Leviticus 5:18
And he shall bring a ram without blemish out of the flock, with thy estimation, for a trespass offering, unto the priest: and the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his ignorance wherein he erred and wist it not, and it shall be forgiven him.
Leviticus 5:18 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, it is outlined that in cases of unintentional sin, a person is required to bring a ram without blemish from the flock to the priest as a trespass offering. The individual must value the ram according to the priest's instructions. By bringing this offering, the person acknowledges their mistake and seeks atonement for their ignorance. The act of presenting the ram symbolizes taking responsibility for their actions and seeking forgiveness for their unintentional wrongdoing. Through this ritual, the priest is able to make atonement on behalf of the individual, allowing them to be forgiven for the sin they committed unknowingly. This verse highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing even unintentional sins, emphasizing the significance of seeking forgiveness and making amends to maintain a harmonious relationship with God.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of this verse from Leviticus 5:18 reveals the importance of offering a ram without blemish as a trespass offering for sins committed out of ignorance. This act of atonement was necessary for the individual to be forgiven by the priest and ultimately by God. The word "estimation" in this context refers to the value placed on the ram as an offering, emphasizing the seriousness of the sin committed. The concept of atonement in this verse highlights the need for acknowledging one's mistakes, even if they were unintentional, and seeking forgiveness through a sacrificial offering. This verse underscores the grace and mercy of God in providing a way for His people to be reconciled to Him, despite their shortcomings and ignorance. Through this process of atonement and forgiveness, individuals were able to restore their relationship with God and experience His cleansing and restoration in their lives.
Leviticus 5:18 in other translations
American Standard Version
And he shall bring a ram without blemish out of the flock, according to thy estimation, for a trespass-offering, unto the priest; and the priest shall make atonement for him concerning the thing wherein he erred unwittingly and knew it not, and he shall be forgiven.
World English Bible
He shall bring a ram without defect from of the flock, according to your estimation, for a trespass offering, to the priest; and the priest shall make atonement for him concerning the thing in which he sinned and didn’t know it, and he will be forgiven.
Douay-Rheims
He shall offer of the flocks a ram without blemish to the priest, according to the measure and estimation of the sin. And the priest shall pray for him, because he did it ignorantly: And it shall be forgiven him,
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then shall he bring a ramme without blemishe out of the flocke, in thy estimation worth two shekels for a trespasse offring vnto ye Priest: and the Priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his ignorance wherein he erred, and was not ware: so it shalbe forgiuen him.