Leviticus 5:4

Verse

Or if someone swears thoughtlessly with his lips to do anything good or evil—in whatever matter a man may rashly pronounce an oath—even if he is unaware of it, when he realizes it, he is guilty in the matter.

American Standard Version (1901)

Or if any one swear rashly with his lips to do evil, or to do good, whatsoever it be that a man shall utter rashly with an oath, and it be hid from him; when he knoweth of it, then he shall be guilty in one of these things.

Bible in Basic English

Or if anyone, without thought, takes an oath to do evil or to do good, whatever he says without thought, with an oath, having no knowledge of what he is doing; when it becomes clear to him, he will be responsible for any of these things.

Douay-Rheims 1899

The person that sweareth, and uttereth with his lips, that he would do either evil or good, and bindeth the same with an oath, and his word, and having forgotten it afterwards understandeth his offence,

Free Bible Version

If you foolishly swear to do something, (whether good or bad, and in whatever way people impulsively swear an oath), even if you're unaware of it being wrong, when you eventually realize it, you are guilty.

Geneva Bible 1599

Either if any sweare and pronounce with his lippes to do euill, or to doe good (whatsoeuer it bee that a man shall pronounce with an othe) and it be hid from him, and after knoweth that he hath offended in one of these poyntes,

King James (Authorized) Version

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.

One Unity Resource Bible

“‘Or if anyone swears rashly with his lips to do evil, or to do good, whatever it is that a man might utter rashly with an oath, and it is hidden from him; when he knows of it, then he shall be guilty of one of these.

Translation for Translators

If you carelessly make a solemn promise to do something that is good or that is bad, when you realize what you have done, you must ◄pay a penalty/be punished►.

Unlocked Literal Bible

Or if anyone swears rashly with his lips to do evil, or to do good, whatever it is that a man swears rashly with an oath, even if he is unaware of it, when he learns about it, then he will be guilty, in any of these things.

Noah Webster Bible

Or if a soul shall swear, pronouncing with his lips to do evil, or to do good, whatever it may 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.

World English Bible

“‘Or if anyone swears rashly with his lips to do evil or to do good—whatever it is that a man might utter rashly with an oath, and it is hidden from him—when he knows of it, then he will be guilty of one of these.

Young's Literal Translation

'Or when a person sweareth, speaking wrongfully with the lips to do evil, or to do good, even anything which man speaketh wrongfully with an oath, and it hath been hid from him; — when he hath known then he hath been guilty of one of these;

Context

Sins Requiring a Sin Offering

³Or if he touches human uncleanness—anything by which one becomes unclean—even if he is unaware of it, when he realizes it, he is guilty.⁴Or if someone swears thoughtlessly with his lips to do anything good or evil—in whatever matter a man may rashly pronounce an oath—even if he is unaware of it, when he realizes it, he is guilty in the matter.

Summary

Leviticus 5:4 outlines the process of unintentional sin offering in the Old Testament, requiring the individual to confess the sin they were unaware of committing. This verse underscores the importance of acknowledging and taking responsibility for all sins, whether intentional or accidental, before God. It demonstrates the significance of repentance and seeking forgiveness as essential components of maintaining a right relationship with God under the Mosaic Law. The verse serves as a reminder of the need for humility, honesty, and a sincere heart when approaching God with our shortcomings. Ultimately, it points to the grace and mercy of God in providing a way for His people to be cleansed from sin and restored to Him.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill
Tyndale

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

To do evil, or to do good - It is very likely that rash promises are here intended; for if a man vow to do an act that is evil, though it would be criminal to keep such an oath or vow, yet he is guilty because he made it, and therefore must offer the trespass-offering. If he neglect to do the good he has vowed, he is guilty, and must in both cases confess his iniquity, and bring his trespass-offering.