Old Testament
Leviticus 22:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"If someone accidentally eats sacred food, he must pay back its value plus an additional 20 percent and give it to the priest."
Compare translations
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.
What Leviticus 22:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 22:14, the law addresses the situation where someone unintentionally consumes sacred food, which is food set apart for God or the priests. The individual is required to compensate for this mistake by paying back the value of the food plus an additional 20 percent. This law emphasizes the importance of respecting sacred items and the need for accountability when one inadvertently misuses them. The additional payment serves as a form of restitution, acknowledging the seriousness of the offense and ensuring that the priests are not deprived of their rightful portion. This principle reflects a broader theme in the law about maintaining holiness and the proper treatment of what is dedicated to God. It also highlights the importance of being mindful of one's actions, even when they are unintentional, and taking steps to make amends when necessary.
How to apply Leviticus 22:14 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of being mindful of our actions, even when they are unintentional. It encourages us to take responsibility for our mistakes and to make amends when we inadvertently harm others or disrespect what is sacred. Practicing accountability fosters a respectful and caring community.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Leviticus 22:14
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Leviticus 22:14
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Leviticus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Leviticus 22:14 mean?
Leviticus 22:14 explains that if someone accidentally eats sacred food, they must repay its value plus an additional 20 percent to the priest. This law highlights the importance of respecting sacred items and taking responsibility for unintentional mistakes.
What is the significance of sacred food in Leviticus 22:14?
Sacred food in Leviticus 22:14 refers to food set apart for God or the priests. The verse emphasizes the need to honor these items and the consequences of misusing them, even unintentionally.
What does restitution mean in Leviticus 22:14?
Restitution in Leviticus 22:14 refers to the requirement to compensate for the value of the sacred food consumed accidentally, plus an additional 20 percent. This serves to acknowledge the seriousness of the offense and ensure fairness.
How does Leviticus 22:14 relate to accountability?
Leviticus 22:14 illustrates accountability by requiring individuals to take responsibility for their actions, even if unintentional. It teaches that making amends is important when one inadvertently disrespects what is sacred.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.