The trespass offering required restitution plus a fifth to ensure full justice and to emphasize the seriousness of violating God’s law or defrauding others. Restitution restored what was taken or damaged, and the additional one-fifth served as a penalty and acknowledgment of guilt.
Leviticus 6:4–5 says:
“Then it shall be, because he has sinned and is guilty, that he shall restore what he has stolen, or the thing which he has extorted, or what was delivered to him for safekeeping, or the lost thing which he found, or all that about which he has sworn falsely. He shall restore its full value, add one-fifth more to it, and give it to whomever it belongs, on the day of his trespass offering.”
This requirement demons/”>demonstrated that sin has tangible consequences and that reconciliation involves more than verbal confession. The additional fifth acted as compensation for loss and as a deterrent against wrongdoing.
Spiritually, this principle points to the comprehensive nature of Christ’s redemption. He not only paid the debt of our sin but also restored what was lost and brought abundant grace. Romans 5:20 says:
“But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.”
The restitution plus a fifth reflected God’s justice and mercy, teaching that true repentance seeks to make amends whenever possible.
