Keraia
Numbers 5

Numbers 5:8

Confession and Restitution · Numbers 5:5–10
Read Numbers 5

Translations

Modern
But if the man has no relative to whom restitution can be made for the wrong, the restitution belongs to the LORD and must be given to the priest along with the ram of atonement, by which the atonement is made for him.
Traditional
But if the man have no kinsman to recompense the trespass unto, let the trespass be recompensed unto the Lord, even to the priest; beside the ram of the atonement, whereby an atonement shall be made for him.
Literal
But if the man has no redeemer to whom restitution may be made for the wrong, the restitution for the wrong is unto YHWH, for the priest, in addition to the ram of the atonement, with which atonement is made for him.
Latin
Sin autem non fuerit qui recipiat, dabunt Domino, et erit sacerdotis, excepto ariete, qui offertur pro expiatione, ut sit placabilis hostia.

Original

Hebrew
English
But if the man has no relative to whom restitution can be made for the wrong, the restitution belongs to the LORD and must be given to the priest along with the ram of atonement, by which the atonement is made for him.

Notes

Numbers 5:8

  • Since sin is ultimately against God, the one doing wrong must make restitution to the LORD (Leviticus 5:6; Psalm 51:4). God allowed the human victims of the sin to receive this payment. If no victims were alive, the priest would receive the payment on behalf of the LORD. Those doing wrong must also offer a valuable sacrifice to restore their ceremonial purity and their relationship with God (Numbers 5:1–4).

  • the atonement is made for him: See study note on Leviticus 1:4.

Numbers 5:5–10

The laws about confession and restitution show the strong Hebrew concern for moral behavior (Leviticus 6:1–7).

Confession means admitting one’s sin before God. Restitution means making things right by repaying what was taken or damaged. A person who wronged another had to return what was stolen and often add more as a penalty.

Numbers 5:1–31

These laws speak about cleanliness, repayment, and staying faithful in marriage.

Numbers 5:1–10:10

These legal matters were meant to protect the purity of the Israelites, their priests, and the tabernacle. Purity here refers to being clean and set apart for worship.

These rules helped the people remember who they were. Israel was a theocracy (a nation ruled directly by God). God was their true king.

Moses served as God’s main spokesman. Through him, God gave laws and instructions to the people.

Parallels

Luke 19:1–10

Glossary

Biblical Concept of Law Courts and Trials Deuteronomy, Book of Miscarriage Numbers, Book of Offerings and Sacrifices

Topics

Priest: Benefits of Fines Priests: Revenues of all Restitutions when the Owner Could not be Found