Leviticus 22:14 Meaning and Explanation
“And if a man eat of the holy thing unwittingly, then he shall put the fifth part thereof unto it, and shall give it unto the priest with the holy thing.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A non-priest who eats the holy offering by mistake must restore it with a fifth added and give it to the priest.
The Context of Leviticus 22:14
Unintentional eating of the offerings requires financial restitution to the priest.
What Does Leviticus 22:14 Mean?
Unintentional violation is met with restitution rather than severe punishment. If someone not entitled to eat the offering does so—whether by ignorance or accident—they must make payment: the full value of what they ate plus one fifth. This 'guilt offering' principle appears throughout Leviticus and demonstrates that God's law distinguishes between intentional and unintentional wrongs.
The restitution goes to the priest as compensation for the violation of the sacred. This system provides a way for unintentional transgression to be made right, rather than leaving the community in a state of permanent defilement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 22:14
What does Leviticus 22:14 mean?
A non-priest who eats the holy offering by mistake must restore it with a fifth added and give it to the priest.
What is the context of Leviticus 22:14?
Unintentional eating of the offerings requires financial restitution to the priest.