Leviticus 5:17 - “If anyone sins, and does any of the things which Yahweh has commanded not to be done; though he didn’t know it, yet he is guilty, and shall bear his iniquity.

Generated Verse: Leviticus 5:17

What does "Leviticus 5:17" mean?


This verse from Leviticus 5:17 highlights the importance of obedience to God's laws, even when unintentional. Let's break it down:

"If anyone sins, and does any of the things which Yahweh has commanded not to be done...": This establishes the scenario: someone has violated a commandment of God.

"...though he didn’t know it...": This is the key part. The person committed the sin unknowingly, without being aware that their action was wrong.

"...yet he is guilty...": Despite the lack of awareness, the person is still held accountable for their sin. Ignorance of the law doesn't negate the guilt.

"...and shall bear his iniquity.": This means the person must face the consequences of their sin. In the context of Leviticus, this would typically involve bringing a sin offering to atone for their transgression.

In essence, the verse emphasizes:

God's Law as the Standard: Yahweh's commands are the absolute standard, regardless of human awareness.
Accountability for Sin: Sin has consequences, even when committed unintentionally.
The Importance of Seeking Knowledge: It implicitly encourages people to learn and understand God's laws to avoid unintentional transgressions.

Why is this important?

It Highlights God's Holiness: God's holiness demands purity and obedience, even in areas where we might be unaware of our failings.
It Encourages Humility: It reminds us that we don't know everything and should be open to learning and correction.
It Points to the Need for Atonement: The sin offering mentioned in Leviticus provides a way to deal with sin and restore fellowship with God.

New Testament Perspective:

While the Old Testament emphasizes the importance of following the law, the New Testament, particularly through Jesus Christ, offers a different approach to dealing with sin. Jesus provides forgiveness and atonement for all sins, intentional and unintentional, through his sacrifice. However, this doesn't negate the importance of striving to live a life that is pleasing to God.

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