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Tanach (JPS): Leviticus: Leviticus Chapter 5

Book of ChroniclesHebrew Bible TranslationJewish Publication Society Bible

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This is a passage from the Hebrew Bible (Tanach), specifically from the book of Leviticus, presented in the 1917 Jewish Publication Society translation — a foundational text of ancient Israelite religious law (halakha). The passage details the sacrificial and restitution procedures required for various categories of sin and trespass, including unintentional ritual impurity, forgotten oaths, misappropriation of sacred property, and financial wrongs against neighbors such as theft, fraud, and false swearing. A notably practical feature is the sliding-scale atonement system: wealthier offenders bring a lamb or goat, those of lesser means bring two birds, and the poorest may offer only fine flour — making ritual forgiveness accessible across economic classes. The text also distinguishes between sins requiring only animal sacrifice (inadvertent transgressions) and those requiring both material restitution plus a 20% penalty to the wronged party before sacrifice is even accepted. The underlying theology holds that guilt accrues even from unknowing violations of divine or social norms, and that the combination of confession, restitution, and priestly sacrifice restores the offender to a forgiven standing before God. Readers interested in ancient legal codes, the mechanics of Israelite temple worship, or the biblical foundations of concepts like restitution and atonement will find this passage concretely instructive.

Tanach (JPS): Leviticus: Leviticus Chapter 5

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