Leviticus 5:16 - He shall make restitution for that which he has done wrong in the holy thing, and shall add a fifth part to it, and give it to the priest; and the priest shall make atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering, and he will be forgiven.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Leviticus 5:16" mean?
Leviticus 5:16 outlines the procedure for atonement and restitution for unintentionally profaning or misusing something dedicated to the Lord (the "holy thing"). Let's break down the verse:
"He shall make restitution for that which he has done wrong in the holy thing..." This means the person who committed the unintentional transgression must compensate for the damage or loss caused by their action. This underscores the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions, even unintentional ones.
"...and shall add a fifth part to it..." This means the individual must pay an additional 20% (one-fifth) on top of the original value of the restitution. This penalty served as a deterrent and emphasized the seriousness of offenses against holy things. It also functioned as a form of further purification of the transgressor's heart.
"...and give it to the priest..." The restitution payment, including the added fifth, is given to the priest. The priest likely used these funds for the upkeep of the sanctuary or for other sacred purposes.
"...and the priest shall make atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering..." The priest offers a ram as a "trespass offering" (also called a "guilt offering") on behalf of the person. This offering symbolized the removal of the sin and reconciliation with God.
"...and he will be forgiven." Through this process of restitution and sacrifice, the individual receives forgiveness for their unintentional transgression.
In Summary:
This verse details the process for unintentional offenses against holy things. It involves:
1. Restitution: Compensating for the wrong committed.
2. Penalty: Paying an additional 20% as a deterrent.
3. Offering: The priest offering a sacrifice to atone for the sin.
4. Forgiveness: Through these actions, the individual achieves reconciliation with God.
Key takeaways:
Importance of Holiness: The verse highlights the importance of respecting and protecting things dedicated to God.
Responsibility: Even unintentional transgressions require taking responsibility and making amends.
Restitution and Atonement: Both financial compensation and a sacrificial offering were necessary for complete forgiveness.
Role of the Priesthood: The priest served as a mediator between the people and God, facilitating atonement.
Divine Grace: The final statement, "...and he will be forgiven," shows God's willingness to forgive those who sincerely seek atonement according to the prescribed means.
It's important to remember that these Old Testament laws and rituals served as types and shadows, pointing towards the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. While the specific requirements of the Levitical law are no longer binding on Christians, the underlying principles of repentance, restitution (where possible), and seeking forgiveness remain relevant.
Leviticus 5:16 - He shall make restitution for that which he has done wrong in the holy thing, and shall add a fifth part to it, and give it to the priest; and the priest shall make atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering, and he will be forgiven.
What does "Leviticus 5:16" mean?
Leviticus 5:16 outlines the procedure for atonement and restitution for unintentionally profaning or misusing something dedicated to the Lord (the "holy thing"). Let's break down the verse:
"He shall make restitution for that which he has done wrong in the holy thing..." This means the person who committed the unintentional transgression must compensate for the damage or loss caused by their action. This underscores the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions, even unintentional ones.
"...and shall add a fifth part to it..." This means the individual must pay an additional 20% (one-fifth) on top of the original value of the restitution. This penalty served as a deterrent and emphasized the seriousness of offenses against holy things. It also functioned as a form of further purification of the transgressor's heart.
"...and give it to the priest..." The restitution payment, including the added fifth, is given to the priest. The priest likely used these funds for the upkeep of the sanctuary or for other sacred purposes.
"...and the priest shall make atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering..." The priest offers a ram as a "trespass offering" (also called a "guilt offering") on behalf of the person. This offering symbolized the removal of the sin and reconciliation with God.
"...and he will be forgiven." Through this process of restitution and sacrifice, the individual receives forgiveness for their unintentional transgression.
In Summary:
This verse details the process for unintentional offenses against holy things. It involves:
1. Restitution: Compensating for the wrong committed.
2. Penalty: Paying an additional 20% as a deterrent.
3. Offering: The priest offering a sacrifice to atone for the sin.
4. Forgiveness: Through these actions, the individual achieves reconciliation with God.
Key takeaways:
Importance of Holiness: The verse highlights the importance of respecting and protecting things dedicated to God.
Responsibility: Even unintentional transgressions require taking responsibility and making amends.
Restitution and Atonement: Both financial compensation and a sacrificial offering were necessary for complete forgiveness.
Role of the Priesthood: The priest served as a mediator between the people and God, facilitating atonement.
Divine Grace: The final statement, "...and he will be forgiven," shows God's willingness to forgive those who sincerely seek atonement according to the prescribed means.
It's important to remember that these Old Testament laws and rituals served as types and shadows, pointing towards the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. While the specific requirements of the Levitical law are no longer binding on Christians, the underlying principles of repentance, restitution (where possible), and seeking forgiveness remain relevant.