Leviticus – Chapter 5

Old Testament19 Verses

Chapter Summary

"If any one sin, and hear the voice of one swearing, and is a witness either because he himself hath seen, or is privy to it: if he do not…" — so begins Leviticus 5. Moses stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 19 verses, two threads run through the text: sin and divine judgment and prayer. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1If any one sin, and hear the voice of one swearing, and is a witness either because he himself hath seen, or is privy to it: if he do not utter it, he shall bear his iniquity.

2Whosoever toucheth any unclean thing, either that which hath been killed by a beast, or died of itself, or any other creeping thing: and forgetteth his uncleanness, he is guilty, and hath offended.

3And if he touch any thing of the uncleanness of man, according to any uncleanness wherewith he is wont to be defiled: and having forgotten it, come afterwards to know it, he shall be guilty of an offence.

4The 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,

5Let him do penance for his sin:

6And offer of the flocks an ewe lamb, or a she goat, and the priest shall pray for him and for his sin.

7But if he be not able to offer a beast, let him offer two turtles, or two young pigeons to the Lord, one for sin, and the other for a holocaust,

8And he shall give them to the priest: who shall offer the first for sin, and twist back the head of it to the little pinions, so that it stick to the neck, and be not altogether broken off.

9And of its blood he shall sprinkle the side of the altar: and whatever is left, he shall let it drop at the bottom thereof, because it is for sin.

10And the other he shall burn for a holocaust, as is wont to be done. And the priest shall pray for him, and for his sin, and it shall be forgiven him.

11And if his hand be not able to offer two turtles, or two young pigeons, he shall offer for his sin the tenth part of an ephi of flour. He shall not put oil upon it, nor put any frankincense thereon, because it is for sin.

12And he shall deliver it to the priest, who shall take a handful thereof, and shall burn it upon the altar for a memorial of him that offered it:

13Praying for him and making atonement. But the part that is left, he himself shall have for a gift.

14And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:

15If any one shall sin through mistake, transgressing the ceremonies in those things that are sacrificed to the Lord, he shall offer for his offence a ram without blemish out of the flocks, that may be bought for two sicles, according to the weight of the sanctuary.

16And he shall make good the damage itself which he hath done, and shall add the fifth part besides, delivering it to the priest, who shall pray for him, offering the ram: and it shall be forgiven him.

17If any one sin through ignorance, and do one of those things which by the law of the Lord are forbidden, and being guilty of sin, understand his iniquity:

18He shall offer of the flocks 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,

19Because by mistake he trespassed against the Lord.

Important Verses in Leviticus 5

If any one sin, and hear the voice of one swearing, and is a witness either because he himself hath seen, or is privy to it: if he do not utter it, he shall bear his iniquity.

Leviticus 5:1

But if he be not able to offer a beast, let him offer two turtles, or two young pigeons to the Lord, one for sin, and the other for a holocaust,

Leviticus 5:7

And the other he shall burn for a holocaust, as is wont to be done. And the priest shall pray for him, and for his sin, and it shall be forgiven him.

Leviticus 5:10

Because by mistake he trespassed against the Lord.

Leviticus 5:19

Historical Context

Leviticus addresses the priests (sons of Aaron) and the whole assembly of Israel within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 5 of 27 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 19 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on Moses, the principal figures named in this chapter. The chapter begins: "If any one sin, and hear the voice of one swearing, and is a witness either because he himself hath seen, or is privy…" The final verse reads: "Because by mistake he trespassed against the Lord. " Read against its original backdrop, Leviticus is the liturgical handbook of ancient Israel, given at Sinai to teach a newly freed people how to worship a holy God. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: Core traditions from the wilderness period; final form by the 5th century BC.

Who Wrote It

Traditionally attributed to Moses; contains priestly legislation preserved by the Levitical priesthood

When It Was Written

Core traditions from the wilderness period; final form by the 5th century BC

Catholic Commentary

The literal sense of Leviticus 5 presents a concrete episode in the history of holiness, sacrifice, and priestly worship. A pivotal line is verse 1: "If any one sin, and hear the voice of one swearing, and is a witness either because he himself hath seen, or is privy to it: if he do not utter it, he shall…" The passage repeatedly touches on sin and divine judgment.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of holiness, sacrifice, and priestly worship. Catholic theology sees these sacrifices fulfilled in Christ's one perfect sacrifice (CIC 1539-1545). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 133).

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.
  • God invites His people to approach Him confidently in prayer, trusting that He hears and answers.
  • Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.

People in This Chapter

Moses1 mention

Reflection for Today

In Leviticus Chapter 5, the Church invites us to listen attentively to God's Word within the broader narrative of holiness, sacrifice, and priestly worship.

The Second Vatican Council reminded the faithful that Scripture should permeate Catholic spirituality (Dei Verbum, 21-26). Leviticus Chapter 5 supports that call by drawing attention to the moral law as path to freedom within the wider message that Be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.

If this passage raises questions, seek the Church's teaching through the Catechism, a faithful priest, or sound Catholic commentaries. Private interpretation must remain in harmony with the Magisterium (CIC 385).

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Leviticus Chapter 5 about?

Leviticus 5 contains 19 verses. It opens with "If any one sin, and hear the voice of one swearing, and is a witness either because he himself hath seen, or is privy…" and closes with "Because by mistake he trespassed against the Lord. ". The book as a whole is law and liturgical instruction.

What is a key verse in Leviticus 5?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "If any one sin, and hear the voice of one swearing, and is a witness either because he himself hath seen, or is privy to it: if he do not utter it, he shall bear his iniquity." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Leviticus Chapter 5?

This chapter mentions Moses.

Who wrote Leviticus and when?

Traditionally attributed to Moses; contains priestly legislation preserved by the Levitical priesthood. Core traditions from the wilderness period; final form by the 5th century BC.

Deepen your understanding with these related articles