Leviticus 5:16
And he shall make amends for the harm that he hath done in the holy thing, and shall add the fifth part thereto, and give it unto the priest: and the priest shall make an atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering, and it shall be forgiven him.
Leviticus 5:16
Leviticus 5:16 commands making amends for harm done to holy things, adding one-fifth to the restitution, and presenting the ram of the trespass offering for atonement. The added fifth emphasizes the seriousness of recognizing damage done to what is sacred and the obligation to compensate beyond the original harm. The priest’s role in making atonement remains central. The verse reinforces the principle of restitution and accountability with a sacrificial ritual.
Restitution with an added penalty demonstrates God’s desire for righteous behavior and repair of relationships. It shows that forgiveness involves not only cleansing from guilt but also amending the injury done to holiness and community order. The ritual and the penalty together teach how justice and mercy intertwine in God’s economy.
If you’ve harmed someone or broken a sacred trust, go beyond a simple apology. Offer restitution or compensation and seek to repair the relationship. In organizational contexts, acknowledge the damage, compensate where fair, and implement safeguards to prevent recurrence. This passage encourages proactive, concrete steps toward restoration.
Cross-References: Exodus 22:1-4; Psalm 51:1-2; Luke 19:8; Romans 13:8; Philippians 2:4