Old Testament

Leviticus 5:17

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

This verse emphasizes that even unintentional sins against God's commands make a person guilty.

Author
Traditionally attributed to Moses
Written
Around 1400 BC
Genre
Law (Pentateuch)
Original Audience
The Israelites in the wilderness
CBTClear Bible Translation

If someone sins by breaking any of the LORD's commands — even without knowing it — they are still guilty and must bear the consequences of their sin.

KJVKing James Version

And if a soul sin, and commit any of these things which are forbidden to be done by the commandments of the LORD; though he wist it not, yet is he guilty, and shall bear his iniquity.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

This verse emphasizes that even unintentional sins against God's commands make a person guilty. It highlights the seriousness of sin in God's eyes, regardless of whether the sinner is aware of their wrongdoing. The concept of guilt here is not just about knowledge but about the inherent nature of sin itself. God’s laws are absolute, and breaking them, knowingly or unknowingly, carries consequences. This teaches that we are responsible for our actions and must seek forgiveness and atonement, even for sins we may not realize we have committed. It underscores the importance of being mindful of God's commands and striving to live in accordance with them, as ignorance does not exempt one from accountability. This principle encourages believers to cultivate a deeper understanding of their faith and the moral implications of their actions, fostering a more conscientious and reflective spiritual life.

How to apply Leviticus 5:17 to your life

This verse encourages us to be vigilant in our actions and to seek understanding of God's commands. It reminds us that we should regularly reflect on our behavior and seek forgiveness for any unintentional wrongs. Engaging in prayer and study can help us grow in awareness and avoid sin.

Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Leviticus 5:17 mean?

Leviticus 5:17 means that even if someone sins by breaking God's commands without realizing it, they are still considered guilty and must face the consequences of their actions.

What is the significance of unintentional sin in Leviticus 5:17?

The significance of unintentional sin in Leviticus 5:17 is that it highlights the seriousness of sin in God's eyes, showing that ignorance does not exempt a person from guilt or accountability.

How does Leviticus 5:17 relate to accountability?

Leviticus 5:17 relates to accountability by emphasizing that everyone is responsible for their actions, regardless of their awareness of wrongdoing, and must strive to understand and follow God's commands.

What can we learn from Leviticus 5:17 about sin?

From Leviticus 5:17, we learn that sin is serious and can occur even without intent, which encourages us to be mindful of our actions and seek to understand God's laws better.

The Book of Leviticus
Book Summary

The Book of Leviticus

Leviticus 1: The Burnt Offering

The LORD calls to Moses from the tabernacle and gives instructions for the burnt offering. A man who brings a burnt offering from the herd presents a male without blemish at the door of the tabernacle. He lays his hand on the head of the offering, kills it, and Aaron's sons the priests sprinkle the blood around the altar. The animal is flayed and cut into pieces, and the whole is burned on the altar as a sweet savor to the LORD.

Premium

Unlock the full Leviticus summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Leviticus — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 27 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Leviticus summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.