This verse reminds us that godly restitution always seeks to restore what was lost, and that true forgiveness can be found when we surrender to God’s redemptive plan.
Leviticus 5:16 unfolds a remarkable instruction about making things right when sacred ordinances have been violated. The verse reads, “He shall make restitution for that which he has sinned against the holy thing, and shall add to it a fifth part of it and give it to the priest. The priest shall then make atonement for him with the ram of the guilt offering, and it will be forgiven him” (v.16). God is guiding the Israelites, through Moses (circa 15th-14th century BC), on how to tangibly restore what has been defiled, illustrating both the need for symbolic repayment and genuine repentance for sin. By emphasizing the added fifth part, the passage highlights the seriousness of offenses committed against the sacred institutions of Israel, which could include the tabernacle or other consecrated goods devoted to the Lord.
In calling for “restitution ... and shall add to it a fifth part” (v.16), the verse underscores that sin is not a trivial matter. Instead, it carries real consequences that harm one’s connection to God and the community. This requirement is deeply rooted in the belief that God’s holiness demands reverence and due respect. The priest’s role, mentioned here, was central to the worship and spiritual life of ancient Israel. He served as a mediator between God and the people, foreshadowing the ultimate Priest and Mediator, Jesus Christ, who offers atonement and forgiveness on an even greater scale (Hebrews 7:25).
The phrase “The priest shall then make atonement for him ... it will be forgiven him” (v.16) conveys a dual emphasis: the reconciliation of relationship through atonement and the gift of divine forgiveness. For the Israelites, presenting a guilt offering was an act of obedience and trust, pointing toward the perfect atonement that would be accomplished in Jesus (Hebrews 10:10). Here in Leviticus, the requirement of restitution plus a fifth part teaches that sin’s impact extends beyond the individual and must be remedied, while also reminding us that God graciously provides a way to restore broken fellowship.
Set to dark mode
Leviticus 5:16 meaning
Leviticus 5:16 unfolds a remarkable instruction about making things right when sacred ordinances have been violated. The verse reads, “He shall make restitution for that which he has sinned against the holy thing, and shall add to it a fifth part of it and give it to the priest. The priest shall then make atonement for him with the ram of the guilt offering, and it will be forgiven him” (v.16). God is guiding the Israelites, through Moses (circa 15th-14th century BC), on how to tangibly restore what has been defiled, illustrating both the need for symbolic repayment and genuine repentance for sin. By emphasizing the added fifth part, the passage highlights the seriousness of offenses committed against the sacred institutions of Israel, which could include the tabernacle or other consecrated goods devoted to the Lord.
In calling for “restitution ... and shall add to it a fifth part” (v.16), the verse underscores that sin is not a trivial matter. Instead, it carries real consequences that harm one’s connection to God and the community. This requirement is deeply rooted in the belief that God’s holiness demands reverence and due respect. The priest’s role, mentioned here, was central to the worship and spiritual life of ancient Israel. He served as a mediator between God and the people, foreshadowing the ultimate Priest and Mediator, Jesus Christ, who offers atonement and forgiveness on an even greater scale (Hebrews 7:25).
The phrase “The priest shall then make atonement for him ... it will be forgiven him” (v.16) conveys a dual emphasis: the reconciliation of relationship through atonement and the gift of divine forgiveness. For the Israelites, presenting a guilt offering was an act of obedience and trust, pointing toward the perfect atonement that would be accomplished in Jesus (Hebrews 10:10). Here in Leviticus, the requirement of restitution plus a fifth part teaches that sin’s impact extends beyond the individual and must be remedied, while also reminding us that God graciously provides a way to restore broken fellowship.