Bible Study Notes: Leviticus 5 – The Trespass Offering
By JK Woodall
What is a Trespass?
A trespass is an act of wrongdoing, violation, or offense against another, whether against God or man. It can be intentional or unintentional but still requires accountability and restitution. The Hebrew word for trespass (אָשָׁם, asham) refers to guilt, debt, or offense that demands atonement.
Leviticus 5 outlines the Trespass Offering, a required sacrifice for sins that involve deception, unintentional disobedience, or wrongful gain. This chapter highlights God’s justice—sin must be acknowledged and atoned for—and God’s mercy, providing a way for restoration.
It is important to note that in most English Bible translations, Leviticus 5 contains 19 verses, following the Greek Septuagint tradition. However, in the Hebrew Bible (Masoretic Text), Leviticus 5 extends to 26 verses, with additional details about restitution and atonement found in verses 20-26. While we will focus on the Greek-based translation with 19 verses, we will briefly examine the additional Hebrew text at the end of these notes.
Leviticus 5:1-19 (Greek Translation – 19 Verses)
1. The Responsibility to Speak Truth (Leviticus 5:1, KJV)
"And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and is a witness, whether he hath seen or known of it; if he do not utter it, then he shall bear his iniquity."
Silence in the face of wrongdoing is itself a sin. If someone witnesses a crime or injustice but refuses to testify, they share in the guilt. God holds His people accountable not just for their actions but also for their inaction.
2. Defilement and Unintentional Sin (Leviticus 5:2-3, ESV)
"If anyone touches an unclean thing, whether the carcass of an unclean wild animal or a dead body of a person, and it is hidden from him, and he realizes his guilt... he shall be guilty."
Even unintentional contact with uncleanness required atonement. This emphasizes that sin, even when accidental, separates us from God and requires confession and cleansing.
3. Rash Oaths and Their Consequences (Leviticus 5:4, NIV)
"If anyone thoughtlessly takes an oath to do anything, whether good or evil—when they realize their guilt in any of these matters, they must confess their sin."
Words have power, and careless promises or vows can bring guilt. The principle here is that God's people must be careful with their speech and uphold their commitments.
4. The Required Atonement (Leviticus 5:5-6, NKJV)
"And it shall be, when he is guilty in any of these matters, that he shall confess that he has sinned in that thing; and he shall bring his trespass offering to the Lord."
Confession and sacrifice were required for atonement. This foreshadows Jesus Christ, the ultimate atonement for our sins (Hebrews 9:22).
5. Offerings Based on Economic Status (Leviticus 5:7-13, NASB)
"But if he cannot afford a sheep, then he shall bring to the Lord his guilt offering for that in which he has sinned, two turtledoves or two young pigeons."
God made provisions for the poor, allowing them to bring smaller offerings if they couldn’t afford a lamb. This shows God's grace and fairness in His laws.
6. Trespassing Against God’s Holy Things (Leviticus 5:14-16, CSB)
"If someone offends by sinning unintentionally in regard to any of the Lord’s holy things, he is to bring his restitution offering to the Lord: an unblemished ram from the flock."
This highlights the seriousness of offenses against God, even when done unintentionally. Restitution was required, with an additional penalty of 20%.
7. The Ram of Atonement (Leviticus 5:17-19, NLT)
"If you sin by violating one of the Lord’s commands, even if you are unaware of what you have done, you are guilty and will be punished for your sin. You must bring a ram without defect as a guilt offering."
This passage reiterates that ignorance does not excuse sin. It also points to Christ, the spotless Lamb, who became our final offering.
Leviticus 5:20-26 (Hebrew Bible Additional Verses)
The Hebrew Bible (Masoretic Text) includes Leviticus 5:20-26, which expands on the requirement for restitution.
- Leviticus 5:20-23 (JPS Tanakh 1917) emphasizes returning stolen property or dishonest gain.
- Leviticus 5:24-26 requires full repayment plus an additional 20% and a trespass offering.
This shows that God's justice includes both atonement before Him and restoration to the wronged party.
Personal Reflection Questions
- Have you ever been in a situation where you remained silent when you should have spoken the truth? How did that affect your relationship with others and with God? (Leviticus 5:1)
- How do you handle situations where you realize you have wronged someone? Do you seek to make restitution, as described in this passage? (Leviticus 5:14-16, 20-26)
- What does this chapter teach you about the seriousness of sin and the importance of confession and atonement in your spiritual walk?
Prayer Points
- Pray for a heart that is sensitive to sin, even unintentional sins, so that you may quickly seek God’s forgiveness and make things right.
- Ask God to help you walk in honesty and integrity, ensuring that your actions reflect His righteousness.
- Pray for strength and humility to seek restitution when needed, trusting in God's grace to restore relationships.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for revealing to us the importance of confession, atonement, and restitution. We acknowledge that we sometimes fall short, whether knowingly or unknowingly. Please give us hearts that are quick to repent and a spirit that desires to make things right. Help us to walk in truth, integrity, and obedience to Your Word.
Lord, we thank You for Jesus, our ultimate trespass offering, who paid the price for our sins. May we never take His sacrifice for granted but live in a way that honors You. Teach us to seek forgiveness, extend grace to others, and reflect Your love in all we do.
In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.