Leviticus 5:1 Meaning and Explanation
“And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and is a witness, whether he hath seen or known of it; if he do not utter it, then he shall bear his iniquity.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Remaining silent about a sworn oath makes a person guilty.
The Context of Leviticus 5:1
Part of the sin offering regulations.
What Does Leviticus 5:1 Mean?
When someone hears an oath being sworn and is a witness to what was promised, God holds them accountable for their knowledge. Silence becomes complicity in the matter, placing them under the weight of that obligation.
The person must confess and take responsibility rather than hide what they know. This principle extends the scope of sin beyond active wrongdoing to include the failure to speak up when integrity requires it.
Leviticus 5:1 in the Original Language
עָוֹן (awon), 'iniquity' — moral debt or consequence that clings to the person.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 5:1
What does Leviticus 5:1 mean?
Remaining silent about a sworn oath makes a person guilty.
What is the context of Leviticus 5:1?
Part of the sin offering regulations.