Leviticus 5:3
New International Version
or if they touch human uncleanness (anything that would make them unclean) even though they are unaware of it, but then they learn of it and realize their guilt;

New Living Translation
“Or suppose you unknowingly touch something that makes a person unclean. When you realize what you have done, you must admit your guilt.

English Standard Version
or if he touches human uncleanness, of whatever sort the uncleanness may be with which one becomes unclean, and it is hidden from him, when he comes to know it, and realizes his guilt;

Berean Standard Bible
Or if he touches human uncleanness—anything by which one becomes unclean—even if he is unaware of it, when he realizes it, he is guilty.

King James Bible
Or if he touch the uncleanness of man, whatsoever uncleanness it be that a man shall be defiled withal, and it be hid from him; when he knoweth of it, then he shall be guilty.

New King James Version
Or if he touches human uncleanness—whatever uncleanness with which a man may be defiled, and he is unaware of it—when he realizes it, then he shall be guilty.

New American Standard Bible
Or if he touches human uncleanness, of whatever sort his uncleanness may be with which he becomes unclean, and it is hidden from him, and then he comes to know it, he will be guilty.

NASB 1995
Or if he touches human uncleanness, of whatever sort his uncleanness may be with which he becomes unclean, and it is hidden from him, and then he comes to know it, he will be guilty.

NASB 1977
‘Or if he touches human uncleanness, of whatever sort his uncleanness may be with which he becomes unclean, and it is hidden from him, and then he comes to know it, he will be guilty.

Legacy Standard Bible
Or if he touches human uncleanness, of whatever sort his uncleanness may be with which he becomes unclean, and it is hidden from him, and then he comes to know it, he will be guilty.

Amplified Bible
Or if he touches human uncleanness—whatever kind it may be—and he becomes unclean, but he is unaware of it, when he recognizes it, he will be guilty.

Christian Standard Bible
Or if he touches human uncleanness —any uncleanness by which one can become defiled —without being aware of it, but later recognizes it, he incurs guilt.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Or if he touches human uncleanness—any uncleanness by which one can become defiled—without being aware of it, but later recognizes it, he is guilty.

American Standard Version
Or if he touch the uncleanness of man, whatsoever his uncleanness be wherewith he is unclean, and it be hid from him; when he knoweth of it, then he shall be guilty.

Contemporary English Version
You are guilty if you find out that you have accidentally touched anything unclean that comes from a human body.

English Revised Version
or if he touch the uncleanness of man, whatsoever his uncleanness be wherewith he is unclean, and it be hid from him; when he knoweth of it, then he shall be guilty:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"If you become unclean by touching human uncleanness of any kind and then ignore it (although you know what you did), you will be guilty.

Good News Translation
If you unintentionally touch anything of human origin that is unclean, whatever it may be, you are guilty as soon as you realize what you have done.

International Standard Version
When he inadvertently touches the uncleanness of a human being, whatever his uncleanness that made him unclean may be, when he himself comes to know about it, he will be guilty.

Majority Standard Bible
Or if he touches human uncleanness?anything by which one becomes unclean?even if he is unaware of it, when he realizes it, he is guilty.

NET Bible
or when he touches human uncleanness with regard to anything by which he can become unclean, even if he did not realize it, but he himself has later come to know it and is guilty;

New Heart English Bible
"'Or if he touches the uncleanness of man, whatever his uncleanness is with which he is unclean, and it is hidden from him; when he knows of it, then he shall be guilty.

Webster's Bible Translation
Or if he shall touch the uncleanness of man, whatever uncleanness it may be that a man shall be defiled with, and it be hid from him; when he knoweth of it, then he shall be guilty.

World English Bible
“‘Or if he touches the uncleanness of man, whatever his uncleanness is with which he is unclean, and it is hidden from him; when he knows of it, then he shall be guilty.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
or when he comes against [the] uncleanness of man, even any of his uncleanness whereby he is unclean, and it has been hidden from him, and he has known, then he has been guilty.

Young's Literal Translation
'Or when he cometh against uncleanness of man, even any of his uncleanness whereby he is unclean, and it hath been hidden from him, and he hath known, and hath been guilty:

Smith's Literal Translation
Or when he shall touch upon the uncleanness of man, for all uncleanness which he shall be unclean in it, and it was hidden from him; and he shall know, and be guilty.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And if he touch any thing of the uncleanness of man, according to any uncleanness wherewith he is wont to be defiled, and having forgotten it, come afterwards to know it, he shall be guilty of an offence.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And if he will have touched anything from the uncleanness of man, according to every kind of impurity by which he may be defiled, and having forgotten it, afterwards realizes it, he shall be guilty of committing a transgression.

New American Bible
or if someone, without being aware of it, touches some human uncleanness, whatever kind of uncleanness this may be, and then subsequently becomes aware of guilt;

New Revised Standard Version
Or when you touch human uncleanness—any uncleanness by which one can become unclean—and are unaware of it, when you come to know it, you shall be guilty.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Or if he touches the uncleanness of man, whatever uncleanness it be that a man shall be defiled with, and disregards it, and he knows that he has sinned;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Or if he will touch the defilement of a man with any defilement of which he is defiled in himself and he will disregard it and he knows that he has sinned.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
or if he touch the uncleanness of man, whatsoever his uncleanness be wherewith he is unclean, and it be hid from him; and, when he knoweth of it, be guilty;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
or should touch the uncleanness of a man, or whatever kind, which he may touch and be defiled by, and it should have escaped him, but afterwards he should know, - then he shall have transgressed.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Sins Requiring a Sin Offering
2Or if a person touches anything unclean—whether the carcass of any unclean wild animal or livestock or crawling creature—even if he is unaware of it, he is unclean and guilty. 3Or if he touches human uncleanness— anything by which one becomes unclean even if he is unaware of it, when he realizes it, he is guilty. 4Or if someone swears thoughtlessly with his lips to do anything good or evil—in whatever matter a man may rashly pronounce an oath—even if he is unaware of it, when he realizes it, he is guilty in the matter.…

