share torah logo

Leviticus 5:21 - False oaths betray trust

Leviticus 5:21 - ויקרא 5:21

Hebrew Text

נֶפֶשׁ כִּי תֶחֱטָא וּמָעֲלָה מַעַל בַּיהוָה וְכִחֵשׁ בַּעֲמִיתוֹ בְּפִקָּדוֹן אוֹ־בִתְשׂוּמֶת יָד אוֹ בְגָזֵל אוֹ עָשַׁק אֶת־עֲמִיתוֹ׃

English Translation

If a person sin, and commit a trespass against the Lord, and lie to his neighbour in that which was delivered him to keep, or in a loan, or in a thing taken away by violence, or have wronged his neighbour;

Transliteration

Nefesh ki techeta uma'ala ma'al ba'Adonai vechichesh ba'amito befikadon o-vit'sumet yad o-vegazel o ashak et-amito.

Hebrew Leining Text

נֶ֚פֶשׁ כִּ֣י תֶחֱטָ֔א וּמָעֲלָ֥ה מַ֖עַל בַּיהֹוָ֑ה וְכִחֵ֨שׁ בַּעֲמִית֜וֹ בְּפִקָּד֗וֹן אֽוֹ־בִתְשׂ֤וּמֶת יָד֙ א֣וֹ בְגָזֵ֔ל א֖וֹ עָשַׁ֥ק אֶת־עֲמִיתֽוֹ׃
נֶ֚פֶשׁ כִּ֣י תֶחֱטָ֔א וּמָעֲלָ֥ה מַ֖עַל בַּיהֹוָ֑ה וְכִחֵ֨שׁ בַּעֲמִית֜וֹ בְּפִקָּד֗וֹן אֽוֹ־בִתְשׂ֤וּמֶת יָד֙ א֣וֹ בְגָזֵ֔ל א֖וֹ עָשַׁ֥ק אֶת־עֲמִיתֽוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

General Context of the Verse

This verse (Vayikra 5:21) discusses a person who commits a sin involving financial deceit against another individual, which is also considered a trespass against Hashem. The Torah emphasizes that interpersonal sins—particularly those involving monetary matters—are not merely between people but also constitute a violation of one's relationship with G-d.

Key Terms and Their Meanings

  • נֶפֶשׁ כִּי תֶחֱטָא ("If a person sins"): The term nefesh (soul) highlights that sin affects the spiritual essence of a person, not just their physical actions (Rashi).
  • וּמָעֲלָה מַעַל בַּיהוָה ("and commit a trespass against the Lord"): Financial dishonesty is framed as a betrayal of divine trust, as all property ultimately belongs to Hashem (Rambam, Hilchot Gezeilah).
  • וְכִחֵשׁ בַּעֲמִיתוֹ ("and lie to his neighbor"): Denying a rightful claim is akin to false testimony, violating the prohibition against deceit (Talmud, Bava Kamma 107a).

Categories of Financial Sins Mentioned

The verse lists four specific types of financial wrongdoing:

  • פִקָּדוֹן ("that which was delivered to keep"): A breach of trust regarding a deposit or safekeeping (Rashi).
  • תְשׂוּמֶת יָד ("a loan"): Withholding repayment of borrowed money (Sifra).
  • גָזֵל ("a thing taken away by violence"): Open theft or robbery (Rambam, Hilchot Gezeilah).
  • עָשַׁק ("wronged his neighbor"): Covert financial oppression, such as withholding wages (Talmud, Bava Metzia 111a).

Spiritual Implications

The Talmud (Yoma 86b) teaches that sins between man and fellow man are particularly severe because they require not only repentance before G-d but also restitution and reconciliation with the wronged party. The inclusion of "מַעַל בַּיהוָה" underscores that ethical conduct in business is a fundamental aspect of serving Hashem (Midrash Tanchuma, Mishpatim 8).

Halachic Consequences

According to Halacha, the offender must:

  • Return the stolen or withheld property (or its value).
  • Add a fifth of its value as a penalty (Vayikra 5:24).
  • Bring a guilt offering (korban asham) to achieve atonement (Rambam, Hilchot Teshuva 1:1).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Kamma 103b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the laws of theft and the obligation to confess and make restitution for sins against one's neighbor.
📖 Shevuot 38b
The verse is cited in a discussion about oaths and the seriousness of lying or deceiving a neighbor, particularly in matters of trust or financial dealings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 5:21 mean?
A: Leviticus 5:21 discusses a person who sins by committing a trespass against Hashem through dishonest dealings with another person. This includes lying about a deposit, loan, theft, or oppression (Rashi). The verse emphasizes that mistreating others is also a sin against Hashem.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse teaches that financial and interpersonal honesty are fundamental in Judaism. The Rambam (Hilchot Gezeilah) explains that stealing or deceiving others violates Torah law and requires repentance and restitution. It reminds us that our relationships with others are directly connected to our relationship with Hashem.
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 5:21 today?
A: We learn that honesty in business and personal dealings is a religious obligation. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 58b) states that financial fraud is considered a severe sin. Even small acts of deception, like lying about a deposit, are taken seriously in Jewish law.
Q: How does this verse apply to modern situations?
A: This verse applies to any situation where we handle others' money or property, such as business transactions, loans, or borrowed items. The Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat) details laws ensuring fairness in financial matters, showing that these Torah principles remain relevant in daily life.
Q: What is the remedy for the sin described in Leviticus 5:21?
A: The Torah requires the sinner to repay the principal plus an additional fifth (Vayikra 5:24) and bring a guilt offering (korban asham). Today, without the Temple, we still must repay the stolen amount, ask forgiveness, and do teshuva (repentance) as outlined in Jewish law (Rambam, Hilchot Teshuva).