King James Version

What Does Leviticus 5:18 Mean?

Leviticus 5:18 in the King James Version says “And he shall bring a ram without blemish out of the flock, with thy estimation, for a trespass offering, unto the priest...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 5:18 · KJV

Forgiveness

Context

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.

19

It is a trespass offering: he hath certainly trespassed against the LORD.

Read Leviticus 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 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.
Every sacrifice and ritual in Leviticus points forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the entire sacrificial system as both perfect sacrifice and eternal high priest.

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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. 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. In what ways does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ's atoning sacrifice and the seriousness of sin?
  2. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  3. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וְ֠הֵבִיא1 of 21

“And he shall bring”

H935

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

אַ֣יִל2 of 21

“a ram”

H352

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

תָּמִ֧ים3 of 21

“without blemish”

H8549

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

מִן4 of 21
H4480

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

הַצֹּ֛אן5 of 21

“out of the flock”

H6629

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

בְּעֶרְכְּךָ֥6 of 21

“with thy estimation”

H6187

a pile, equipment, estimate

לְאָשָׁ֖ם7 of 21

“for a trespass offering”

H817

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

אֶל8 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַכֹּהֵ֜ן9 of 21

“and the priest”

H3548

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

וְכִפֶּר֩10 of 21

“shall make an atonement”

H3722

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

עָלָ֨יו11 of 21
H5921

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

הַכֹּהֵ֜ן12 of 21

“and the priest”

H3548

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

עַ֣ל13 of 21
H5921

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

שִׁגְגָת֧וֹ14 of 21

“for him concerning his ignorance”

H7684

a mistake or inadvertent transgression

אֲשֶׁר15 of 21
H834

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

שָׁגָ֛ג16 of 21

“wherein he erred”

H7683

to stray, i.e., (figuratively) sin (with more or less apology)

וְה֥וּא17 of 21
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

לֹֽא18 of 21
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָדַ֖ע19 of 21

“and wist”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

וְנִסְלַ֥ח20 of 21

“it not and it shall be forgiven”

H5545

to forgive

לֽוֹ׃21 of 21
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 5:18 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 5:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 5:15-16Leviticus 1:4Leviticus 4:20Leviticus 6:6-71 Timothy 2:5-6

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