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.

But if the man {H376} have no kinsman {H1350} to recompense {H7725} the trespass {H817} unto, let the trespass {H817} be recompensed {H7725} unto the LORD {H3068}, even to the priest {H3548}; beside the ram {H352} of the atonement {H3725}, whereby an atonement shall be made {H3722} for him.

But if the person has no relative to whom restitution can be made for the guilt, then what is given in restitution for guilt will belong to ADONAI, that is, to the cohen - in addition to the ram of atonement through which atonement is made for him.

But if the man has no relative to whom restitution can be made for the wrong, the restitution belongs to the LORD and must be given to the priest along with the ram of atonement, by which the atonement is made for him.

But if the man have no kinsman to whom restitution may be made for the guilt, the restitution for guilt which is made unto Jehovah shall be the priest’s; besides the ram of the atonement, whereby atonement shall be made for him.

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Commentary

Numbers 5:8 is part of a section (Numbers 5:5-10) outlining specific laws regarding restitution for wrongs committed against another person, particularly when the injured party cannot be compensated directly. This passage follows the laws concerning purity and the separation of the unclean, emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct and making amends within the community of Israel.

Context

This verse addresses a specific scenario within the broader Old Testament legal framework concerning trespasses (Hebrew: ma'al), which often implies an act of unfaithfulness or a breach of trust against God or others. Numbers 5:7 specifies that if a person commits a trespass, they must confess their sin and make full restitution, adding a fifth part (20%) to the principal amount. Verse 8 provides the contingency: what happens if the wronged party has died and there is no surviving kinsman (next of kin) to receive the restitution? In such a case, the restitution is to be paid to the LORD, administered through the priest.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Restitution: The law emphasizes that a wrong committed against a person is also, ultimately, a wrong against God. Even if human avenues for justice are closed (no kinsman), the debt does not vanish. God ensures that justice is served, with the payment going to His representative, the priest. This highlights God's unwavering commitment to righteousness and His concern for victims.
  • Role of the Priesthood: The priest acts as an intermediary, receiving the restitution on behalf of the LORD. This underscores the vital role of the Levitical priesthood in maintaining spiritual and social order, handling matters of sin, atonement, and reconciliation within the community.
  • Separation of Restitution and Atonement: The verse clearly states "beside the ram of the atonement." This distinction is crucial. The restitution (the principal plus one-fifth) addresses the material or social wrong, making things right with the offended party (or God). The ram of atonement, part of the trespass offering, addresses the spiritual guilt before God, seeking forgiveness and expiation for the sin itself. Both material amends and spiritual reconciliation were required for full restoration.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "trespass" here is ma'al (מעל), which signifies an act of unfaithfulness, a breach of trust, or sacrilege, particularly in relation to sacred things or duties. It often carries the connotation of acting deceptively or defiling something holy. The term for "recompense" is related to the root shuv (שׁוּב), meaning "to return" or "restore," emphasizing the act of making things right by giving back what was taken or withheld. The word "atonement" comes from kaphar (כָּפַר), meaning "to cover," "to purge," or "to make reconciliation," pointing to the covering of sin through sacrifice.

Practical Application

Numbers 5:8 teaches timeless principles about accountability and divine justice. It reminds us that:

  • Responsibility for Wrongs Endures: There is no escaping the need to make amends for wrongs committed. Even if the immediate human recipient is unavailable, the obligation remains before God.
  • God's Concern for Justice: God is deeply concerned with justice and ensuring that victims are compensated and wrongs are righted, even when it seems impossible by human standards.
  • Holistic Forgiveness: True repentance and reconciliation often involve both seeking spiritual forgiveness from God and making practical restitution to those we have wronged. It's not enough to say "I'm sorry" if we can also make things right.

This verse, though rooted in ancient Israelite law, provides a powerful illustration of God's character as a just and merciful God who requires both spiritual cleansing and practical righteousness from His people.

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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 6:6

    And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the LORD, a ram without blemish out of the flock, with thy estimation, for a trespass offering, unto the priest:

  • Leviticus 6:7

    And the priest shall make an atonement for him before the LORD: and it shall be forgiven him for any thing of all that he hath done in trespassing therein.

  • 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].

  • Leviticus 25:25

    If thy brother be waxen poor, and hath sold away [some] of his possession, and if any of his kin come to redeem it, then shall he redeem that which his brother sold.

  • Leviticus 25:26

    And if the man have none to redeem it, and himself be able to redeem it;
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