Leviticus 5:10 - He shall offer the second for a burnt offering, according to the ordinance; and the priest shall make atonement for him concerning his sin which he has sinned, and he shall be forgiven.

Generated Verse: Leviticus 5:10

What does "Leviticus 5:10" mean?


Leviticus 5:10 describes a specific ritual offering within the context of ancient Israelite law for someone who has sinned unintentionally or unknowingly. Let's break it down:

"He shall offer the second for a burnt offering...": This refers to the second bird that the person brings as a sacrifice if they can't afford a lamb or goat (as described earlier in Leviticus 5:7-9). The first bird was for a sin offering (to deal with the sin itself), and this second bird is for a burnt offering.

"...according to the ordinance": This means the offering must be performed in the prescribed manner according to the laws and rituals established by God. This includes how the priest is to handle the bird, where it's sacrificed, and how it's burned.

"...and the priest shall make atonement for him concerning his sin which he has sinned...": The priest acts as a mediator between the individual and God. Through the sacrifice, the priest performs a ritual that covers the person's sin, making them "at one" with God again (this is the meaning of atonement). This atonement is specifically for the unintentional sin that the person committed.

"...and he shall be forgiven": This is the key consequence of the ritual. Through the offering and the priest's actions, God pardons the person's sin. The individual is restored to a state of ritual purity and fellowship with God.

In essence, the verse describes a process for seeking forgiveness for unintentional sins through animal sacrifice and the priestly ministry. The sacrifice is a symbolic act showing the seriousness of sin and the need for a means of cleansing. The priest acts as an intermediary, and God, in his mercy, provides a way for the person to be forgiven.

Important Considerations:

Context is crucial: This verse is part of a larger system of laws and sacrifices in Leviticus. To understand it fully, it needs to be read within its broader context.
Focus on Unintentional Sin: It's important to note that this offering specifically addresses unintentional sins, not deliberate defiance of God's commands.
Symbolic Nature: Christians generally view these Old Testament sacrifices as foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who provides complete and permanent atonement for sin. They see the animal sacrifices as symbolic representations of Jesus' sacrifice and not as a literal means of gaining forgiveness today.

In conclusion, Leviticus 5:10 describes a specific way for an Israelite to seek forgiveness from God for an unintentional sin through a burnt offering and the mediation of a priest. It highlights the concept of atonement and the possibility of divine forgiveness within the framework of the Old Testament sacrificial system.

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