King James Version

What Does Leviticus 5:4 Mean?

Leviticus 5:4 in the King James Version says “Or if a soul swear, pronouncing with his lips to do evil, or to do good, whatsoever it be that a man shall pronounce wit...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 5:4 · KJV

Context

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:

6

And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the LORD for his sin which he hath sinned, a female from the flock, a lamb or a kid of the goats, for a sin offering; and the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his sin.

Read Leviticus 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.


Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

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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. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  2. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  3. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
א֣וֹ1 of 21
H176

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

נֶ֡פֶשׁ2 of 21

“Or 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

כִּ֣י3 of 21
H3588

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

תִשָּׁבַע֩4 of 21

“swear”

H7650

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

יְבַטֵּ֧א5 of 21

“pronouncing”

H981

to babble; hence, to vociferate angrily

בִשְׂפָתַ֜יִם6 of 21

“with his lips”

H8193

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

לְהָרַ֣ע׀7 of 21

“to do evil”

H7489

properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)

א֣וֹ8 of 21
H176

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

לְהֵיטִ֗יב9 of 21

“or to do good”

H3190

to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)

לְ֠כֹל10 of 21
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֨ר11 of 21
H834

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

יְבַטֵּ֧א12 of 21

“pronouncing”

H981

to babble; hence, to vociferate angrily

הָֽאָדָ֛ם13 of 21

“whatsoever it be that a man”

H120

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

בִּשְׁבֻעָ֖ה14 of 21

“with an oath”

H7621

properly, something sworn, i.e., an oath

וְנֶעְלַ֣ם15 of 21

“and it be hid”

H5956

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

מִמֶּ֑נּוּ16 of 21
H4480

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

וְהוּא17 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

יָדַ֥ע18 of 21

“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

וְאָשֵׁ֖ם19 of 21

“of it then he shall be guilty”

H816

to be guilty; by implication to be punished or perish

לְאַחַ֥ת20 of 21

“in one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

מֵאֵֽלֶּה׃21 of 21
H428

these or those

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 5:4 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 5:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ecclesiastes 5:2-6Acts 23:12Mark 6:23Judges 11:31Numbers 30:81 Samuel 25:22

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