Numbers 5:7
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)
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This verse highlights that true restitution isn't just about giving back what was taken, but also includes an extra "fifth part." This addition wasn't just to enrich the wronged party, but served as a penalty to deter future wrongdoing and acknowledge the disruption and inconvenience caused by the sin.
This passage arises from a set of laws designed to maintain purity and justice within the Israelite community, specifically addressing wrongs committed against one another. Following laws about uncleanness and the care of priests, these verses detail the process for someone who has defrauded another, emphasizing that such trespasses require acknowledgment and repayment before fellowship with God can be fully restored. The procedure continues with instructions for what to do if the wronged party is no longer alive.
Imagine being caught red-handed. What's the first thing you want to do? For the Israelites, God's command was clear: admit it. But this wasn't just about admitting guilt; it was about giving glory to God.
The passage starts with a powerful command: "he shall confess his sin." This wasn't a casual 'oops, my bad.' It was a solemn acknowledgment before God and the wronged party.
Giving Glory to God
Confession here means more than just admitting a mistake. It’s about recognizing that sin is an offense against God and then taking responsibility for that offense. It’s about being honest, not trying to cover up or make excuses.
Restitution as Proof
This confession wasn't a free pass. It was the necessary first step before making things right. Without acknowledging the wrong, the act of restitution would be meaningless, a hollow gesture.
It's not enough to say 'I'm sorry.' God's standard for justice requires more – it demands that what was wrongly taken or done must be fully restored, with an added penalty.
The core of this command is about putting things back the way they should have been.
The Principal Amount
First, the offender had to return the original thing that was taken or its equivalent value. This is the 'principal thereof' – the core of what was lost.
The Added Fifth
Then, a fifth part was added. This wasn't just a fine; it served multiple purposes:
Understand the original words
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 also commands confession of sin, emphasizing that even if discovered, full restitution must be made to cover the transgression.
Exodus 22:1This law details penalties for theft, showing a consistent Old Testament principle that restitution is required for wrongdoing, though the specific penalties can vary based on the nature of the offense.
2 Samuel 12:6Nathan the prophet confronts David about his sin with Bathsheba, highlighting that restitution, in this case, would require a fourfold repayment, underscoring that repentance often involves making amends far beyond the initial loss.
Luke 19:8Zacchaeus’s transformation after meeting Jesus includes a dramatic promise of restitution, giving half his possessions to the poor and four times the amount to anyone he defrauded, demonstrating that genuine repentance leads to generous restoration.
clarkeNumbers 5:7: "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."
Shall confess their sin - Without confession or acknowledgment of sin, there was no hope of mercy held out. He shall recompense - For without restitution, in every possible case, God will not for give the iniquity of a man's sin. How can any person in a case of defraud…
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 true restitution isn't just about giving back what was taken, but also includes an extra "fifth part." This addition wasn't just to enrich the wronged party, but served as a penalty to deter future wrongdoing and acknowledge the disruption and inconvenience caused by the sin.
This passage arises from a set of laws designed to maintain purity and justice within the Israelite community, specifically addressing wrongs committed against one another. Following laws about uncleanness and the care of priests, these verses detail the process for someone who has defrauded another, emphasizing that such trespasses require acknowledgment and repayment before fellowship with God can be fully restored. The procedure continues with instructions for what to do if the wronged party is no longer alive.
This passage arises from a set of laws designed to maintain purity and justice within the Israelite community, specifically addressing wrongs committed against one another. Following laws about uncleanness and the care of priests, these verses detail the process for someone who has defrauded another, emphasizing that such trespasses require acknowledgment and repayment before fellowship with God can be fully restored. The procedure continues with instructions for what to do if the wronged party is no longer alive.
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This goes beyond simple repayment; it’s about demonstrating a genuine change of heart through tangible action.
"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." — This verse highlights that true restitution isn't just about giving back what was taken, but also includes an extra "fifth part." This addition wasn't just to enrich the wronged party, but served as…
