King James Version

What Does Leviticus 5:3 Mean?

Leviticus 5:3 in the King James Version says “Or if he touch the uncleanness of man, whatsoever uncleanness it be that a man shall be defiled withal, and it be hid fr...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Or if he touch the uncleanness of man, whatsoever uncleanness it be that a man shall be defiled withal, and it be hid from him; when he knoweth of it, then he shall be guilty.”

Leviticus 5:3 · KJV

Context

1

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.

2

Or if a soul touch any unclean thing, whether it be a carcase of an unclean beast, or a carcase of unclean cattle, or the carcase of unclean creeping things, and if it be hidden from him; he also shall be unclean, and guilty.

3

Or if he touch the uncleanness of man, whatsoever uncleanness it be that a man shall be defiled withal, and it be hid from him; when he knoweth of it, then he shall be guilty.

4

Or if a soul swear, pronouncing with his lips to do evil, or to do good, whatsoever it be that a man shall pronounce with an oath, and it be hid from him; when he knoweth of it, then he shall be guilty in one of these.

5

And it shall be, when he shall be guilty in one of these things, that he shall confess that he hath sinned in that thing:

Read Leviticus 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Or if he touch the uncleanness of man, whatsoever uncleanness it be that a man shall be defiled withal, and it be hid from him; when he knoweth of it, then he shall be guilty.

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.

Ritual purity laws taught Israel to distinguish between clean and unclean, holy and common, training them in discernment and reverence for God's presence.
The New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with God.

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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 tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you develop greater spiritual discernment in distinguishing what honors God from what defiles?
  2. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  3. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
א֣וֹ1 of 15
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

כִ֤י2 of 15
H3588

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

יִגַּע֙3 of 15

“Or if he touch”

H5060

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

טֻמְאָת֔וֹ4 of 15

“the uncleanness”

H2932

religious impurity

אָדָ֔ם5 of 15

“of man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

לְכֹל֙6 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

טֻמְאָת֔וֹ7 of 15

“the uncleanness”

H2932

religious impurity

אֲשֶׁ֥ר8 of 15
H834

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

יִטְמָ֖א9 of 15

“it be that a man shall be defiled”

H2930

to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)

בָּ֑הּ10 of 15
H0
וְנֶעְלַ֣ם11 of 15

“withal and it be hid”

H5956

to veil from sight, i.e., conceal (literally or figuratively)

מִמֶּ֔נּוּ12 of 15
H4480

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

וְה֥וּא13 of 15
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

יָדַ֖ע14 of 15

“from him when he knoweth”

H3045

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

וְאָשֵֽׁם׃15 of 15

“of it then he shall be guilty”

H816

to be guilty; by implication to be punished or perish

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 5:3 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 5:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 15:1-33Numbers 19:11-16Leviticus 12:1-8Leviticus 22:4-6

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