This verse highlights that sins against others are also seen as breaking faith directly with God. It's easy to think of theft or deceit as merely a wrong against a person, but here it’s framed as a betrayal of the Lord’s own righteousness.
“Speak to the people of Israel, When a man or woman commits any of the sins that people commit by breaking faith with the LORD, and that person realizes his guilt, he shall confess his sin that he has committed. And he shall make full restitution for his wrong, adding a fifth to it and giving it to him to whom he did the wrong.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage comes right after laws about ritual purity, shifting focus to social justice. It introduces a specific scenario where someone has wronged another by sinning against them, often through deceit or theft, and has thereby also trespassed against the LORD’s commands. The context emphasizes that even private sins that harm others are ultimately offenses against God that require confession and restitution.
Ever thought a 'victimless crime' was truly victimless? This verse challenges that idea, revealing a deeper spiritual dimension to our wrongs.
The passage here (Numbers 5:6-7) describes specific sins involving wrongs against others. It's crucial to see that these 'sins of men' are also explicitly called a 'trespass against the LORD.'
The Double Wound
Before any remedy or restoration can happen, there's a vital internal moment. What is it, and why is it so important?
The verse specifies that the person commits a sin and then 'that person realizes his guilt.' This isn't just about being factually guilty; it's about an internal recognition and conviction.
The Weight of Awareness
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Understand the original words
maal · Hebrew Verb
To act treacherously or unfaithfully, particularly in a relationship or covenant. It denotes a violation of trust or an act of betrayal against God or others.
asham · Hebrew Noun
The state of being liable for an offense; the condition of having committed an offense and being subject to penalty or requiring reconciliation. It involves both the factual act of sin and the resulting spiritual or legal obligation.
yadah · Hebrew Verb
To acknowledge, admit, or declare one's sins or faults, either to God or to others. It is an act of humble agreement with God regarding the nature and reality of one's wrongdoing.
chattat · Hebrew Noun
To fail, miss the mark, or fall short of God’s standards. It represents an act of disobedience that transgresses divine law and disrupts the relationship between the individual and God.
asham · Hebrew Noun
The act of restoring or compensating for a loss or damage caused by a wrong. It involves returning what was taken and adding an additional amount to fully repair the injury or injustice.
This passage directly explains the concept of 'trespass against the LORD' in the context of sins against others, clarifying that wrongs done to neighbors are understood as unfaithfulness to God.
Psalm 51:4This Psalm highlights the principle that even sins committed against individuals, like David's sin with Bathsheba, are ultimately seen as offenses against God's righteousness and commands.
Acts 5:4Ananias and Sapphira's deception is described as not lying to men but to God, illustrating how actions against fellow believers or the community are viewed as transgressions against the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 18:15-17Jesus outlines a process for addressing sin within the community, showing that when someone sins against another, it's a matter that needs to be brought before God and the church, not just a private issue.
pulpitNumbers 5:6: "Speak unto the children of Israel, When a man or woman shall commit any sin that men commit, to do a trespass against the LORD, and that person be guilty;"
Verse 6. - Shall commit any sin that men commit. Literally, "[one] of all the transgressions of men," i.e., the wrongs current amongst men. To do a trespass against the Lord. This qualifies the former expression, and restricts its reference to the sins mentioned in Leviticus 6:2, 8, 5, viz., wrongs done to the property of anoth…
calvinNumbers 5:5-7: "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Then they shall confess their sin which they have done: and he shall recompense his trespass with the principal thereof, and add unto it the fifth part thereof, and give it unto him against whom he hath trespassed.
Fatebuntur peccatum suum quod fecerunt: et restituet delictum suum in solidum, et quintam ejus partem superaddet, dabitque ei in quem peccaverit.
And the Lord spoke unto Moses. Although at the outset He seems to inclu…
This verse highlights that sins against others are also seen as breaking faith directly with God. It's easy to think of theft or deceit as merely a wrong against a person, but here it’s framed as a betrayal of the Lord’s own righteousness.
This passage comes right after laws about ritual purity, shifting focus to social justice. It introduces a specific scenario where someone has wronged another by sinning against them, often through deceit or theft, and has thereby also trespassed against the LORD’s commands. The context emphasizes that even private sins that harm others are ultimately offenses against God that require confession and restitution.
This passage comes right after laws about ritual purity, shifting focus to social justice. It introduces a specific scenario where someone has wronged another by sinning against them, often through deceit or theft, and has thereby also trespassed against the LORD’s commands. The context emphasizes that even private sins that harm others are ultimately offenses against God that require confession and restitution.
"“Speak to the people of Israel, When a man or woman commits any of the sins that people commit by breaking faith with the LORD, and that person realizes his guilt, he shall confess his sin that he has committed. And he shall make full rest…" — This verse highlights that sins against others are also seen as breaking faith directly with God. It's easy to think of theft or deceit as merely a wrong against a person, but here it’s framed as a b…
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Last reviewed October 2026
