Leviticus 5:18

Leviticus 5:18 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

He is to bring to the priest an unblemished ram of proper value from the flock as a guilt offering. Then the priest will make atonement on his behalf for the wrong he has committed in ignorance, and he will be forgiven.

King James Version KJV

And he shall bring a ram without blemish out of the flock, with thy estimation, for a trespass offering, unto the priest: and the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his ignorance wherein he erred and wist it not, and it shall be forgiven him.

American Standard Version ASV

And he shall bring a ram without blemish out of the flock, according to thy estimation, for a trespass-offering, unto the priest; and the priest shall make atonement for him concerning the thing wherein he erred unwittingly and knew it not, and he shall be forgiven.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Let him come to the priest with a sheep, a male without any mark out of the flock, of the value fixed by you, as an offering for his error; and the priest will take away the sin which he did in error, and he will have forgiveness.

Free Bible Version FBV

You must take to the priest a ram without defects of the appropriate value from the flock as a guilt offering. Then the priest will make right for you the wrong you did in ignorance, and you will be forgiven.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then shall he bring a ramme without blemishe out of the flocke, in thy estimation worth two shekels for a trespasse offring vnto ye Priest: and the Priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his ignorance wherein he erred, and was not ware: so it shalbe forgiuen him.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'Then he hath brought in a ram, a perfect one, out of the flock, at thy valuation, for a guilt-offering, unto the priest; and the priest hath made atonement for him, for his ignorance in which he hath erred and he hath not known, and it hath been forgiven him;

World English Bible WEB

He shall bring a ram without defect from of the flock, according to your estimation, for a trespass offering, to the priest; and the priest shall make atonement for him concerning the thing in which he sinned and didn’t know it, and he will be forgiven.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And he shall bring a ram without blemish out of the flock, with thy estimation, for a trespass-offering to the priest; and the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his ignorance wherein he erred and knew it not, and it shall be forgiven him.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

He shall offer of the hocks a ram without blemish to the priest, according to the measure and estimation of the sin: and the priest shall pray for him, because he did it ignorantly: and it shall be forgiven him,

Translation for Translators T4T

When you realize what you have done, you must bring a ram to the Supreme Priest to be an offering in order that you will no longer be guilty. You must bring one that has no defects. He will offer the ram to be a sacrifice to me, and as a result you will no longer be guilty for the sin that you have committed, and you will be forgiven.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 5:18

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Leviticus 5:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ֠/הֵבִיא אַ֣יִל תָּמִ֧ים מִן הַ/צֹּ֛אן בְּ/עֶרְכְּ/ךָ֥ לְ/אָשָׁ֖ם אֶל הַ/כֹּהֵ֑ן וְ/כִפֶּר֩ עָלָ֨י/ו הַ/כֹּהֵ֜ן עַ֣ל שִׁגְגָת֧/וֹ אֲשֶׁר שָׁגָ֛ג וְ/ה֥וּא לֹֽא יָדַ֖ע וְ/נִסְלַ֥ח לֽ/וֹ

וְ֠/הֵבִיא bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms

אַ֣יִל ʼayil H352 ram N-ms

תָּמִ֧ים tâmîym H8549 unblemished Adj

מִן min H4480 from Prep

הַ/צֹּ֛אן tsôʼn H6629 Sheep (Gate) Art | N-cs

בְּ/עֶרְכְּ/ךָ֥ ʻêrek H6187 valuation Prep | N-ms | Suff

לְ/אָשָׁ֖ם ʼâshâm H817 guilt (offering) Prep | N-ms

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

הַ/כֹּהֵ֑ן kôhên H3548 priest Art | N-ms

וְ/כִפֶּר֩ kâphar H3722 to atone Conj | V-Piel-3ms

עָלָ֨י/ו ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff

הַ/כֹּהֵ֜ן kôhên H3548 priest Art | N-ms

עַ֣ל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

שִׁגְגָת֧/וֹ shᵉgâgâh H7684 unintentionally N-fs | Suff

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

שָׁגָ֛ג shâgag H7683 to go astray V-Qal-Perf-3ms

וְ/ה֥וּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Conj | Pron

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Part

יָדַ֖ע yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal-Perf-3ms

וְ/נִסְלַ֥ח çâlach H5545 to forgive Conj | V-Niphal-3ms

לֽ/וֹ Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 5:18

וְ֠/הֵבִיא bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

אַ֣יִל ʼayil H352 "ram" N-ms

A strong tree, like an oak or a ram, symbolizes strength and power, as seen in 1 Kings 7:2 where Solomon builds a house with strong pillars. It can also refer to a chief or leader, like in 1 Chronicles 12:14 where the leaders of the tribes are listed.

