Definition: Then it shall be, because he hath sinned, and is guilty, that he shall restore that which he took violently away, or the thing which he hath deceitfully gotten, or that which was delivered him to keep, or the lost thing which he found,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 6:4. It's a really important and somewhat complex passage about dealing with accidental or intentional wrongdoing in the Old Testament. Here’s what it means in plain terms: The Core Idea: This verse is about atonement and forgiveness for mistakes. It describes a situation where something has been stolen, broken, or lost, and God wants to make things right. Let's break it down word by word: “Then it shall be…” : This sets the stage – it’s a consequence of a mistake. “…because he hath sinned, and is guilty…” : This means that someone has done something wrong. The verb "sin" here means to break God's laws or to act dishonestly. The person is being held accountable for their actions. “…that he shall restore that which he took violently away…” : This is the key part. It’s talking about taking something – perhaps a sacrifice, a piece of land, or even a precious item. The word "violently" means deliberately and unlawfully. So, it was taken without permission or respect for God's law. “…or the thing which he hath deceitfully gotten…” : This refers to something that was obtained or received dishonestly – perhaps through trickery or a lie. “Deceitfully” means falsely and unfairly. “…or that which was delivered him to keep…” : This is a bit more complex. It could refer to a special item, like a sacrifice offered in worship, that was meant to be kept pure and holy. “…or the lost thing which he found?” : This suggests that something valuable or important was accidentally or intentionally lost. Putting it all together: The verse says that if someone commits a serious wrong – taking something illegally, dishonestly, or losing something precious – God will restore what they’ve taken back. It’s a way for God to show forgiveness and make things right. It's about acknowledging the mistake and returning it to its rightful place or to its original owner (or to God). Why is this important? This law was established in ancient times as a way for God to protect his people from sin and maintain the sacredness of worship. It emphasizes that even when we make mistakes, we are still under God’s watchful eye and have the opportunity to be forgiven. Important Note: This verse is complex, and there's been some debate about its precise meaning over time. However, it’s a fundamental part of understanding how God deals with sin and offers forgiveness. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss the historical context of this law? Connect it to other biblical stories or concepts?