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Numbers 5:8

Numbers 5:8 in Multiple Translations

But if the man has no relative to whom restitution can be made for the wrong, the restitution belongs to the LORD and must be given to the priest along with the ram of atonement, by which the atonement is made for him.

But if the man have no kinsman to recompense the trespass unto, let the trespass be recompensed unto the LORD, even to the priest; beside the ram of the atonement, whereby an atonement shall be made for him.

But if the man have no kinsman to whom restitution may be made for the guilt, the restitution for guilt which is made unto Jehovah shall be the priest’s; besides the ram of the atonement, whereby atonement shall be made for him.

But if the man has no relation to whom the payment may be made, then the payment for sin made to the Lord will be the priest's, in addition to the sheep offered to take away his sin.

However, if that person doesn't have a relative who can be paid the compensation, it belongs to the Lord and shall be given to the priest, together with a sacrificial ram by which the guilty person is set right.

But if the man haue no kinseman, to whom he shoulde restore the domage, the domage shall be restored to the Lord for the Priests vse besides the ramme of the atonement, whereby hee shall make atonement for him.

'And if the man have no redeemer to restore the guilt to, the guilt which is restored [is] Jehovah's, the priest's, apart from the ram of the atonements, whereby he maketh atonement for him.

But if the man has no kinsman to whom restitution may be made for the guilt, the restitution for guilt which is made to the LORD shall be the priest’s, in addition to the ram of the atonement, by which atonement shall be made for him.

But if the man shall have no kinsman to recompense the trespass to, let the trespass be recompensed to the LORD, even to the priest; besides the ram of the atonement, by which an atonement shall be made for him.

But if there be no one to receive it, they shall give it to the Lord, and it shall be the priest’s, besides the ram that is offered for expiation, to be an atoning sacrifice.

If the person against whom the wrong was done has died and there is no relative to whom the money can be paid, then the money belongs to me, and it must be paid to the priest. In addition, the one who did the wrong must give a male sheep to the priest to sacrifice in order that ◄that person’s sin may be forgiven/I can forgive that person for his sin►.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 5:8

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Numbers 5:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/אִם אֵ֨ין לָ/אִ֜ישׁ גֹּאֵ֗ל לְ/הָשִׁ֤יב הָ/אָשָׁם֙ אֵלָ֔י/ו הָ/אָשָׁ֛ם הַ/מּוּשָׁ֥ב לַ/יהוָ֖ה לַ/כֹּהֵ֑ן מִ/לְּ/בַ֗ד אֵ֚יל הַ/כִּפֻּרִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר יְכַפֶּר בּ֖/וֹ עָלָֽי/ו
וְ/אִם ʼim H518 if Conj | Conj
אֵ֨ין ʼayin H369 nothing Part
לָ/אִ֜ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man Prep | N-ms
גֹּאֵ֗ל gâʼal H1350 to redeem V-Qal
לְ/הָשִׁ֤יב shûwb H7725 to return Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
הָ/אָשָׁם֙ ʼâshâm H817 guilt (offering) Art | N-ms
אֵלָ֔י/ו ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff
הָ/אָשָׁ֛ם ʼâshâm H817 guilt (offering) Art | N-ms
הַ/מּוּשָׁ֥ב shûwb H7725 to return Art | V-Hophal-Inf-c
לַ/יהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord Prep | N-proper
לַ/כֹּהֵ֑ן kôhên H3548 priest Prep | N-ms
מִ/לְּ/בַ֗ד bad H905 alone Prep | Prep | N-ms
אֵ֚יל ʼayil H352 ram N-ms
הַ/כִּפֻּרִ֔ים kippur H3725 atonement Art | N-mp
אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
יְכַפֶּר kâphar H3722 to atone V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
בּ֖/וֹ Prep | Suff
עָלָֽי/ו ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 5:8

