or anything about which he has sworn falsely, he shall restore it in full and shall add a fifth to it, and give it to him to whom it belongs on the day he realizes his guilt.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This isn't just about paying back what you stole or defrauded; the added fifth signifies compensation for the delay and the loss the owner suffered while you held onto what wasn't yours. It highlights that true repentance isn't just about returning the principal, but also acknowledging and rectifying the ongoing harm caused by your deception.
or anything about which he has sworn falsely, he shall restore it in full and shall add a fifth to it, and give it to him to whom it belongs on the day he realizes his guilt.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is detailing the specific regulations for various kinds of trespasses, particularly those involving dishonesty and deceit towards one's neighbor. It follows the general instructions for the guilt or trespass offering, and now delves into the consequences and requirements for those who have wronged others, including the significant offense of swearing falsely. The offender must not only make restitution to the wronged party but also bring a sacrifice to the Lord to cover their sin.
Swearing falsely isn't just lying to people; it's a direct insult to God. This verse highlights the severity of combining human deceit with the profanation of God's name.
A Sin Against God and Neighbor
This passage zeroes in on sins involving dishonesty, particularly when backed by a false oath. It's not just about the earthly loss a person suffers, but the spiritual offense against God.
When guilt is realized, simply returning what was taken isn't enough. God requires more, showing His commitment to justice and healing.
Making Amends
Leviticus 6:5 lays out a clear path for restitution when guilt is acknowledged:
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True repentance isn't just an internal feeling; it must lead to outward actions, especially when others have been wronged.
Action as Evidence of Repentance
The timing of restitution is crucial. It's not something to put off.
This passage details penalties for theft and deception, emphasizing restitution and multiple-times the value as compensation, mirroring Leviticus' focus on making things right after wrongdoing.
Numbers 5:6-7It highlights the concept of confessing sin and making restitution 'in full' plus an additional fifth part when committing any wrong against another, directly paralleling the core principle in Leviticus 6:5.
Luke 19:8-10Zacchaeus' immediate and generous restitution to those he defrauded, giving back double and then half again, demonstrates the same spirit of radical repentance and making amends that Leviticus 6:5 prescribes.
2 Corinthians 7:11Paul discusses how godly sorrow leads to earnestness, indignation, and eager defense, which includes making things right, echoing the underlying attitude of repentance required for the restitution described in Leviticus.
calvinLeviticus 6:1-7: "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
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;
Anima quum peccaverit, et praevaricata fuerit praevaricationem contra Jehovam, mentiens nempe fuerit proximo suo in deposito, ant in depositione manus, aut raptum, ant vim fecerit proximo suo.
Or have found that which w…
gillLeviticus 6:5: "Or all that about which he hath sworn falsely; he shall even restore it in the principal, and shall add the fifth part more thereto, and give it unto him to whom it appertaineth, in the day of his trespass offering."
Or all that about which he hath sworn falsely,.... In all and each of the above cases, in which he had committed a trespass and denied it, and to the denial adds a false oath, and yet after all acknowledges it: he shall even restore it in the principal; whatsoever h…
This isn't just about paying back what you stole or defrauded; the added fifth signifies compensation for the delay and the loss the owner suffered while you held onto what wasn't yours. It highlights that true repentance isn't just about returning the principal, but also acknowledging and rectifying the ongoing harm caused by your deception.
This passage is detailing the specific regulations for various kinds of trespasses, particularly those involving dishonesty and deceit towards one's neighbor. It follows the general instructions for the guilt or trespass offering, and now delves into the consequences and requirements for those who have wronged others, including the significant offense of swearing falsely. The offender must not only make restitution to the wronged party but also bring a sacrifice to the Lord to cover their sin.
This passage is detailing the specific regulations for various kinds of trespasses, particularly those involving dishonesty and deceit towards one's neighbor. It follows the general instructions for the guilt or trespass offering, and now delves into the consequences and requirements for those who have wronged others, including the significant offense of swearing falsely. The offender must not only make restitution to the wronged party but also bring a sacrifice to the Lord to cover their sin.
"or anything about which he has sworn falsely, he shall restore it in full and shall add a fifth to it, and give it to him to whom it belongs on the day he realizes his guilt." — This isn't just about paying back what you stole or defrauded; the added fifth signifies compensation for the delay and the loss the owner suffered while you held onto what wasn't yours. It highl…
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Last reviewed October 2026