Leviticus 5:15 - “If anyone commits a trespass, and sins unwittingly, in the holy things of Yahweh; then he shall bring his trespass offering to Yahweh, a ram without defect from the flock, according to your estimation in silver by shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering.
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What does "Leviticus 5:15" mean?
Leviticus 5:15 outlines a specific situation involving unintentional sin related to "holy things of Yahweh" and prescribes a specific offering to atone for that sin. Let's break it down:
"If anyone commits a trespass, and sins unwittingly, in the holy things of Yahweh": This sets the stage. It's not about deliberate disobedience. It refers to someone who unintentionally violates a rule or standard related to things considered sacred or dedicated to God. This could be related to:
Misuse of sacred items: Accidentally damaging or using something dedicated to the Temple in a way that wasn't permitted.
Withholding dues: Unintentionally failing to give the required portion of offerings or tithes that were designated as holy.
Violating sanctuary protocols: Unknowingly breaking a rule within the Temple or Tabernacle.
The key here is the lack of intentionality. It's a mistake, an oversight, or a lack of awareness.
"then he shall bring his trespass offering to Yahweh, a ram without defect from the flock": This is the prescribed solution. The person who has committed the unintentional sin must bring a "trespass offering" (also called a guilt offering). The offering specifically needs to be:
A ram: A male sheep.
Without defect: The animal must be physically perfect, without blemish or disability, symbolizing the purity and blamelessness required in approaching God.
"according to your estimation in silver by shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering": This introduces a monetary component.
"Your estimation": This suggests a priestly assessment. The priest would evaluate the value of the trespass based on the specific nature of the transgression.
"In silver by shekels": The compensation for the trespass was to be measured in silver, using the standard weight of a "shekel."
"After the shekel of the sanctuary": This is crucial. It means that the "shekel" used for valuation was the standard shekel weight used in the Temple, which was considered the official and accurate measurement. This ensured consistency and prevented people from using lighter shekels to cheat. The actual fine/valuation would likely be a sum that would then be used to value the animal for the offering.
"for a trespass offering": Again emphasizes that this is the specific offering to cover the unintentional sin.
In essence, the verse is saying:
If someone accidentally commits a sin involving something sacred, they must bring a perfect ram as a trespass offering. In addition to the animal, they may have to compensate financially, based on the severity of the trespass as determined by the priest, using the Temple's standard weight for the silver value.
Why this offering?
The trespass offering, in general, was intended to:
Acknowledge guilt: Even unintentional sins have consequences and require atonement.
Restore holiness: The sin, even unintentional, defiles the sacred space or objects and needs to be purified.
Seek forgiveness: Through the offering, the person seeks God's forgiveness for their error.
Demonstrate repentance: By bringing a valuable offering, the individual shows sincerity in their desire to be right with God.
This verse highlights the importance of purity and reverence in approaching God and His sacred things, and it provides a means of reconciliation even when unintentional errors occur. It also underscores the role of the priesthood in mediating between God and the people.
Leviticus 5:15 - “If anyone commits a trespass, and sins unwittingly, in the holy things of Yahweh; then he shall bring his trespass offering to Yahweh, a ram without defect from the flock, according to your estimation in silver by shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering.
What does "Leviticus 5:15" mean?
Leviticus 5:15 outlines a specific situation involving unintentional sin related to "holy things of Yahweh" and prescribes a specific offering to atone for that sin. Let's break it down:
"If anyone commits a trespass, and sins unwittingly, in the holy things of Yahweh": This sets the stage. It's not about deliberate disobedience. It refers to someone who unintentionally violates a rule or standard related to things considered sacred or dedicated to God. This could be related to:
Misuse of sacred items: Accidentally damaging or using something dedicated to the Temple in a way that wasn't permitted.
Withholding dues: Unintentionally failing to give the required portion of offerings or tithes that were designated as holy.
Violating sanctuary protocols: Unknowingly breaking a rule within the Temple or Tabernacle.
The key here is the lack of intentionality. It's a mistake, an oversight, or a lack of awareness.
"then he shall bring his trespass offering to Yahweh, a ram without defect from the flock": This is the prescribed solution. The person who has committed the unintentional sin must bring a "trespass offering" (also called a guilt offering). The offering specifically needs to be:
A ram: A male sheep.
Without defect: The animal must be physically perfect, without blemish or disability, symbolizing the purity and blamelessness required in approaching God.
"according to your estimation in silver by shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering": This introduces a monetary component.
"Your estimation": This suggests a priestly assessment. The priest would evaluate the value of the trespass based on the specific nature of the transgression.
"In silver by shekels": The compensation for the trespass was to be measured in silver, using the standard weight of a "shekel."
"After the shekel of the sanctuary": This is crucial. It means that the "shekel" used for valuation was the standard shekel weight used in the Temple, which was considered the official and accurate measurement. This ensured consistency and prevented people from using lighter shekels to cheat. The actual fine/valuation would likely be a sum that would then be used to value the animal for the offering.
"for a trespass offering": Again emphasizes that this is the specific offering to cover the unintentional sin.
In essence, the verse is saying:
If someone accidentally commits a sin involving something sacred, they must bring a perfect ram as a trespass offering. In addition to the animal, they may have to compensate financially, based on the severity of the trespass as determined by the priest, using the Temple's standard weight for the silver value.
Why this offering?
The trespass offering, in general, was intended to:
Acknowledge guilt: Even unintentional sins have consequences and require atonement.
Restore holiness: The sin, even unintentional, defiles the sacred space or objects and needs to be purified.
Seek forgiveness: Through the offering, the person seeks God's forgiveness for their error.
Demonstrate repentance: By bringing a valuable offering, the individual shows sincerity in their desire to be right with God.
This verse highlights the importance of purity and reverence in approaching God and His sacred things, and it provides a means of reconciliation even when unintentional errors occur. It also underscores the role of the priesthood in mediating between God and the people.