Definition: It [is] a trespass offering: he hath certainly trespassed against the LORD.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Leviticus 5:19. It's a really important and serious instruction about food preparation in the Old Testament. Here’s a simple explanation: Basically, it means: “This offering is a grave mistake – it’s a violation of God’s law.” Let’s unpack that a little further: “It [is] a trespass offering” : "Trespass" means to violate or break the rules. In this case, it’s breaking God's laws. It’s not just a simple mistake; it’s a deliberate and significant transgression. “He hath certainly trespassed against the LORD” : This is the key part. "The Lord" refers to God himself. “Certainly” emphasizes that this wasn't just a possibility, but a definite and undeniable wrong. It means they’ve done something that directly disrespects or offends God. What was happening? In ancient times, people would sometimes offer sacrifices – food and drink – to God. However, these offerings had to be incredibly careful and precise. This verse is about a specific type of offering called a “ trespass offering.” It involved: Unclean Meat: The offering was for animal meat that hadn't been properly slaughtered or prepared. It wasn’t fit for worship. Not Properly Prepared: The meat had to be prepared in a specific way – it needed to be soaked and smoked beforehand, and the smoke had to be directed upwards to prevent it from contaminating the air. Why was this so important? Because this type of offering was seen as a direct challenge to God’s holiness and power. It was a sign that people weren't truly worshipping him and were instead focusing on things other than him. God clearly saw this as a serious offense against his will. In short, Leviticus 5:19 is a warning about the importance of following God’s laws precisely when it comes to food and offering. It's about respecting God and recognizing that our actions have consequences. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context on why this law was important in ancient times?