The sin offering and the trespass offering were both required for atonement, but they addressed different aspects of guilt. The sin offering focused on purification from sin, particularly unintentional sins that defiled the sanctuary or broke God’s law. The trespass offering dealt with specific acts of wrongdoing, especially those involving harm or loss to another person or to God’s holy things, and required restitution.
Leviticus 4:2 describes the sin offering:
“Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘If a person sins unintentionally against any of the commandments of the Lord in anything which ought not to be done, and does any of them…’”
This offering emphasized cleansing from sin’s defilement and restoring fellowship with God. Its primary concern was the violation of God’s holiness.
The trespass offering, outlined in Leviticus 6:4–6, required repayment for the wrong plus an additional amount:
“Then it shall be, because he has sinned and is guilty, that he shall restore what he has stolen… and add one-fifth more to it and give it to whomever it belongs… and he shall bring his trespass offering to the Lord.”
This offering addressed the practical consequences of sin, ensuring justice and restitution along with atonement. It taught that reconciliation with God must include making things right with others when possible.
Both offerings pointed to the complete work of Christ, who not only removes our guilt before God but also restores what was lost through sin.
