King James Version

What Does Leviticus 22:14 Mean?

Leviticus 22:14 in the King James Version says “And if a man eat of the holy thing unwittingly, then he shall put the fifth part thereof unto it, and shall give it unto...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And if a man eat of the holy thing unwittingly, then he shall put the fifth part thereof unto it, and shall give it unto the priest with the holy thing.”

Leviticus 22:14 · KJV

Context

12

If the priest's daughter also be married unto a stranger , she may not eat of an offering of the holy things. a stranger: Heb. a man a stranger

13

But if the priest's daughter be a widow, or divorced, and have no child, and is returned unto her father's house, as in her youth, she shall eat of her father's meat: but there shall no stranger eat thereof.

14

And if a man eat of the holy thing unwittingly, then he shall put the fifth part thereof unto it, and shall give it unto the priest with the holy thing.

15

And they shall not profane the holy things of the children of Israel, which they offer unto the LORD;

16

Or suffer them to bear the iniquity of trespass, when they eat their holy things: for I the LORD do sanctify them. suffer: or, lade themselves with the iniquity of trespass in their eating

Read Leviticus 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And if a man eat of the holy thing unwittingly, then he shall put the fifth part thereof unto it, and shall give it unto the priest with the holy thing.

This verse falls within the section on Acceptable Sacrifices. Requirements for acceptable sacrifices and those who may eat sacred offerings, maintaining sacrifice quality.

The central theme of Leviticus is God's holiness and the call for His people to be holy. The Hebrew word qadosh (קָדוֹשׁ) means 'set apart' or 'sacred,' emphasizing both separation from sin and consecration to God's purposes. The Aaronic priesthood mediated between God and Israel, offering sacrifices and maintaining the tabernacle. This prefigured Christ's superior priesthood after the order of Melchizedek.
The holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Requirements for acceptable sacrifices and those who may eat sacred offerings, maintaining sacrifice quality. Chapters 17-27, often called the 'Holiness Code,' expand covenant obligations beyond ritual to encompass all of life—sexuality, economics, justice, and relationships. The repeated refrain 'I am the LORD' grounds these laws in God's character and covenant relationship with Israel. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. Ancient texts like the Code of Hammurabi show that law codes were common in the ancient Near East, but biblical law uniquely grounded ethics in God's character rather than merely social convention.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's holiness, as revealed in this verse, shape your understanding of worship, obedience, and daily living?
  2. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  3. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְאִ֕ישׁ1 of 12

“And if a man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

כִּֽי2 of 12
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יֹאכַ֥ל3 of 12

“eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ׃4 of 12

“of the holy thing”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

בִּשְׁגָגָ֑ה5 of 12

“unwittingly”

H7684

a mistake or inadvertent transgression

וְיָסַ֤ף6 of 12

“then he shall put”

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

חֲמִֽשִׁיתוֹ֙7 of 12

“the fifth”

H2549

fifth; also a fifth

עָלָ֔יו8 of 12
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

וְנָתַ֥ן9 of 12

“part thereof unto it and shall give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לַכֹּהֵ֖ן10 of 12

“it unto the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

אֶת11 of 12
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ׃12 of 12

“of the holy thing”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Leviticus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Leviticus 22:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Leviticus 22:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 27:13Leviticus 27:15Leviticus 5:15-19

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 22 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Leviticus 22 with CommentaryAll Leviticus ChaptersComplete Leviticus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes