King James Version

What Does Leviticus 5:6 Mean?

Leviticus 5:6 in the King James Version says “And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the LORD for his sin which he hath sinned, a female from the flock, a lamb...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 5:6 · KJV

Context

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.

7

And if he be not able to bring a lamb, then he shall bring for his trespass, which he hath committed, two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, unto the LORD; one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering. he be: Heb. his hand cannot reach to the sufficiency of a lamb

8

And he shall bring them unto the priest, who shall offer that which is for the sin offering first, and wring off his head from his neck, but shall not divide it asunder:

Read Leviticus 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.
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. 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 · 20 words
וְהֵבִ֣יא1 of 20

“And he shall bring”

H935

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

אֶת2 of 20
H853

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

אֲשָׁמ֣וֹ3 of 20

“his trespass offering”

H817

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

לַֽיהוָ֡ה4 of 20

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

עַ֣ל5 of 20
H5921

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

מֵֽחַטָּאתֽוֹ׃6 of 20

“for a sin offering”

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

אֲשֶׁ֨ר7 of 20
H834

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

חָטָ֜א8 of 20

“which he hath sinned”

H2398

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

נְקֵבָ֨ה9 of 20

“a female”

H5347

female (from the sexual form)

מִן10 of 20
H4480

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

הַצֹּ֥אן11 of 20

“from the flock”

H6629

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

כִּשְׂבָּ֛ה12 of 20

“a lamb”

H3776

a young ewe

אֽוֹ13 of 20
H176

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

שְׂעִירַ֥ת14 of 20

“or a kid”

H8166

a she-goat

עִזִּ֖ים15 of 20

“of the goats”

H5795

a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural (which also is used elliptically for goat's hair)

מֵֽחַטָּאתֽוֹ׃16 of 20

“for a sin offering”

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

וְכִפֶּ֥ר17 of 20

“shall make an atonement”

H3722

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

עָלָ֛יו18 of 20
H5921

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

הַכֹּהֵ֖ן19 of 20

“and the priest”

H3548

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

מֵֽחַטָּאתֽוֹ׃20 of 20

“for a sin offering”

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

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 5:6 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 5:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 4:28Leviticus 4:32Leviticus 19:21-22Ezekiel 42:13Leviticus 4:20Leviticus 6:6

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