וְ/אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj | Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
אֵ֨ין ʼayin H369 "nothing" Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
לָ/אִ֜ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
גֹּאֵ֗ל gâʼal H1350 "to redeem" V-Qal
This Hebrew word means redemption, describing the act of a kinsman buying back a relative's property or marrying their widow, as seen in the story of Boaz in Ruth.
Definition: : redeem 1) to redeem, act as kinsman-redeemer, avenge, revenge, ransom, do the part of a kinsman 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as kinsman, do the part of next of kin, act as kinsman-redeemer 1a1a) by marrying brother's widow to beget a child for him, to redeem from slavery, to redeem land, to exact vengeance 1a2) to redeem (by payment) 1a3) to redeem (with God as subject) 1a3a) individuals from death 1a3b) Israel from Egyptian bondage 1a3c) Israel from exile 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to redeem oneself 1b2) to be redeemed
Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] in any wise, [idiom] at all, avenger, deliver, (do, perform the part of near, next) kinsfolk(-man), purchase, ransom, redeem(-er), revenger. See also: Genesis 48:16; Job 3:5; Psalms 19:15.
לְ/הָשִׁ֤יב shûwb H7725 "to return" Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
הָ/אָשָׁם֙ ʼâshâm H817 "guilt (offering)" Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to guilt or a fault, often requiring a sin offering. It is used to describe a trespass or offense against God, as seen in the book of Leviticus. The KJV translates it as guiltiness or trespass offering.
Definition: 1) guilt, offense, guiltiness 1a) offense, trespass, fault 1b) guilt, guiltiness 1c) compensation (for offense) 1d) trespass offering, guilt offering
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: guiltiness, (offering for) sin, trespass (offering). See also: Genesis 26:10; Leviticus 14:25; Psalms 68:22.
אֵלָ֔י/ו ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הָ/אָשָׁ֛ם ʼâshâm H817 "guilt (offering)" Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to guilt or a fault, often requiring a sin offering. It is used to describe a trespass or offense against God, as seen in the book of Leviticus. The KJV translates it as guiltiness or trespass offering.
Definition: 1) guilt, offense, guiltiness 1a) offense, trespass, fault 1b) guilt, guiltiness 1c) compensation (for offense) 1d) trespass offering, guilt offering
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: guiltiness, (offering for) sin, trespass (offering). See also: Genesis 26:10; Leviticus 14:25; Psalms 68:22.
הַ/מּוּשָׁ֥ב shûwb H7725 "to return" Art | V-Hophal-Inf-c
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
לַ/יהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
לַ/כֹּהֵ֑ן kôhên H3548 "priest" Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
מִ/לְּ/בַ֗ד bad H905 "alone" Prep | Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'bad' can mean alone, apart, or a separate part of something, like a branch or a bar. It's used to describe something that's only or except for something else.
Definition: : pole 1) alone, by itself, besides, a part, separation, being alone 1a) separation, alone, by itself 1a1) only (adv) 1a2) apart from, besides (prep) 1b) part 1c) parts (eg limbs, shoots), bars
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: alone, apart, bar, besides, branch, by self, of each alike, except, only, part, staff, strength. See also: Genesis 2:18; Judges 20:15; Psalms 51:6.
אֵ֚יל ʼayil H352 "ram" N-ms
A strong tree, like an oak or a ram, symbolizes strength and power, as seen in 1 Kings 7:2 where Solomon builds a house with strong pillars. It can also refer to a chief or leader, like in 1 Chronicles 12:14 where the leaders of the tribes are listed.
Definition: 1) ram 1a) ram (as food) 1b) ram (as sacrifice) 1c) ram (skin dyed red, for tabernacle)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: mighty (man), lintel, oak, post, ram, tree. See also: Genesis 15:9; Numbers 28:20; Psalms 66:15.
הַ/כִּפֻּרִ֔ים kippur H3725 "atonement" Art | N-mp
Atonement refers to making things right with God, often through sacrifice or payment. The Hebrew word for atonement is only used in the plural form, emphasizing the many ways to make amends. It is an important concept in the Old Testament.
Definition: atonement
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: atonement. See also: Exodus 29:36; Leviticus 23:28; Numbers 29:11.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יְכַפֶּר kâphar H3722 "to atone" V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
To cover means to coat or cover something, like when the ark was covered with pitch to protect it. This word is also used figuratively to describe making amends or forgiving someone, like in a sacrifice or atonement.
Definition: 1) to cover, purge, make an atonement, make reconciliation 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to cover over, pacify, propitiate 1a2) to cover over, atone for sin, make atonement for 1a3) to cover over, atone for sin and persons by legal rites 1b) (Pual) 1b1) to be covered over 1b2) to be atoned for 1c) (Hithpael) to be covered
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: appease, make (an atonement, cleanse, disannul, forgive, be merciful, pacify, pardon, purge (away), put off, (make) reconcile(-liation). See also: Genesis 6:14; Leviticus 16:32; Psalms 65:4.
בּ֖/וֹ "" Prep | Suff
עָלָֽי/ו ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

Study Notes — Numbers 5:8

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Leviticus 6:6–7 Then he must bring to the priest his guilt offering to the LORD: an unblemished ram of proper value from the flock. In this way the priest will make atonement for him before the LORD, and he will be forgiven for anything he may have done to incur guilt.”
2 Leviticus 7:7 The guilt offering is like the sin offering; the same law applies to both. It belongs to the priest who makes atonement with it.
3 Leviticus 25:25–26 If your brother becomes impoverished and sells some of his property, his nearest of kin may come and redeem what his brother has sold. Or if a man has no one to redeem it for him, but he prospers and acquires enough to redeem his land,

Numbers 5:8 Summary

This verse is saying that if someone does something wrong and needs to make it right, but the person they wronged has no family to receive the payment, then the payment belongs to God and should be given to the priest. This is part of the process of making things right with God, as we see in Leviticus 6:2-7. It's like saying sorry and making amends is not just about fixing things with people, but also about honoring God and seeking His forgiveness, as we see in Psalm 51:4 and Luke 15:18-24. By giving the restitution to the priest, the person is showing that they are committed to making things right with God and with others.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to the restitution if the person who was wronged has no relatives to receive it?

