King James Version

What Does Leviticus 5:16 Mean?

Leviticus 5:16 in the King James Version says “And he shall make amends for the harm that he hath done in the holy thing, and shall add the fifth part thereto, and giv...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 5:16 · KJV

Forgiveness

Context

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.

18

And he shall bring a ram without blemish out of the flock, with thy estimation, for a trespass offering, unto the priest: and the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his ignorance wherein he erred and wist it not, and it shall be forgiven him.

Read Leviticus 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 Hebrew word kaphar (כָּפַר) means 'to cover' or 'to make atonement.' The sacrificial system provided temporary covering for sin, pointing forward to Christ's perfect, once-for-all sacrifice. 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 five main offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt) addressed different aspects of relationship with God, all fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive sacrifice.
The holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

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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. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְאֵ֣ת1 of 20
H853

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

אֲשֶׁר֩2 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

חָטָ֨א3 of 20

“for the harm”

H2398

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

מִן4 of 20
H4480

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

הַקֹּ֜דֶשׁ5 of 20

“that he hath done in the holy thing”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

יְשַׁלֵּ֗ם6 of 20

“And he shall make amends”

H7999

to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate

וְאֶת7 of 20
H853

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

חֲמִֽישִׁתוֹ֙8 of 20

“the fifth part”

H2549

fifth; also a fifth

יוֹסֵ֣ף9 of 20

“and shall add”

H3254

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

עָלָ֔יו10 of 20
H5921

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

וְנָתַ֥ן11 of 20

“thereto and give”

H5414

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

אֹת֖וֹ12 of 20
H853

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

וְהַכֹּהֵ֗ן13 of 20

“and the priest”

H3548

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

וְהַכֹּהֵ֗ן14 of 20

“and the priest”

H3548

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

יְכַפֵּ֥ר15 of 20

“shall make an atonement”

H3722

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

עָלָ֛יו16 of 20
H5921

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

בְּאֵ֥יל17 of 20

“for him with the ram”

H352

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

הָֽאָשָׁ֖ם18 of 20

“of the trespass offering”

H817

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

וְנִסְלַ֥ח19 of 20

“and it shall be forgiven”

H5545

to forgive

לֽוֹ׃20 of 20
H0

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 5:16 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 5:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 5:7Leviticus 22:14Leviticus 6:4-5Leviticus 27:31Leviticus 5:10Leviticus 27:15

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