King James Version

What Does Leviticus 6:4 Mean?

Leviticus 6:4 in the King James Version says “Then it shall be, because he hath sinned, and is guilty, that he shall restore that which he took violently away, or the... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then it shall be, because he hath sinned, and is guilty, that he shall restore that which he took violently away, or the thing which he hath deceitfully gotten, or that which was delivered him to keep, or the lost thing which he found,

Leviticus 6:4 · KJV


Context

2

If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the LORD, and lie unto his neighbour in that which was delivered him to keep, or in fellowship , or in a thing taken away by violence, or hath deceived his neighbour; in fellowship: or, in dealing fellowship: Heb. putting of the hand

3

Or have found that which was lost, and lieth concerning it, and sweareth falsely; in any of all these that a man doeth, sinning therein:

4

Then it shall be, because he hath sinned, and is guilty, that he shall restore that which he took violently away, or the thing which he hath deceitfully gotten, or that which was delivered him to keep, or the lost thing which he found,

5

Or all that about which he hath sworn falsely; he shall even restore it in the principal, and shall add the fifth part more thereto, and give it unto him to whom it appertaineth, in the day of his trespass offering. in the day: or, in the day of his being found guilty: Heb. in the day of his trespass

6

And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the LORD, a ram without blemish out of the flock, with thy estimation, for a trespass offering, unto the priest:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then it shall be, because he hath sinned, and is guilty, that he shall restore that which he took violently away, or the thing which he hath deceitfully gotten, or that which was delivered him to keep, or the lost thing which he found,

This verse falls within the section on Priestly Instructions for Offerings. Detailed regulations for priests administering the sacrificial system, emphasizing holiness and proper handling of sacred things.


The holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Detailed regulations for priests administering the sacrificial system, emphasizing holiness and proper handling of sacred things. 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. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  3. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
וְהָיָה֮1 of 25
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כִּֽי2 of 25
H3588

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

יֶחֱטָ֣א3 of 25

Then it shall be because he hath sinned

H2398

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

וְאָשֵׁם֒4 of 25

and is guilty

H816

to be guilty; by implication to be punished or perish

וְהֵשִׁ֨יב5 of 25

that he shall restore

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֶת6 of 25
H853

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

גָּזָ֗ל7 of 25

which he took violently away

H1497

to pluck off; specifically to flay, strip or rob

אֲשֶׁ֣ר8 of 25
H834

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

גָּזָ֗ל9 of 25

which he took violently away

H1497

to pluck off; specifically to flay, strip or rob

א֤וֹ10 of 25
H176

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

אֶת11 of 25
H853

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

הָעֹ֙שֶׁק֙12 of 25

or the thing

H6233

injury, fraud, (subjectively) distress, (concretely) unjust gain

אֲשֶׁ֣ר13 of 25
H834

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

עָשָׁ֔ק14 of 25

which he hath deceitfully gotten

H6231

to press upon, i.e., oppress, defraud, violate, overflow

א֚וֹ15 of 25
H176

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

אֶת16 of 25
H853

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

הָפְקַ֖ד17 of 25

or that which was delivered

H6487

a deposit

אֲשֶׁ֥ר18 of 25
H834

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

הָפְקַ֖ד19 of 25

or that which was delivered

H6487

a deposit

אִתּ֑וֹ20 of 25
H853

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

א֥וֹ21 of 25
H176

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

אֶת22 of 25
H853

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

הָֽאֲבֵדָ֖ה23 of 25

or the lost thing

H9

concrete, something lost; abstract, destruction, i.e., hades

אֲשֶׁ֥ר24 of 25
H834

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

מָצָֽא׃25 of 25

which he found

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present


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 6:4 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 6:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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