King James Version

What Does Leviticus 6:5 Mean?

Leviticus 6:5 in the King James Version says “Or all that about which he hath sworn falsely; he shall even restore it in the principal, and shall add the fifth part m...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Leviticus 6:5 · KJV

Context

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:

7

And the priest shall make an atonement for him before the LORD: and it shall be forgiven him for any thing of all that he hath done in trespassing therein.

Read Leviticus 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 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.

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. Archaeological discoveries at sites like Ugarit reveal Canaanite religious practices Israel's laws explicitly rejected, confirming the Bible's historical reliability and the distinctiveness of Israelite worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?
  2. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
א֠וֹ1 of 18
H176

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

מִכֹּ֞ל2 of 18
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁר3 of 18
H834

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

יִשָּׁבַ֣ע4 of 18

“Or all that about which he hath sworn”

H7650

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

עָלָיו֮5 of 18
H5921

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

לַשֶּׁקֶר֒6 of 18

“falsely”

H8267

an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)

וְשִׁלַּ֤ם7 of 18

“he shall even restore”

H7999

to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate

אֹתוֹ֙8 of 18
H853

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

בְּרֹאשׁ֔וֹ9 of 18

“it in the principal”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

וַחֲמִֽשִׁתָ֖יו10 of 18

“the fifth part”

H2549

fifth; also a fifth

יֹסֵ֣ף11 of 18

“and shall add”

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

עָלָ֑יו12 of 18
H5921

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

לַֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר13 of 18
H834

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

ה֥וּא14 of 18
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

ל֛וֹ15 of 18
H0
יִתְּנֶ֖נּוּ16 of 18

“thereto and give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

בְּי֥וֹם17 of 18

“it unto him to whom it appertaineth in the day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

אַשְׁמָתֽוֹ׃18 of 18

“of his trespass offering”

H819

guiltiness, a fault, the presentation of a sin-offering

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 6:5 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 6:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 5:161 Samuel 12:3Numbers 5:7-8Luke 19:8Exodus 22:92 Samuel 12:6

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