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Leviticus 5:1

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 · King James Version

Meaning

This verse from the book of Leviticus outlines the importance of speaking out against wrongdoing. It emphasizes the duty of a witness to come forward and report any sinful act they have seen or heard. By staying silent and failing to report the wrongdoing, the witness will be held accountable for allowing the sin to continue unchecked. The verse highlights the concept of personal responsibility and accountability in the eyes of God. It reminds believers of the importance of speaking up and standing against evil, even when it may be difficult or uncomfortable. This verse serves as a reminder that silence in the face of sin is not an option for those who seek to walk in righteousness and follow God's commands.

Theological Overview

When analyzing this verse from a theological perspective, it is important to understand the concept of sin in the Bible. Sin is often described as falling short of God's standards and is seen as a transgression against Him. In the context of this particular verse, the emphasis is on the responsibility of individuals to speak out against wrongdoing when they witness it. The act of hearing the voice of swearing and being a witness to a sin, but choosing not to speak up, is equated with the individual bearing the iniquity of their silence. This highlights the idea that remaining silent in the face of sin is seen as complicity in the wrongdoing. The word study of "iniquity" in this verse reveals that it refers to moral or legal transgression. Therefore, failing to speak out against sin not only results in the individual bearing the burden of their silence but also potentially enables the continuation of sin by not holding the wrongdoer accountable.

Leviticus 5:1 in other translations

American Standard Version

And if any one sin, in that he heareth the voice of adjuration, he being a witness, whether he hath seen or known, if he do not utter [it], then he shall bear his iniquity.

World English Bible

“‘If anyone sins, in that he hears the voice of adjuration, he being a witness, whether he has seen or known, if he doesn’t report it, then he shall bear his iniquity.

Douay-Rheims

If any one sin, and hear the voice of one swearing, and is a witness either because he himself hath seen, or is privy to it: if he do not utter it, he shall bear his iniquity.

Geneva Bible (1599)

Also if any haue sinned, that is, If he haue heard the voyce of an othe, and hee can be a witnes, whether he hath seene or knowen of it, if hee doe not vtter it, he shall beare his iniquitie: