Leviticus 22:14 - “‘If a man eats something holy unwittingly, then he shall add the fifth part of its value to it, and shall give the holy thing to the priest.

Generated Verse: Leviticus 22:14

What does "Leviticus 22:14" mean?


This verse from Leviticus 22:14 deals with a situation where someone unintentionally eats something that is considered holy or set apart, usually belonging to the priests as a portion of sacrifices or offerings. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:

"If a man eats something holy unwittingly..." This sets the context: the person is eating something sacred, but they did so without realizing it was holy. This implies a lack of intention or malice.
"...then he shall add the fifth part of its value to it..." This refers to the compensation the person has to make. The penalty isn't just the value of the holy item eaten, but the value plus 20% (a fifth part). This additional amount acts as a form of restitution or penalty for the transgression.
"...and shall give the holy thing to the priest." This clarifies where the compensation goes: it's given to the priest, who is responsible for maintaining and administering holy things. In essence, the priest is reimbursed for the loss or consumption of the sacred item.

In simple terms:

If someone accidentally consumes something that belongs to the priests (a portion of an offering, for example), they have to pay the priest the value of what they ate plus an additional 20% as a penalty.

Purpose:

Restitution: The verse is a mechanism for restoring what was lost due to the unintentional transgression.
Respect for the Holy: It reinforces the importance of respecting sacred things and the consequences of mishandling them, even accidentally.
Support for the Priesthood: It helps to provide for the priests who were responsible for maintaining religious order and performing sacred duties.

It highlights the emphasis on proper handling and respect for holy things within the religious practices of ancient Israel, while also acknowledging that unintentional mistakes can occur and providing a means of atonement.

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