Leviticus 5:14-19 - Trespass-Offerings And Restitution
The root idea of the Hebrew word for trespass is "failure of duty through negligence." In addition to the sin itself, which is against God, as the august Custodian of the law and order of the universe, the injury, which such negligence inflicts upon one's neighbor, must be met by a compensation and fine. Any sum which another has lost through us should, of course, be repaid, and a fifth part added, if required. But probably, the main lesson of the trespass-offering is that we cannot injure any fellow-creature without offending against God. Our offence penetrates beyond the thin veil of humanity and the visible universe into the unseen Holy.
In dealing with all failures in regard to our fellows, there are three points, therefore, always to bear in mind: First, we must confess the sin to God; second, we must seek out our brother and confess to him, and ask his forgiveness, that we may win him, as our Lord said, Matthew 18:15; and, third, we must make restitution, with an addition. This was the teaching under the Law. Should it be less under the Gospel of love? [source]
Chapter Summary: Leviticus 5
1He who sins in concealing his knowledge 2in touching an unclean thing 4or in making an oath 6His trespass offering, of the flock 7of fowls 11or of flour 14The trespass offering in sacrilege 17and in sins of ignorance
What do the individual words in Leviticus 5:19 mean?
Is a trespass offeringitsurelyhe has trespassedagainst Yahweh-