (20%) of the value of the trespass is mandated. This surcharge serves multiple purposes: it acts as a deterrent against future wrongdoing, provides additional compensation to the wronged party for their trouble and suffering, and underscores the seriousness of the offense as not just a material loss but a breach of trust and covenant.
* **"and give [it] unto [him] against whom he hath trespassed."** This final phrase emphasizes the direct nature of the restitution. The payment is not made to the priests, the temple, or the community fund, but directly to the injured party. This ensures that the victim receives immediate and tangible justice, fostering reconciliation and restoring the broken relationship between the individuals involved.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 5:7 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Legal Language**, characterized by precise, prescriptive commands ("they shall confess," "he shall recompense," "add unto it," "give it"). This direct, imperative style underscores the divine authority behind these laws and their non-negotiable nature within the covenant community. There is also a strong element of **Emphasis** through the detailed breakdown of restitution. The verse moves 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 leaves no room for ambiguity regarding the extent of the offender's responsibility. Furthermore, the structure of the verse, moving from the internal act of confession to the external acts of restitution, demonstrates a **Progressive Unfolding** of the path to reconciliation, mirroring the journey from inner repentance to outward demonstration of a changed heart.

### 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 not merely punitive but restorative, aiming to heal broken relationships and re-establish harmony within the community. The requirement for confession highlights the importance of truthfulness and humility 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 amends goes beyond mere forgiveness, demanding practical action to rectify the harm caused, reflecting God's character as one who desires both righteousness and reconciliation.

* [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 wisdom for navigating human relationships and addressing wrongdoing in any community. It challenges us to move beyond superficial apologies to genuine confession, acknowledging the specific harm we have caused. More profoundly, it calls us to take active, tangible steps toward restitution, understanding that true reconciliation often requires more than just words; it demands practical efforts to make things right. This principle encourages us to consider the full impact of our actions on others and to prioritize the restoration of those we have wronged. In a world often quick to forgive without demanding accountability, or to punish without seeking restoration, this verse reminds us that God's justice is comprehensive, encompassing both spiritual acknowledgment and material amends, fostering a deeper sense of responsibility and promoting true healing within our relationships and communities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I need to move from a general sense of guilt to a specific confession of wrongdoing?**
* **What practical steps can I take to make restitution for harm I have caused, even if it feels uncomfortable or costly?**
* **How does the emphasis on direct restitution to the wronged party challenge my 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. Firstly, it acted as a strong deterrent, making the cost of committing a trespass considerably higher than merely returning what was taken or damaged. This discouraged casual or intentional wrongdoing. Secondly, it provided additional 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 punitive damages for the offender's breach of trust. Thirdly, it underscored the 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" (as seen in [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.

**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. 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. God desires not just the repayment of a debt, but a transformed heart that recognizes its sin. This order ensures that the act of restitution flows from a place of genuine remorse and a 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 principles of confession and restitution are broadly applicable to many forms of sin, 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 or certain ritual impurities, had different prescribed atonement methods, often involving sacrifices without direct human restitution. However, the underlying principle that sin has consequences, both spiritual and relational, and requires active engagement for reconciliation, is a pervasive theme throughout the Mosaic Law and 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 transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament law demanded that the offender make amends, it pointed to a deeper reality: humanity's inability to fully recompense its trespass against a holy God. Our sin is not merely a "fifth part" added to a principal; it is an infinite debt that we can never repay. Jesus, as the perfect [Lamb of God](/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 life, offering a perfect and complete atonement on the cross ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love in Christ's Death")). Through His sacrifice, He paid the ultimate "restitution" for our sin, satisfying divine justice and reconciling us to God ([2 Corinthians 5:18-19](/2_corinthians/5-18 "2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - Ministry of Reconciliation")). Furthermore, Christ's work enables us to truly confess our sins, knowing that forgiveness is freely offered through His blood ([1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")). He empowers us, by His Spirit, to live out the principles of restitution and reconciliation in our horizontal relationships, as exemplified by Zacchaeus's transformation ([Luke 19:8-9](/luke/19-8 "Luke 19:8 - Zacchaeus's Restitution")). Thus, Christ is not only the one who paid our debt but also the one who enables us to live justly and restoratively, reflecting the very heart of God's redemptive plan.

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.