Definition: And if a soul sin, and commit any of these things which are forbidden to be done by the commandments of the LORD; though he wist [it] not, yet is he guilty, and shall bear his iniquity.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 5:17. It’s a pretty serious passage about sin and responsibility. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse deals with serious transgressions against God's rules. It’s saying that even if someone doesn’t intentionally do something wrong, they are still guilty of wrongdoing because they broke a law established by God. Let’s unpack it part by part: “And if a soul sin…” : This means “If you commit a serious transgression” or “If you break a rule.” “Soul” refers to your inner self – your thoughts, desires, and actions. “…and commit any of these things which are forbidden to be done by the commandments of the LORD” : This is the crucial part. It lists specific behaviors that are considered forbidden – those rules God has given us for how we should behave. These are called “commandments.” Think of them as guidelines from God. “The Lord’s commandments” refers to the laws and instructions given by God in the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament. “These things which are forbidden…” : This is a list of specific actions – like eating certain animals, having certain rituals, or being involved in certain situations. “Though he wist [it] not, yet is he guilty…” : This is where it gets tricky, but it means “Even though he doesn’t intend to do it, he is still guilty.” It's a bit of a difficult phrase, and the word "wist" is debated by scholars. It suggests that the person is unaware of what they’ve done wrong and might not even realize it. “…and shall bear his iniquity” : This means “And he will be punished for his sin.” God sees and knows about our mistakes, and He will hold us accountable for them. The word "iniquity" is a strong one – it implies a deep moral failing and a serious wrong done to the world. In short, this verse warns us that we are all susceptible to sin, even if we don’t consciously choose to break God's rules. It emphasizes the importance of obeying these laws to maintain a relationship with God and avoid punishment. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as applying to very serious offenses – things like murder, theft, or idolatry. It's not about minor mistakes; it’s about breaking fundamental principles. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail? Give examples of how this principle applies to modern life?