Definition: And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and [is] a witness, whether he hath seen or known [of it]; if he do not utter [it], then he shall bear his iniquity.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Leviticus 5:1. It’s a really important rule about how we should handle words and actions that are considered unclean – essentially, things that violate God's rules. Here’s a simplified explanation: What it Means in Plain Language: “If a person sins (does something wrong) and hears the voice of swearing or a witness, whether they’ve seen or known it; if they don’t utter it, then they must bear the consequences of their actions.” Let's unpack that a little: “If a person sins…” – This means someone does something that is against God’s law. It could be anything from lying to cheating to being disrespectful. “…and hears the voice of swearing…” – This refers to swearing, which is saying something in anger or a harsh way. It's basically speaking with a bad attitude. “whether he hath seen or known it” - This means if they have witnessed something that makes them aware of wrongdoing, they must tell the truth. “…if he do not utter it…” – This is the key part. If someone doesn’t say the words to admit their mistake, then they are guilty of the sin. “then he shall bear his iniquity.” - This is a powerful phrase that means "he will suffer the punishment for his wrongdoing." It's like saying, “His actions have consequences, and he must face them.” What it’s Trying to Say: This verse is about taking responsibility for your actions. It emphasizes that even if you don't say something wrong, you are still responsible for the harm caused by your words or behavior. It’s a strong warning against lying, gossiping, and speaking harshly – because those things can lead to serious consequences. Why is it Important? This law was given to help keep the community of Israel in order and avoid punishment from God. It's about honesty, integrity, and showing respect for others. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Leviticus 5? Give you a real-world example of how this verse might be applied?