How does Leviticus 5:1 connect with the Ninth Commandment about bearing false witness?

Scripture Focus

Leviticus 5:1: “If someone sins by hearing a public curse and, though able to testify as a witness, either seeing or knowing the matter, yet fails to report it, he shall bear his iniquity.”

Exodus 20:16: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”

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How Leviticus 5:1 Expands the Ninth Commandment

• The Ninth Commandment prohibits actively giving false testimony; Leviticus 5:1 reveals that passive silence can be equally sinful.

• God holds witnesses accountable not only for lies spoken but also for truth withheld.

• Both texts underscore neighbor–love: honesty protects the innocent and restrains evil.

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Key Parallels

1. Obligation to Truth

• Exodus 20:16 condemns distortion.

• Leviticus 5:1 condemns omission.

Together they form a comprehensive call to truthful testimony.

2. Personal Responsibility

• In Leviticus, the witness who withholds truth “shall bear his iniquity”—sin is personal, even if no one else knows.

• Similarly, false witness in Exodus incurs divine judgment regardless of human courts.

3. Community Integrity

• Justice in Israel depended on reliable witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15).

• Silence or deceit erodes communal trust, inviting God’s displeasure (Proverbs 17:15).

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Implications for Daily Life

• Speak up when truth is needed, especially to protect the vulnerable (Proverbs 31:8–9).

• Refuse gossip and rumor; verify facts before repeating them (Proverbs 18:13).

• In workplaces, churches, or courts, accurate testimony honors God and neighbors (Ephesians 4:25).

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Practical Takeaways

• Truth-telling is both negative (no lies) and positive (active witness).

• Silence can enable injustice; love requires honest disclosure.

• Confession and restitution remain available when we fail (Leviticus 5:5–6; 1 John 1:9).

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Supporting Passages

• Deuteronomy 19:16–21 — penalties for false testimony.

• Proverbs 14:25 — “A truthful witness saves lives.”

• Zechariah 8:16 — command to “speak the truth to one another.”