King James Version

What Does Numbers 5:8 Mean?

Numbers 5:8 in the King James Version says “But if the man have no kinsman to recompense the trespass unto, let the trespass be recompensed unto the LORD, even to t...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But if the man have no kinsman to recompense the trespass unto, let the trespass be recompensed unto the LORD, even to the priest; beside the ram of the atonement, whereby an atonement shall be made for him.”

Numbers 5:8 · KJV

Context

6

Speak unto the children of Israel, When a man or woman shall commit any sin that men commit, to do a trespass against the LORD, and that person be guilty;

7

Then they shall confess their sin which they have done: and he shall recompense his trespass with the principal thereof, and add unto it the fifth part thereof, and give it unto him against whom he hath trespassed.

8

But if the man have no kinsman to recompense the trespass unto, let the trespass be recompensed unto the LORD, even to the priest; beside the ram of the atonement, whereby an atonement shall be made for him.

9

And every offering of all the holy things of the children of Israel, which they bring unto the priest, shall be his. offering: or, heave offering

10

And every man's hallowed things shall be his: whatsoever any man giveth the priest, it shall be his.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The provision that restitution go to the priest when the wronged party had no kinsman demonstrates God's concern that justice not be thwarted by technicalities. The Hebrew goel (kinsman-redeemer) normally received restitution, but if none existed, the priest represented God's claim. This establishes that all sin is ultimately against God, even when it directly harms neighbors. The priest receiving the restitution pictures Christ who, as our kinsman-redeemer, receives the satisfaction for sins committed against God and His people.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The kinsman-redeemer system provided social safety nets in ancient Israel, ensuring that widows, orphans, and the destitute had family advocates. If a wronged person died without family, his claim did not die with him—God remained the ultimate claimant of justice through His priestly representatives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ as our kinsman-redeemer satisfy both justice and mercy?
  2. What does it mean that all sin is ultimately against God, even when we wrong others?
  3. How should the church ensure that justice is not forgotten even when human claimants are absent?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְאִם1 of 18
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

אֵ֨ין2 of 18
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

לָאִ֜ישׁ3 of 18

“But if the man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

גֹּאֵ֗ל4 of 18

“have no kinsman”

H1350

to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido

הַמּוּשָׁ֥ב5 of 18

“be recompensed”

H7725

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

הָֽאָשָׁ֛ם6 of 18

“the trespass”

H817

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

אֵלָ֔יו7 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָֽאָשָׁ֛ם8 of 18

“the trespass”

H817

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

הַמּוּשָׁ֥ב9 of 18

“be recompensed”

H7725

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

לַֽיהוָ֖ה10 of 18

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

לַכֹּהֵ֑ן11 of 18

“even to the priest”

H3548

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

מִלְּבַ֗ד12 of 18
H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

אֵ֚יל13 of 18

“beside the ram”

H352

properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree

הַכִּפֻּרִ֔ים14 of 18

“of the atonement”

H3725

expiation (only in plural)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר15 of 18
H834

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

יְכַפֶּר16 of 18

“whereby an atonement shall be made”

H3722

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

בּ֖וֹ17 of 18
H0
עָלָֽיו׃18 of 18
H5921

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

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 5:8 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 Numbers 5:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 6:6-7Leviticus 7:7Leviticus 25:25-26

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