“If anyone sins and commits a breach of faith against the LORD by deceiving his neighbor in a matter of deposit or security, or through robbery, or if he has oppressed his neighbor
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse emphasizes that even actions seemingly only against another person, like deceit or theft, are fundamentally a "breach of faith against the LORD." This highlights that every violation of trust and fairness in human relationships is also a spiritual offense, directly impacting our relationship with God.
“If anyone sins and commits a breach of faith against the LORD by deceiving his neighbor in a matter of deposit or security, or through robbery, or if he has oppressed his neighbor
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage introduces the laws for dealing with sins that involve dishonesty and defrauding one's neighbor. Following the general instructions for burnt offerings and grain offerings, these verses specify the requirements for restitution and atonement when someone has committed a breach of faith, particularly through deception regarding deposits, partnerships, violence, or other forms of deceit. The context highlights that such offenses, while directly harming others, are also considered trespasses against the Lord Himself.
We often think of sin as something that's just between us and God. But Leviticus 6:2 shows us that harming others is a direct offense against the Creator Himself.
The Double Offense
The verse states, "If anyone sins and commits a breach of faith against the LORD by deceiving his neighbor..." This is a crucial point: any sin committed against another person is also, and perhaps even more so, a sin against God.
This understanding calls us to view our interactions with others through the lens of our relationship with God. Every act of kindness, honesty, and integrity honors Him.
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God's laws weren't just about punishment; they were about restoration. Leviticus 6:2-7 lays out a clear path for making things right after a breach of trust.
Beyond Just Saying Sorry
Leviticus 6:2 describes specific ways people could sin against their neighbor: deception in matters of deposit (things entrusted), partnership ('fellowship' or 'putting of the hand'), robbery, or oppression. The laws that follow (though not in this specific verse, they are the immediate context) reveal God's concern for tangible restoration.
Understand the original words
chata' · Hebrew Verb
A violation of God’s law or standard, representing a failure to hit the mark of righteousness. It involves both the act of disobedience and the resulting state of separation from God.
ma'al · Hebrew Noun
An act of unfaithfulness or treachery against someone to whom one owes loyalty or duty. Biblically, this term often describes a betrayal of covenant or a violation of trust against God or others.
kachash · Hebrew Verb
The act of intentionally misleading someone or misrepresenting the truth. It is condemned throughout Scripture as contrary to the nature of God, who is truth.
gezel · Hebrew Noun
The act of taking another's property by force or illicit power. It is fundamentally contrary to God's requirement to love one's neighbor and respect the property rights established by His law.
ashaq · Hebrew Verb
The use of power, authority, or influence to crush or treat others harshly and unjustly. It is a social sin explicitly condemned in both the Law and the Prophets.
This passage describes a similar situation of a bailee's deceit or theft, highlighting the seriousness of such actions and the need for restitution.
Proverbs 6:30-31This proverb speaks to the societal understanding of theft and deception, noting that while a thief might face public shame, a deeper restitution is required by God, mirroring the trespass offering mentioned in Leviticus.
Luke 19:8Zacchaeus's repentance demonstrates a practical outworking of this principle: he acknowledges his deception and promises not just to repay, but to give back far more than he took, showing a heart changed by faith.
1 Samuel 12:3Samuel directly confronts the people about their dishonesty and oppression, framing it as a sin against the Lord and a betrayal of their covenant, aligning with the idea that sin against our neighbor is a trespass against God.
2 Corinthians 5:20This New Testament passage emphasizes the ministry of reconciliation, showing that when we are reconciled to God through Christ, we are also called to act as ambassadors, urging others to be reconciled, which includes righting wrongs done to neighbors.
cambridgeLeviticus 6:2: "If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the LORD, and lie unto his neighbour in that which was delivered him to keep, or in fellowship, or in a thing taken away by violence, or hath deceived his neighbour;"
2 . a matter of deposit ] if he has taken anything which was delivered him to keep. In ancient times when there were no banks or safe places where a man might deposit his private property, he was obliged to conceal anything of value which he possessed; sometimes he entru…
jfbLeviticus 6:2: "If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the LORD, and lie unto his neighbour in that which was delivered him to keep, or in fellowship, or in a thing taken away by violence, or hath deceived his neighbour;"
2-7. If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the Lord—This law, the record of which should have been joined with the previous chapter, was given concerning things stolen, fraudulently gotten, or wrongfully kept. The offender was enjoined to make restitution of the a…
The verse emphasizes that even actions seemingly only against another person, like deceit or theft, are fundamentally a "breach of faith against the LORD." This highlights that every violation of trust and fairness in human relationships is also a spiritual offense, directly impacting our relationship with God.
This passage introduces the laws for dealing with sins that involve dishonesty and defrauding one's neighbor. Following the general instructions for burnt offerings and grain offerings, these verses specify the requirements for restitution and atonement when someone has committed a breach of faith, particularly through deception regarding deposits, partnerships, violence, or other forms of deceit. The context highlights that such offenses, while directly harming others, are also considered trespasses against the Lord Himself.
This passage introduces the laws for dealing with sins that involve dishonesty and defrauding one's neighbor. Following the general instructions for burnt offerings and grain offerings, these verses specify the requirements for restitution and atonement when someone has committed a breach of faith, particularly through deception regarding deposits, partnerships, violence, or other forms of deceit. The context highlights that such offenses, while directly harming others, are also considered trespasses against the Lord Himself.
"“If anyone sins and commits a breach of faith against the LORD by deceiving his neighbor in a matter of deposit or security, or through robbery, or if he has oppressed his neighbor" — The verse emphasizes that even actions seemingly only against another person, like deceit or theft, are fundamentally a "breach of faith against the LORD." This highlights that every violation of tru…
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Last reviewed October 2026