What is the meaning of Leviticus 5:17? If someone sins “If someone sins…” (Leviticus 5:17a). • Scripture assumes the reality of human failure. Romans 3:23 reminds us, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” • Sin is personal—“someone.” Ezekiel 18:4 says, “The soul who sins is the one who will die,” emphasizing individual responsibility. • Even God’s covenant people are in view. First John 1:8 cautions believers, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves.” and violates any of the LORD’s commandments “…and violates any of the LORD’s commandments…” (Leviticus 5:17b). • “Any” covers the whole revealed will of God, echoing James 2:10: “Whoever keeps the whole law yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” • The commandments belong to “the LORD,” underlining divine authority (Exodus 20:1). We do not invent morals; we receive them. • Psalm 119:4 celebrates this standard: “You have ordained Your precepts, that we should keep them diligently.” even though he was unaware “…even though he was unaware…” (Leviticus 5:17c). • Ignorance does not erase sin’s reality. Numbers 15:27–29 provides offerings for unintentional sins, showing God’s consistent concern. • Acts 3:17 notes that Israel acted “in ignorance,” yet still needed repentance. • Luke 12:48 adds accountability: “From everyone who has been given much, much will be required,” highlighting that lesser knowledge lessens punishment but not guilt. he is guilty “…he is guilty…” (Leviticus 5:17d). • Status before God is declared, not negotiated. Romans 3:19 says the Law “makes every mouth silent and the whole world accountable to God.” • Guilt is objective, regardless of feelings. John 3:18 warns, “whoever does not believe stands condemned already.” • Galatians 3:10 places all lawbreakers “under a curse,” driving us to seek mercy. and shall bear his punishment “…and shall bear his punishment.” (Leviticus 5:17e). • Sin carries consequences. Romans 6:23 states, “For the wages of sin is death.” • Under the old covenant, this meant presenting a guilt offering (Leviticus 5:18). • Prophecy points to substitution: “The LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6). First Peter 2:24 confirms Christ “bore our sins in His body on the tree,” fulfilling the requirement so we might go free. summary Leviticus 5:17 teaches that every sin—known or unknown—violates God’s holy commands, renders the sinner objectively guilty, and demands just punishment. Human ignorance offers no escape; only God’s provision does. In the old covenant that meant a guilt offering; in the new covenant it is fully met in Christ, who bore our punishment so that repentant believers receive forgiveness and restored fellowship with the Lord. |
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