Leviticus 5: The Guilt Offering – Restoring What Is Broken

Key Verse: Leviticus 5:5-6 "When anyone becomes aware that they are guilty in any of these matters, they must confess in what way they have sinned. As a penalty for the sin they have committed, they must bring to the Lord a female lamb or goat from the flock as a sin offering; and the priest shall make atonement for them for their sin."

Sin doesn’t just break our relationship with God—it can also harm others.

Leviticus 5 introduces the guilt offering, also called the trespass offering. While the sin offering dealt with unintentional sins, the guilt offering was required when someone’s actions caused harm or loss to another person. It wasn’t just about forgiveness; it also required making things right.

When Was a Guilt Offering Needed?

A guilt offering was required when someone:

1. Withheld testimony – If someone knew the truth but refused to speak, they were guilty. (Leviticus 5:1)

2. Touched something unclean – If a person became defiled unknowingly, they were still responsible. (Leviticus 5:2-3)

3. Made a careless oath – If someone made a vow and later realized they couldn’t keep it, they needed atonement. (Leviticus 5:4)

4. Cheated, stole, or deceived others – If a person wronged someone financially, they had to make restitution before offering a sacrifice. (Leviticus 5:14-16)

This offering teaches that sin carries consequences beyond just personal guilt—it affects relationships, trust, and justice.

The Process of the Guilt Offering

1. The Sinner Confesses Their Sin – Admitting the wrong was the first step to restoration. (Leviticus 5:5)

2. The Sacrifice is Offered – A lamb or goat was sacrificed, or if someone was poor, they could bring two doves or even fine flour. (Leviticus 5:6-11)

3. Restitution is Made – If the sin involved financial loss, the guilty person had to repay what was stolen plus an extra 20%. (Leviticus 5:16)

Jesus: Our Ultimate Guilt Offering

The guilt offering foreshadowed Jesus’ sacrifice, which not only forgives us but restores what sin has broken.

• Jesus bore our guilt – He took on our wrongdoing so that we could be free. (Isaiah 53:10)

• He paid our debt in full – Just as the guilty person repaid the loss, Jesus paid our spiritual debt completely. (Colossians 2:13-14)

• He reconciles us to God and others – Through Christ, our relationship with God is restored, and we are called to make peace with those we have wronged. (Matthew 5:23-24)

A Lesson for Us

• Are we willing to confess our sins and take responsibility for our actions?

• Are we making things right with those we have wronged?

• Do we trust Jesus as the one who paid our debt, both to God and others?

Leviticus 5 reminds us that true repentance involves more than just words—it requires action. Through Christ, we are forgiven, but we are also called to restore what sin has damaged.

Are we living in the freedom of His forgiveness and making peace with those around us?