King James Version

What Does Leviticus 5:15 Mean?

Leviticus 5:15 in the King James Version says “If a soul commit a trespass, and sin through ignorance, in the holy things of the LORD; then he shall bring for his tres...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“If a soul commit a trespass, and sin through ignorance, in the holy things of the LORD; then he shall bring for his trespass unto the LORD a ram without blemish out of the flocks, with thy estimation by shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering:”

Leviticus 5:15 · KJV

Context

13

And the priest shall make an atonement for him as touching his sin that he hath sinned in one of these, and it shall be forgiven him: and the remnant shall be the priest's, as a meat offering.

14

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

15

If a soul commit a trespass, and sin through ignorance, in the holy things of the LORD; then he shall bring for his trespass unto the LORD a ram without blemish out of the flocks, with thy estimation by shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering:

16

And he shall make amends for the harm that he hath done in the holy thing, and shall add the fifth part thereto, and give it unto the priest: and the priest shall make an atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering, and it shall be forgiven him.

17

And if a soul sin, and commit any of these things which are forbidden to be done by the commandments of the LORD; though he wist it not, yet is he guilty, and shall bear his iniquity.

Read Leviticus 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If a soul commit a trespass, and sin through ignorance, in the holy things of the LORD; then he shall bring for his trespass unto the LORD a ram without blemish out of the flocks, with thy estimation by shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering:

This verse falls within the section on Guilt Offerings. The guilt offering (אָשָׁם, asham) addressed specific trespasses requiring both sacrifice and restitution, emphasizing sin's relational damage.

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 five main offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt) addressed different aspects of relationship with God, all fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive sacrifice.
Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The guilt offering (אָשָׁם, asham) addressed specific trespasses requiring both sacrifice and restitution, emphasizing sin's relational damage. Leviticus was given to Israel at Mount Sinai, shortly after the tabernacle's construction described in Exodus. The name 'Leviticus' (from Latin Leviticus, referring to the Levites) reflects its focus on priestly duties, though the Hebrew title Wayyiqra ('And He called') emphasizes God's initiative in revealing these laws. The first seven chapters detail the five main offerings, providing both worshiper instructions and priestly procedures. Ancient Near Eastern cultures had various sacrificial systems, but Israel's sacrificial worship was unique in its ethical foundation, monotheistic framework, and emphasis on atonement rather than appeasement. Unlike pagan rituals focused on manipulating deities, Israel's sacrifices acknowledged God's sovereignty and sought reconciliation based on His gracious provision. The Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's holiness, as revealed in this verse, shape your understanding of worship, obedience, and daily living?
  2. In what ways does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ's atoning sacrifice and the seriousness of sin?
  3. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
נֶ֚פֶשׁ1 of 22

“If a soul”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

כִּֽי2 of 22
H3588

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

תִמְעֹ֣ל3 of 22

“commit”

H4603

properly, to cover up; used only figuratively, to act covertly, i.e., treacherously

מַ֔עַל4 of 22

“a trespass”

H4604

treachery, i.e., sin

וְחָֽטְאָה֙5 of 22

“and sin”

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

בִּשְׁגָגָ֔ה6 of 22

“through ignorance”

H7684

a mistake or inadvertent transgression

הַקֹּ֖דֶשׁ7 of 22

“in the holy things”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

לַֽיהוָ֜ה8 of 22

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וְהֵבִיא֩9 of 22

“then he shall bring”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶת10 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לְאָשָֽׁם׃11 of 22

“for a trespass offering”

H817

guilt; by implication, a fault; also a sin-offering

לַֽיהוָ֜ה12 of 22

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אַ֧יִל13 of 22

“a ram”

H352

properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree

תָּמִ֣ים14 of 22

“without blemish”

H8549

entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth

מִן15 of 22
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַצֹּ֗אן16 of 22

“out of the flocks”

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

בְּעֶרְכְּךָ֛17 of 22

“with thy estimation”

H6187

a pile, equipment, estimate

כֶּֽסֶף18 of 22

“of silver”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

בְּשֶֽׁקֶל19 of 22

“after the shekel”

H8255

probably a weight; used as a commercial standard

בְּשֶֽׁקֶל20 of 22

“after the shekel”

H8255

probably a weight; used as a commercial standard

הַקֹּ֖דֶשׁ21 of 22

“in the holy things”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

לְאָשָֽׁם׃22 of 22

“for a trespass offering”

H817

guilt; by implication, a fault; also a sin-offering

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 5:15 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 5:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 30:13Leviticus 4:2Leviticus 6:6Deuteronomy 15:19-20Leviticus 7:1Ezra 10:19

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 5 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Leviticus 5 with CommentaryAll Leviticus ChaptersComplete Leviticus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes