Leviticus 6:3

Or have found that which was lost, and lieth concerning it, and sweareth falsely; in any of all these that a man doeth, sinning therein:

Or have found {H4672} that which was lost {H9}, and lieth {H3584} concerning it, and sweareth {H7650} falsely {H8267}; in any {H259} of all these that a man {H120} doeth {H6213}, sinning {H2398} therein {H2007}:

or by dealing falsely in regard to a lost object he has found, or by swearing to a lie -if a person commits any of these sins,

or finds lost property and lies about it and swears falsely, or if he commits any such sin that a man might commit—

or have found that which was lost, and deal falsely therein, and swear to a lie; in any of all these things that a man doeth, sinning therein;

Commentary

Leviticus 6:3 is part of a detailed section in the Mosaic Law concerning the trespass offering (also known as the guilt offering, Hebrew: 'asham). This specific verse addresses a particular scenario of dishonesty: when a person finds lost property but then lies about it and takes a false oath to conceal their wrongdoing. Such an act is explicitly identified as a sin requiring atonement.

Context

This verse immediately follows a list of offenses that necessitate a trespass offering, which primarily involve defrauding a neighbor, robbery, or retaining a deposit. The law here underscores God's demand for absolute honesty and integrity within the Israelite community. It highlights that sins committed against one's fellow human being, especially those involving deceit and property, are also considered sins against God himself, thus requiring a specific ritual for purification and reconciliation.

Key Themes

  • Truthfulness and Integrity: The verse strongly condemns lying and false swearing (perjury). It teaches that God requires His people to be truthful in all their interactions, especially when matters of property and trust are involved. A false oath, taken in God's name, makes the offense particularly grave.
  • Sin Against Neighbor and God: While the immediate victim is a fellow human, the act of deceit and false testimony is ultimately an affront to God's character and His covenant. This dual nature of the sin—against both man and God—is why a sacred offering is mandated.
  • Accountability and Restitution: Although not explicitly stated in this verse, the broader context of the trespass offering (Leviticus 6:4-5) mandates that the offender not only confess their sin but also make full restitution to the wronged party, plus an additional 20%. This emphasizes that true repentance involves practical steps to rectify the wrong. For more on the specifics of this offering, see Leviticus 6:5.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "sweareth falsely" (Hebrew: שְׁבוּעַ שֶׁקֶר - shevu'at sheqer) refers to taking a deceitful oath. In ancient Israel, an oath was a solemn declaration, often invoking God's name as a witness or guarantor of truth. To swear falsely was not merely lying; it was a profound act of disrespect and blasphemy against God, making the sin exceptionally serious.

Practical Application

The principles in Leviticus 6:3 remain timeless. It reminds us of the enduring importance of honesty and integrity in all aspects of life, from personal dealings to legal matters. God values truthfulness and justice, and deceit, even in seemingly minor instances like finding lost property and denying it, is considered a serious sin. The law also highlights the importance of making things right when we have wronged others, a principle that echoes throughout Scripture, including the New Testament's call to "put away lying, and speak every man truth with his neighbour" (Ephesians 4:25). This foundational truth also underpins the example of Zacchaeus' commitment to restitution in the Gospels. It encourages believers to live with a clear conscience, reflecting God's character of truth and righteousness.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 19:12 (4 votes)

    And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I [am] the LORD.

  • Exodus 23:4 (4 votes)

    If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again.

  • Exodus 22:9 (2 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.

  • Exodus 22:11 (2 votes)

    [Then] shall an oath of the LORD be between them both, that he hath not put his hand unto his neighbour's goods; and the owner of it shall accept [thereof], and he shall not make [it] good.

  • Deuteronomy 22:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Thou shalt not see thy brother's ox or his sheep go astray, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt in any case bring them again unto thy brother.

  • Deuteronomy 22:4 (2 votes)

    Thou shalt not see thy brother's ass or his ox fall down by the way, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt surely help him to lift [them] up again.

  • Zechariah 5:4 (2 votes)

    I will bring it forth, saith the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my name: and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it with the timber thereof and the stones thereof.