Leviticus 5:4

Translations

Modern

Or if someone swears thoughtlessly with his lips to do anything good or evil—in whatever matter a man may rashly pronounce an oath—even if he is unaware of it, when he realizes it, he is guilty in the matter.

Traditional

Or if a soul swear, pronouncing with his lips to do evil, or to do good, whatsoever it be that a man shall pronounce with an oath, and it be hid from him; when he knoweth of it, then he shall be guilty in one of these.

Literal

Or if a soul swears, to utter with his lips to do evil or to do good, according to all that the man utters by an oath, and it is hidden from him, and he realizes it, then he shall be guilty in one of these.

Latin

Anima, quæ juraverit, et protulerit labiis suis, ut vel male quid faceret, vel bene, et idipsum juramento et sermone firmaverit, oblitaque postea intellexerit delictum suum,

Original

Hebrew

English

Or if someone swears thoughtlessly with his lips to do anything good or evil—in whatever matter a man may rashly pronounce an oath—even if he is unaware of it, when he realizes it, he is guilty in the matter.

Notes

Leviticus 5:4

People were allowed to take oaths in the name of the Lord. But making a foolish or careless vow misused the Lord’s name and showed disrespect (Exodus 20:7). For this reason, the law required people to keep the vows they made (see Numbers 30:2; Deuteronomy 23:21–23; Ecclesiastes 5:4–6).

Leviticus 5:1–6

These verses give examples of sins that required a sin offering (Leviticus 4:2). When a person became aware of committing a wrong, the next step to make it right was to admit the guilt and bring a sin offering.

Leviticus 4:1–5:13

The sin offering is called khatta’t in Hebrew, from the root khata’. It means "to lack, fall short, miss, fail." The people made this offering when they unintentionally violated specific commands of God (see also Numbers 15:22–29). The purpose of this offering was to repair a loss or fix a failure (for example, Leviticus 5:1–4).

Although all Christians sin, God will forgive us if we confess them (Galatians 6:1; 1 John 1:8–9). Yet, the Scripture warns against sinning "defiantly" or "deliberately" (Numbers 15:30–31; Hebrews 10:26–29; 6:4–6).

Theme notes and profiles

Ancient Law Codes Atonement Pure Worship

Related verses

Judges 11:31
…then whatever comes out the door of my house to greet me on my triumphant return from the Ammonites will belong to the LORD, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering.”
Ecclesiastes 5:2–6
Do not be quick to speak, and do not be hasty in your heart to utter a word before God. For God is in heaven and you are on earth. So let your words be few.
Mark 6:23
And he swore to her, “Whatever you ask of me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom!”
Acts 23:12
When daylight came, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul.
Numbers 30:8
But if her husband prohibits her when he hears of it, he nullifies the vow that binds her or the rash promise she has made, and the LORD will absolve her.
1 Samuel 25:22
May God punish David, and ever so severely, if I let one male belonging to Nabal survive until morning.”
Judges 21:18
But we cannot give them our daughters as wives.” For the Israelites had sworn, “Cursed is he who gives a wife to a Benjamite.”
Matthew 14:9
The king was grieved, but because of his oaths and his guests, he ordered that her wish be granted
Ezekiel 17:18–19
He despised the oath by breaking the covenant. Seeing that he gave his hand in pledge yet did all these things, he will not escape!’
1 Samuel 24:21–22
So now, swear to me by the LORD that you will not cut off my descendants or wipe out my name from my father’s house.”
Judges 21:7
What should we do about wives for the survivors, since we have sworn by the LORD not to give them our daughters in marriage?”
Matthew 14:7
…so much that he promised with an oath to give to her whatever she asked.

Leviticus 5:4

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