Definition: 1) ram 1a) ram (as food) 1b) ram (as sacrifice) 1c) ram (skin dyed red, for tabernacle)

Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: mighty (man), lintel, oak, post, ram, tree. See also: Genesis 15:9; Numbers 28:20; Psalms 66:15.

תָּמִ֧ים tâmîym H8549 "unblemished" Adj

This Hebrew word means unblemished or perfect, like an animal without defects. It describes something or someone that is whole and complete, like the sacrifices in Leviticus. It is used to describe integrity and truth.

Definition: : unblemished/perfect 1) complete, whole, entire, sound 1a) complete, whole, entire 1b) whole, sound, healthful 1c) complete, entire (of time) 1d) sound, wholesome, unimpaired, innocent, having integrity 1e) what is complete or entirely in accord with truth and fact (neuter adj/subst)

Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: without blemish, complete, full, perfect, sincerely (-ity), sound, without spot, undefiled, upright(-ly), whole. See also: Genesis 6:9; Deuteronomy 18:13; Psalms 15:2.

מִן min H4480 "from" Prep

This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.

Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)

Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.

הַ/צֹּ֛אן tsôʼn H6629 "Sheep (Gate)" Art | N-cs

This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.

Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)

Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.

בְּ/עֶרְכְּ/ךָ֥ ʻêrek H6187 "valuation" Prep | N-ms | Suff

This word refers to a valuation or estimate of something's worth. It is used to describe the price or proportion of something, like the valuation of goods in Ezekiel 40.

Definition: 1) order, row, estimate, things that are set in order, layer, pile 1a) order, row 1b) estimate, valuation Aramaic equivalent: ar.ka (אַרְכָֿא "lengthening" H0754)

Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: equal, estimation, (things that are set in) order, price, proportion, [idiom] set at, suit, taxation, [idiom] valuest. See also: Exodus 40:4; Leviticus 27:15; Psalms 55:14.

לְ/אָשָׁ֖ם ʼâshâm H817 "guilt (offering)" Prep | N-ms

This Hebrew word refers to guilt or a fault, often requiring a sin offering. It is used to describe a trespass or offense against God, as seen in the book of Leviticus. The KJV translates it as guiltiness or trespass offering.

Definition: 1) guilt, offense, guiltiness 1a) offense, trespass, fault 1b) guilt, guiltiness 1c) compensation (for offense) 1d) trespass offering, guilt offering

Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: guiltiness, (offering for) sin, trespass (offering). See also: Genesis 26:10; Leviticus 14:25; Psalms 68:22.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

הַ/כֹּהֵ֑ן kôhên H3548 "priest" Art | N-ms

In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.

Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)

Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.

וְ/כִפֶּר֩ kâphar H3722 "to atone" Conj | V-Piel-3ms

To cover means to coat or cover something, like when the ark was covered with pitch to protect it. This word is also used figuratively to describe making amends or forgiving someone, like in a sacrifice or atonement.

Definition: 1) to cover, purge, make an atonement, make reconciliation 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to cover over, pacify, propitiate 1a2) to cover over, atone for sin, make atonement for 1a3) to cover over, atone for sin and persons by legal rites 1b) (Pual) 1b1) to be covered over 1b2) to be atoned for 1c) (Hithpael) to be covered

Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: appease, make (an atonement, cleanse, disannul, forgive, be merciful, pacify, pardon, purge (away), put off, (make) reconcile(-liation). See also: Genesis 6:14; Leviticus 16:32; Psalms 65:4.

עָלָ֨י/ו ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

הַ/כֹּהֵ֜ן kôhên H3548 "priest" Art | N-ms

Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.

עַ֣ל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

שִׁגְגָת֧/וֹ shᵉgâgâh H7684 "unintentionally" N-fs | Suff

This Hebrew word means to sin unintentionally or make a mistake without realizing it, like in Leviticus 4:2 where it talks about sinning through ignorance. It emphasizes accidental wrongdoing. This concept is important in the Bible.

Definition: 1) sin, sin of error or inadvertence, inadvertent sin 1a) error

Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: error, ignorance, at unawares; unwittingly. See also: Leviticus 4:2; Numbers 15:27; Ecclesiastes 10:5.

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

שָׁגָ֛ג shâgag H7683 "to go astray" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

To go astray means to sin or err, often unintentionally. It can also mean to deceive or go the wrong way. This concept is found in the Bible, particularly in the Psalms and Proverbs.

