Leviticus 5:15
If a soul commit a trespass, and sin through ignorance, in the holy things of the LORD; then he shall bring for his trespass unto the LORD a ram without blemish out of the flocks, with thy estimation by shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering:
Leviticus 5:15 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from Leviticus, the importance of taking responsibility for unintentional sins in the sight of the Lord is highlighted. The verse instructs that if an individual unknowingly commits a trespass against the holy things of the Lord, they are required to bring a ram without blemish as a trespass offering. By bringing this offering, the person is demonstrating their willingness to make amends and seek forgiveness for their unintentional wrongdoing. The mention of offering a ram without blemish signifies the need for a pure and unblemished sacrifice to atone for the sin. The use of shekels of silver for the estimation of the ram emphasizes the value placed on seeking reconciliation with the Lord and following the prescribed rituals for forgiveness. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging and making restitution for all offenses, whether intentional or accidental, in the eyes of the Lord.
Theological Overview
Within this verse, the focus is on the concept of trespassing against the holy things of the Lord. The theological interpretation of this passage speaks to the severity of sin and the need for restitution when one unknowingly commits an offense. The idea of sinning through ignorance highlights the importance of being intentional in our actions and seeking forgiveness when we fall short. The mention of bringing a ram without blemish as a trespass offering emphasizes the need for a pure and unblemished sacrifice to atone for our sins. Additionally, the requirement to estimate the value of the ram in shekels of silver based on the sanctuary shekel underscores the importance of giving our best to the Lord in repentance and seeking forgiveness. This verse serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the grace and mercy offered by the Lord through the act of making amends for our transgressions.
Leviticus 5:15 in other translations
American Standard Version
If any one commit a trespass, and sin unwittingly, in the holy things of Jehovah; then he shall bring his trespass-offering unto Jehovah, a ram without blemish out of the flock, according to thy estimation in silver by shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass-offering:
World English Bible
“If anyone commits a trespass, and sins unwittingly, in the holy things of Yahweh; then he shall bring his trespass offering to Yahweh, a ram without defect from the flock, according to your estimation in silver by shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering.
Douay-Rheims
If any one shall sin through mistake, transgressing the ceremonies in those things that are sacrificed to the Lord, he shall offer for his offence a ram without blemish out of the flocks, that may be bought for two sicles, according to the weight of the sanctuary.
Geneva Bible (1599)
If any person transgresse and sinne through ignorance by taking away things consecrated vnto the Lord, hee shall then bring for his trespasse offring vnto the Lord a ramme without blemish out of the flocke, worth two shekels of siluer by thy estimation after the shekel of the Sanctuarie, for a trespasse offring.