Question 1

What kinds of sins are covered in this passage?

Accepted Answer

This passage covers several kinds of sins. It speaks of someone who hears an oath in court and keeps silent instead of telling the truth. It speaks of touching unclean animals or human uncleanness, even without noticing at first. It mentions making a rash oath with the lips, promising to do good or evil and then failing to keep it. It also speaks of wrongs done in the holy things that belong to God, and of breaking God’s commands in ignorance. All these show how broad sin and guilt can be.

Question 2

Why is staying silent as a witness called a sin here?

Accepted Answer

In this passage, a person who has heard an oath and knows the truth but keeps quiet is treated as guilty. Staying silent lets wrong continue and makes the silent person share in the sin. God cares about truth and justice. When someone is called to speak and has real knowledge of a matter, refusing to tell the truth is not neutral. It harms others and offends God. So the law says such a person “shall bear his iniquity” and needs confession and an offering.

Question 3

What does touching an unclean thing teach about sin and guilt?

Accepted Answer

Touching an unclean animal or human uncleanness made a person unclean, even if they did not realize it at first. When they later found out, they were counted guilty and had to bring an offering. This shows that sin is not only about clear, deliberate acts. Careless or hidden uncleanness still matters before God. Ignorance does not make it nothing. Once a person knows, they must own it, confess it, and seek cleansing as God has set out. It teaches people to be watchful and honest about their condition.

Question 4

What is a rash oath in this passage, and why is it serious?

Accepted Answer

A rash oath here is when someone quickly swears to do something, good or bad, without really weighing it, and then forgets or fails to do it. At first the person may not notice, but when they remember, they are guilty. Words spoken before God are not light. Promises are meant to be kept. This law teaches people to be careful with their lips, not to swear carelessly, and to confess when they fail. God cares about truth in speech and faithfulness in what we say we will do.

Question 5

How did confession work in these offerings?

Accepted Answer

The passage says that when a person knows they are guilty “in one of these things,” they must confess that they have sinned “in that thing.” So they were not to speak in general only, but to name the wrong they had done. Then they brought the fitting offering, and the priest made atonement for that sin. Confession and sacrifice went together. The person agreed with God’s verdict about the act, and God provided a way for the guilt to be covered and for forgiveness to be openly declared.

Question 6

Why are there different offerings for rich and poor people?

Accepted Answer

God makes room for people in different situations. A person who could afford it brought a female from the flock as a sin offering. If he could not bring a lamb, he could bring two doves or two pigeons. If he could not even bring birds, he could bring a small measure of fine flour without oil or incense. This shows that God does not shut out the poor from forgiveness. The value of the offering did not rest in the price, but in obeying God’s way and seeking pardon with a sincere heart.

Question 7

What does this passage say about sins done in ignorance?

Accepted Answer

The passage is clear that sins done in ignorance still bring guilt. A person might not know at the time that they mishandled holy things or broke one of God’s commands. Yet when the matter comes to light, they “shall bear” their iniquity and must bring a ram for a trespass offering. This teaches that God’s holiness does not change because we were unaware. Once we see what we have done, the right response is not to excuse ourselves but to admit the wrong and seek the forgiveness God provides.

Question 8

What are the “holy things of the Lord,” and why is restitution required?

Accepted Answer

The “holy things of the Lord” are things set apart for God, such as parts of offerings, firstfruits, or tithes that belonged to His service. If someone failed in these duties through ignorance, he had to bring a ram and also repay what was lacking, adding a fifth part more. This shows that sin against what is God’s is serious. It is not enough just to say sorry. Where possible, what was withheld or damaged must be restored, and then an offering is made. Both restitution and atonement are needed.

Question 9

What does this passage teach about God’s character and forgiveness?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that God is holy and takes every kind of sin seriously, even what we might call small or unintentional. Yet it also shows that He is very merciful. For each kind of failure He provides a clear path: confession, the right offering, and the promise, “it shall be forgiven him.” He makes allowance for the poor so no one is shut out. He calls His people to honesty about their sins and at the same time opens a sure way back to restored fellowship with Him.

Leviticus 5:1

And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and is a witness, whether he hath seen or known of it; if he do not utter it, then he shall bear his iniquity.

Sins Requiring a Sin Offering

Laws for Guilt Offerings

Sins Requiring a Sin Offering

Cross References

Leviticus 5:1

And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and is a witness, whether he hath seen or known of it; if he do not utter it, then he shall bear his iniquity.

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Sins Requiring a Sin Offering

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Sins Requiring a Sin Offering

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