Leviticus 6:5
Or all that about which he hath sworn falsely; he shall even restore it in the principal, and shall add the fifth part more thereto, and give it unto him to whom it appertaineth, in the day of his trespass offering.
Leviticus 6:5
This verse specifies the manner of restitution: restore the principal amount plus an additional fifth part, and give it to the rightful owner on the day of the trespass offering. The “day of his trespass offering” ties financial restitution to the sacrificial system, linking ethical repair with worship and atonement. The added fifth demonstrates the seriousness of deception or wrongful acquisition and ensures the offender bears financial consequence alongside ritual atonement. The context implies that sin against a neighbor is never merely a civil matter; it has divine dimensions and requires a liturgical response. This integrates ethics, worship, and communal cohesion.
Theologically, this rule shows that God sanctifies social justice within worship. Restitution is not optional but integral to repentance and reconciliation with God. It also foreshadows the idea that sin affecting others has a cost that must be borne, a theme echoed in later Scripture where penalties and mercy intersect in atonement.
If you wrong someone financially or in terms of trust, repay the principal and the 20% surcharge, and do so promptly. In modern life, this can translate to paying back loans with interest or reimbursing a colleague for a mistaken expense plus a goodwill gesture. The practice helps restore social trust and prevents grudges. It also models responsible financial behavior for families and communities.
Cross-References: Leviticus 19:13; Exodus 22:1–3; Luke 19:8