Definition: 1) to go astray, err, commit sin or error 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to err (mentally) 1a2) to sin (ignorantly or inadvertently)

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] also for that, deceived, err, go astray, sin ignorantly. See also: Leviticus 5:18; Job 12:16; Psalms 119:67.

וְ/ה֥וּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Conj | Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)

Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

יָדַ֖ע yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)

Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.

וְ/נִסְלַ֥ח çâlach H5545 "to forgive" Conj | V-Niphal-3ms

To forgive is the meaning of this Hebrew word, used to describe God's pardon and mercy towards humanity, as seen in Psalm 86:5. It involves letting go of anger or resentment towards someone who has wronged us, and is a key concept in the Bible's teachings on love and relationships.

Definition: 1) to forgive, pardon 1a) (Qal) to forgive, pardon 1b) (Niphal) to be forgiven

Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: forgive, pardon, spare. See also: Exodus 34:9; 1 Kings 8:36; Psalms 25:11.

לֽ/וֹ "" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — Leviticus 5:18

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Leviticus 5:18 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 5:18
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 5:18
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 5:18
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 5:18
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 5:18
Sermons on Leviticus 5:18

Context — Laws for Guilt Offerings

16Regarding any holy thing he has harmed, he must make restitution by adding a fifth of its value to it and giving it to the priest, who will make atonement on his behalf with the ram as a guilt offering, and he will be forgiven. 17If someone sins and violates any of the LORD’s commandments even though he was unaware, he is guilty and shall bear his punishment.

18He is to bring to the priest an unblemished ram of proper value from the flock as a guilt offering. Then the priest will make atonement on his behalf for the wrong he has committed in ignorance, and he will be forgiven.

19It is a guilt offering; he was certainly guilty before the LORD.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Leviticus 5:15–16	“If someone acts unfaithfully and sins unintentionally against any of the LORD’s holy things, he must bring his guilt offering to the LORD: an unblemished ram from the flock, of proper value in silver shekels according to the sanctuary shekel; it is a guilt offering. Regarding any holy thing he has harmed, he must make restitution by adding a fifth of its value to it and giving it to the priest, who will make atonement on his behalf with the ram as a guilt offering, and he will be forgiven.
2	1 Timothy 2:5–6	For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all—the testimony that was given at just the right time.
3	Leviticus 1:4	He is to lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, so it can be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him.
4	Leviticus 6:6–7	Then he must bring to the priest his guilt offering to the LORD: an unblemished ram of proper value from the flock. In this way the priest will make atonement for him before the LORD, and he will be forgiven for anything he may have done to incur guilt.”
5	Leviticus 4:20	He shall offer this bull just as he did the bull for the sin offering; in this way the priest will make atonement on their behalf, and they will be forgiven.

Leviticus 5:18 Summary

Leviticus 5:18 teaches us that when we do something wrong without realizing it, we can still be forgiven if we come to God with a humble heart and a willingness to make things right. This verse reminds us that God is a God of mercy and forgiveness, as seen in Exodus 34:6-7, and that He provides a way for us to be reconciled to Himself through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, as mentioned in Romans 3:25. By bringing an unblemished ram as a guilt offering, the person in Leviticus 5:18 is able to receive forgiveness and restoration, and this points to the greater truth that our sins can be forgiven through faith in Jesus Christ, as seen in Acts 10:43.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of bringing an unblemished ram as a guilt offering in Leviticus 5:18?

The purpose of bringing an unblemished ram as a guilt offering is to make atonement for the wrong committed in ignorance, as seen in Leviticus 5:18, and this is in line with the principle of making restitution for harm caused, as mentioned in Leviticus 5:16.

How does the priest's role in Leviticus 5:18 relate to the concept of atonement in the Bible?

The priest's role in making atonement on behalf of the person who committed the wrong in ignorance, as seen in Leviticus 5:18, points to the larger theme of atonement in the Bible, where God provides a way for people to be reconciled to Himself, as seen in Romans 5:11 and Hebrews 2:17.

What is the significance of the ram being 'of proper value' in Leviticus 5:18?

The significance of the ram being 'of proper value' in Leviticus 5:18 emphasizes the importance of bringing an offering that is worthy and sufficient to cover the wrong committed, much like the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice to cover all sins, as mentioned in 1 John 2:2.

How does Leviticus 5:18 relate to the concept of forgiveness in the Bible?

