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Numbers 5:7 - Repentance requires full restitution.

Numbers 5:7 - במדבר 5:7

Hebrew Text

וְהִתְוַדּוּ אֶת־חַטָּאתָם אֲשֶׁר עָשׂוּ וְהֵשִׁיב אֶת־אֲשָׁמוֹ בְּרֹאשׁוֹ וַחֲמִישִׁתוֹ יֹסֵף עָלָיו וְנָתַן לַאֲשֶׁר אָשַׁם לוֹ׃

English Translation

then they shall confess their sin which they have done: and he shall make restitution for his trespass in full, and add to it its fifth part, and give it to him against whom he has trespassed.

Transliteration

Vehitvadu et-chatatam asher asu veheshiv et-ashamo berosho vachamishito yosef alav venatan laasher asham lo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהִתְוַדּ֗וּ אֶֽת־חַטָּאתָם֮ אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָשׂוּ֒ וְהֵשִׁ֤יב אֶת־אֲשָׁמוֹ֙ בְּרֹאשׁ֔וֹ וַחֲמִישִׁת֖וֹ יֹסֵ֣ף עָלָ֑יו וְנָתַ֕ן לַאֲשֶׁ֖ר אָשַׁ֥ם לֽוֹ׃
וְהִתְוַדּ֗וּ אֶֽת־חַטָּאתָם֮ אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָשׂוּ֒ וְהֵשִׁ֤יב אֶת־אֲשָׁמוֹ֙ בְּרֹאשׁ֔וֹ וַחֲמִישִׁת֖וֹ יֹסֵ֣ף עָלָ֑יו וְנָתַ֕ן לַאֲשֶׁ֖ר אָשַׁ֥ם לֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Confession and Restitution in Jewish Law

The verse (Numbers 5:7) outlines the process of repentance for one who has committed a financial transgression. According to Rashi, this passage teaches that verbal confession (vidui) is an essential component of repentance, even after the offender has made financial restitution. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 1:1) codifies this as one of the fundamental steps of repentance.

The Requirement to Add a Fifth

The Torah mandates that the offender must repay the principal amount plus an additional fifth (20%). The Talmud (Bava Kamma 54b) explains that this penalty applies to the principal amount, meaning one calculates 20% of the original sum and adds it to the repayment. For example, if one stole 100 units, they must repay 120 units (100 + 20).

To Whom the Payment is Made

The verse states "and give it to him against whom he has trespassed." The Sifrei emphasizes that the payment must go directly to the victim, not to their heirs if the victim has passed away. However, if the victim cannot be located, the payment plus the fifth must be given to the Kohanim (Priests), as derived from the continuation of the passage in Numbers 5:8.

Spiritual Dimensions of Restitution

  • The Kli Yakar notes that the requirement to add a fifth symbolizes that the sin affects not just the material dimension but also the spiritual dimension of the victim's possessions.
  • The Or HaChaim adds that the confession and restitution process serves to rectify both the interpersonal relationship and the offender's relationship with Hashem.
  • Rabbeinu Bachya explains that the additional fifth represents atonement for the sin of coveting what belongs to another.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 86b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws of repentance and restitution, particularly regarding the requirement to confess one's sins and make restitution.
📖 Bava Kamma 104b
The verse is referenced in the discussion of the laws of restitution, emphasizing the requirement to add a fifth part when making restitution for a trespass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 5:7 mean in simple terms?
A: Numbers 5:7 teaches the process of repentance for someone who wronged another person financially. It requires three steps: 1) Confessing the sin, 2) Repaying the full amount taken, and 3) Adding an extra fifth (20%) as a penalty. This shows sincere remorse and makes amends to the wronged party.
Q: Why is confessing the sin important in this verse?
A: According to Jewish tradition (Rambam, Hilchot Teshuva 1:1), verbal confession is an essential part of repentance. The verse emphasizes 'they shall confess their sin' because admitting wrongdoing out loud helps a person take full responsibility and commit to changing their behavior.
Q: Why do we add a fifth when repaying according to this verse?
A: The Torah requires adding a fifth (20%) as both a penalty and a deterrent against theft (Rashi on Numbers 5:7). This extra amount ensures the wrongdoer feels the consequence of their actions while also providing additional compensation to the victim for their trouble.
Q: How does this verse apply to modern situations?
A: The principles in Numbers 5:7 still apply today in Jewish law (Halacha). If someone damages another's property, steals, or withholds money owed, they must: 1) Admit their mistake, 2) Repay the full amount, and 3) Add 20% (Choshen Mishpat 363:6). This teaches responsibility and the importance of fixing our wrongs.
Q: What if I don't know who to repay?
A: The Talmud (Bava Kamma 94b) discusses cases where the wronged party cannot be found. In such situations, the money (plus the fifth) should be given to charity or to the court (beit din) to hold until the rightful owner is found. The main principle is that one must make every effort to rectify the wrong.