According to Numbers 5:8, the restitution belongs to the Lord and must be given to the priest along with the ram of atonement, as seen in this verse and also in Leviticus 6:2-7 and Leviticus 7:7-10.

Why is the priest involved in receiving the restitution?

The priest is involved because he is the mediator between the people and God, and in this case, he receives the restitution on behalf of the Lord, as stated in Numbers 5:8 and also in Leviticus 7:6.

How does this verse relate to the concept of atonement?

This verse highlights the connection between restitution and atonement, showing that making amends for wrongs is an important part of the process of atonement, as also seen in Leviticus 5:16 and Numbers 5:7-8.

What does this verse teach us about God's concern for justice and fairness?

This verse demonstrates God's concern for justice and fairness by requiring restitution to be made, even if it means giving it to the Lord, as stated in Numbers 5:8, and also seen in Deuteronomy 32:4 and Psalm 37:28.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can I apply the principle of restitution in my own life, making amends for past wrongs and seeking to restore relationships?
  2. What does it mean for me to give something 'to the Lord', and how can I cultivate a heart of surrender and obedience in my daily life?
  3. How does the concept of atonement, as seen in this verse, relate to the work of Jesus Christ on the cross, as described in Romans 3:24-25 and Hebrews 10:10?
  4. What can I learn from the role of the priest in this verse, and how can I seek to be a mediator of God's love and justice in my own community?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 5:8

But if a man have no kinsman to recompense the trespass to,.... This supposes that if a man should die, against whom the trespass is, before the restitution is made, then it shall be made to his

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 5:8

Then they shall confess their sin which they have done: and he shall recompense his trespass with the principal thereof, and add unto it the fifth part thereof, and give it unto him against whom he hath trespassed.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 5:8

If the man have no kinsman, which might be the case commonly with proselytes, if not with Israelites. This also suppposeth the person injured to be dead or gone away into some unknown place, and the person injured to be known to the injurer. God appointed the priest as his deputy to receive his dues, and take them to his own use, that so he might more cheerfully and entirely devote himself to the ministration of holy things. This is au additional explication to that law, , and for the sake thereof it seems here to be repeated.

Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 5:8

Numbers 5:8 But if the man have no kinsman to recompense the trespass unto, let the trespass be recompensed unto the LORD, [even] to the priest; beside the ram of the atonement, whereby an atonement shall be made for him.Ver. 8. Unto the Lord, even to the priest.] The priest is the Lord’ s receiver. Tithes are due to the ministers of Christ "that liveth," because due to him, and they are in his stead. Sacerdos est vicarius et quasi haeres. - Dio.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 5:8

Verse 8. If the man have no kinsman] The Jews think that this law respects the stranger and the sojourner only, because every Israelite is in a state of affinity to all the rest; but there might be a stranger in the camp who has no relative in any of the tribes of Israel.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 5:8

8. The verse deals with the case in which the injured person dies before restitution has been made to him, and leaves no representative. kinsman] Heb. gô’çl. A technical term of considerable importance in Israelite law. A man’s next of kin was (1) a full brother, (2) failing him, an uncle on the father’s side, (3) failing him, a first cousin on the father’s side, (4) failing him, any near kinsman. His duties were manifold. In civil law: (a) to buy back the family estate of his kinsman, which the latter had sold through poverty (Leviticus 25:25, Rth 4:1-6). He also had the refusal of it before it was sold (Jeremiah 32:8-12). (b) To buy back the person of his kinsman, if the latter had sold himself as a slave through poverty (Leviticus 25:47 ff.). In both these cases his action may be denoted by the word ‘redeem.’ (c) To receive restitution due to his deceased kinsman (here). In criminal law: to claim satisfaction for the blood of his murdered kinsman, in which case he was known as the gô’çl haddâm, ‘avenger of blood.’ unto the Lord shall be the priest’s] lit. ‘shall be for Jehovah for the priest.’ The priest shall receive it as the representative of Jehovah. the ram of the atonement] The guilt-offering described in Leviticus 6:6.

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 5:8

8. No kinsman — The Hebrew goel was the nearest relative, whose duty it was to redeem his enslaved kinsman, as well as to avenge his death at another’s hand.

Sermons on Numbers 5:8

SermonDescription
Paris Reidhead The Kinsman Redeemer by Paris Reidhead In this sermon, the preacher paints a vivid picture of a person in Israel who has lost their inheritance and is in chains, serving a cruel taskmaster. However, a relative or elder
Zac Poonen The Blood of Christ - What It Does by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the significance of the blood of Jesus Christ in redeeming and justifying believers, highlighting how the blood cleanses from all sin, brings near to God, an
Chuck Smith Ruth 3:9 by Chuck Smith Chuck Smith explores the concept of 'Goel,' or kinsman redeemer, emphasizing the biblical laws of redemption that allow a family member to reclaim lost land or responsibilities. He
F.W. Grant Ruth From "The Numerical Bible" by F.W. Grant F. W. Grant preaches on the Book of Ruth, highlighting the historical context during the times of the judges and its connection to David and the kingdom. The story shows how God's

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