Leviticus 5:18 shows that forgiveness is available for those who commit wrongs in ignorance, and this is in line with the teaching of Jesus in Luke 23:34, where He asks the Father to forgive those who do not know what they are doing.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I may be committing wrongs in ignorance, and how can I seek forgiveness and make things right?
How does the concept of atonement in Leviticus 5:18 relate to my own need for forgiveness and reconciliation with God?
What does the image of the unblemished ram in Leviticus 5:18 teach me about the nature of God's requirements for forgiveness and restoration?
In what ways can I apply the principle of making restitution for harm caused, as seen in Leviticus 5:16, to my own life and relationships?
How can I cultivate a greater awareness of my actions and their impact on others, so that I can avoid committing wrongs in ignorance?

Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 5:18

And he shall bring a ram without blemish out of the flock,.... [See comments on Leviticus 5:15] with thy estimation for a trespass [offering] to the priest; along with the offering was to be brought

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 5:18

And if a soul sin, and commit any of these things which are forbidden to be done by the commandments of the LORD; though he wist it not, yet is he guilty, and shall bear his iniquity. If a soul sin ... though he wist it not.

Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 5:18

Leviticus 5:18 And he shall bring a ram without blemish out of the flock, with thy estimation, for a trespass offering, unto the priest: and the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his ignorance wherein he erred and wist [it] not, and it shall be forgiven him.Ver. 18. Shall make an atonement.]

Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 5:18

(18) And he shall bring a ram.—Under such circumstances of suspense and feelings of guilt, he is to bring the same victim as in the former instance. With thy estimation.—That is, according to thy i.e., Moses’ valuation, the ram is to be worth two shekels. (See Leviticus 5:15.) And wist it not.—Better, though he wist or knew not, the precise sacred thing which he used, as the same phrase is rendered in the preceding verse. That is, to be on the right side, the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning this error of inadvertence, though the offender is uncertain whether he actually committed the offence or not. Still, as the case is a doubtful one, he is exempt from the additional fifth part which the transgressor had to pay who indisputably committed this offence in ignorance. (See Leviticus 5:16.)

Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 5:18

(b) 17–19. if any one sin, and do any of the things which the Lord hath commanded not to be done] The description of the sin in this case is the same as that in Leviticus 4:2; Leviticus 4:13; Leviticus 4:22; Leviticus 4:27. In what respect do these sins (which here require a Guilt-Offering) differ from those in ch. 4 for which a Sin-Offering is prescribed? The difference is indicated in the words ‘though he knew (‘wist’ A.V.) it not.’ They are not the same as the Heb. expression rendered unwittingly (concerning his ignorance A.V.), for in Leviticus 5:18 they occur as a further qualification of a thing done ‘unwittingly.’ The sins of ch. 4. are those of which a person becomes conscious (Leviticus 4:14; Leviticus 4:23; Leviticus 4:28). In such case he must offer a Sin-Offering. But the case here supposed is that of one who fears that he has been guilty of some infringement of the Divine commands, but cannot specify it. He brings a ram as Guilt-Offering (in the same manner as in the preceding case (15, 16)), but no restitution is demanded as the amount cannot be estimated, since the offence remains unknown. This sacrifice was called by the Jews (’âshâm tâluy), lit. a suspended Guilt or Trespass-Offering. It was a voluntary offering, and relieved a troubled conscience. It is recorded of one pious Jew that he brought a sacrifice of this kind every day except on the day following the Great Day of Atonement.

Sermons on Leviticus 5:18

	Sermon	Description
	(Through the Bible) Leviticus 1-10 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the meal offering as a form of worship to God. The meal offering consists of fine flour mixed with oil and frankincense, symbolizing the work
	Atonement by G.W. North	G.W. North emphasizes the distinction between redemption and atonement in his sermon, explaining that while redemption is foundational to both the Old and New Testaments, atonement
	What Is Truth by Francis Schaeffer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of acting upon the knowledge of the truth in order to experience peace. He emphasizes that God wants all people to be saved a
	The Fire of God by Art Katz	In this sermon transcript, the speaker describes a series of university meetings where he preached the gospel. Despite facing opposition and being seen as a traitor by some, the sp
	Apostle's Doctrine - Part 1 by G.W. North	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of staying grounded in the truth of God's Word amidst the various doctrines and beliefs that can easily sway us. He references
	Conversion of Muslim to Christ - Part 1 by Afshin Javid	This sermon shares the powerful testimony of a former devout Muslim who experienced a supernatural encounter with God's presence and grappled with the question of why Jesus would h
	(The Missing Messages in Today's Christianity) Jesus, Totally God and Totally Man by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Acts chapter two and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes that this event is the fulfillment of scripture and highlights the imp