What is the meaning of Leviticus 5:1? If someone sins - God acknowledges that even His covenant people may fall into sin (Leviticus 4:2; Romans 3:23). - The verse shows sin is not limited to overt wrongdoing; omission can also offend the Lord (James 4:17). by failing to testify - Silence in the face of known truth is counted as sin. - Proverbs 24:11-12 warns against withholding rescue when it is in our power; Proverbs 14:25 calls a truthful witness “one who saves lives.” - Ephesians 4:25 urges believers to “speak truth each one to his neighbor,” highlighting God’s expectation of honest testimony. when he hears a public charge - “Public charge” implies an official call for evidence—perhaps in court or at the city gate (Deuteronomy 21:19; Ruth 4:1). - Refusing to speak up sabotages justice and lets evil go unchecked (Deuteronomy 13:14; Isaiah 59:14-15). about something he has witnessed - First-hand knowledge carries weight and responsibility (Deuteronomy 19:15). - Exodus 23:1 forbids joining a false report, but it also implies that true testimony must be given when required. - Acts 4:20 models this boldness: “For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” whether he has seen it or learned of it - First-hand or reliable second-hand knowledge both impose duty. - Luke 1:2 shows that “servants of the word” passed along what they had received from eyewitnesses, valuing accurate transmission. - Remaining silent after learning trustworthy information still violates God’s standard of truthfulness. he shall bear the iniquity - Personal accountability is inescapable (Ezekiel 18:20; Galatians 6:5). - God holds the silent witness guilty alongside the wrongdoer; omission becomes participation (Numbers 18:1). - Matthew 12:36 reminds us that every idle word—spoken or withheld—will be reviewed before the Judge. summary Leviticus 5:1 teaches that withholding truthful testimony is sin. When God places knowledge of wrongdoing in our hands, we must speak for justice and truth. Silence in such moments partners with evil, and each believer is personally accountable to God for the truth he knows. |
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