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Leviticus 5:1

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Leviticus 5:1

Verse 1 of 19

Scripture focus

And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and [is] a witness, whether he hath seen or known [of it]; if he do not utter [it], then he shall bear his iniquity.

Leviticus 5:1 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Leviticus 5:1

Theological / Devotional

“If a soul sin” (RSV: “If any one sins”) introduces borderline cases between sin and trespass offerings, partaking of both natures.

The “voice of swearing” is better rendered “a public adjuration” (RSV), in a court setting where witnesses testify. Refusal to testify is guilt.

Truth-telling requires care not to impute motives or judge others unjustly. Circumstantial evidence may mislead. Witnesses must tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

An example is given of a deacon seen hauling wood on the Sabbath, misunderstood by witnesses who did not know the circumstances. Truthfulness requires full understanding.

By SdaBc