Cross References
Numbers 19:11-13
Whoever touches any dead body will be unclean for seven days. / He must purify himself with the water on the third day and on the seventh day; then he will be clean. But if he does not purify himself on the third and seventh days, he will not be clean. / Anyone who touches a human corpse and fails to purify himself defiles the tabernacle of the LORD. That person must be cut off from Israel. He remains unclean, because the water of purification has not been sprinkled on him, and his uncleanness is still on him.

Numbers 5:2-3
“Command the Israelites to send away from the camp anyone with a skin disease, anyone who has a bodily discharge, and anyone who is defiled by a dead body. / You must send away male and female alike; send them outside the camp so they will not defile their camp, where I dwell among them.”

Isaiah 6:5
Then I said: “Woe is me, for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips dwelling among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts.”

Haggai 2:13
So Haggai asked, “If one who is defiled by contact with a corpse touches any of these, does it become defiled?” “Yes, it becomes defiled,” the priests answered.

2 Corinthians 6:17
“Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”

Hebrews 9:13-14
For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that their bodies are clean, / how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God!

Matthew 15:11
A man is not defiled by what enters his mouth, but by what comes out of it.”

Mark 7:20-23
He continued: “What comes out of a man, that is what defiles him. / For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, / greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. ...

1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, / nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. / And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

1 John 1:7-9
But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. / If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. / If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Ezekiel 44:23
They are to teach My people the difference between the holy and the common and show them how to discern between the clean and the unclean.

Isaiah 52:11
Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing; come out from it, purify yourselves, you who carry the vessels of the LORD.

2 Corinthians 7:1
Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Romans 14:14
I am convinced and fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean.

Acts 10:28
He said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with a foreigner or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean.


Treasury of Scripture

Or if he touch the uncleanness of man, whatever uncleanness it be that a man shall be defiled with, and it be hid from him; when he knows of it, then he shall be guilty.

the uncleanness

Leviticus 12:1-13:59
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, …

Leviticus 15:1-33
And the LORD spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying, …

Leviticus 22:4-6
What man soever of the seed of Aaron is a leper, or hath a running issue; he shall not eat of the holy things, until he be clean. And whoso toucheth any thing that is unclean by the dead, or a man whose seed goeth from him; …

Jump to Previous
Clear Defiled Guilty Hid Hidden Human Responsible Sort Touch Touches Touching Unaware Unclean Uncleanness Unconsciously Whatever Whatsoever Whereby Wherewith Withal
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Clear Defiled Guilty Hid Hidden Human Responsible Sort Touch Touches Touching Unaware Unclean Uncleanness Unconsciously Whatever Whatsoever Whereby Wherewith Withal
Leviticus 5
1. He who sins in concealing his knowledge
2. in touching an unclean thing
4. or in making an oath
6. His trespass offering, of the flock
7. of fowls
11. or of flour
14. The trespass offering in sacrilege
17. and in sins of ignorance














Or if he touches human uncleanness—
In the context of Leviticus, "human uncleanness" refers to various conditions that render a person ceremonially unclean according to the Mosaic Law. This includes bodily discharges, skin diseases, and contact with a corpse. The concept of uncleanness is central to the holiness code in Leviticus, emphasizing the separation between the holy and the common. The idea of touching something unclean highlights the pervasive nature of sin and impurity in the world, necessitating constant vigilance and purification.

anything by which one becomes unclean—
This phrase underscores the comprehensive nature of the laws regarding purity. It includes a wide range of situations and objects that could cause uncleanness, reflecting the detailed nature of the Levitical laws. The emphasis on "anything" suggests that the Israelites were to be mindful of their surroundings and actions, maintaining a state of purity to remain in fellowship with God. This meticulous attention to purity can be seen as a type pointing to the need for spiritual cleanliness, which is ultimately fulfilled in Christ.

even if he is unaware of it,
The inclusion of unintentional uncleanness highlights the seriousness of maintaining purity. It shows that ignorance does not exempt one from the consequences of impurity. This principle is echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as Psalm 19:12, where the psalmist asks God to cleanse him from hidden faults. It points to the need for continual self-examination and reliance on God's grace for purification.

when he realizes it,
Realization of uncleanness brings a responsibility to act. This moment of awareness is crucial, as it triggers the requirement for atonement. It reflects the biblical theme of conviction and repentance, where acknowledgment of sin is the first step toward reconciliation with God. The process of realization and subsequent action is a precursor to the New Testament call to repentance and faith in Christ.

he is guilty.
The declaration of guilt upon realization of uncleanness emphasizes the moral and spiritual implications of impurity. It shows that sin, whether intentional or unintentional, separates individuals from God and requires atonement. This concept is foundational to the sacrificial system in Leviticus, which foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, the guilt of sin is addressed through Christ's atoning work, offering believers forgiveness and cleansing from all unrighteousness.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The author of Leviticus, who received the laws from God on Mount Sinai and communicated them to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The recipients of the Levitical laws, who were called to live in holiness and obedience to God.

3. Tabernacle
The central place of worship for the Israelites, where the laws of cleanliness and sacrifices were particularly relevant.

4. Priests
The mediators between God and the Israelites, responsible for teaching the laws and performing the sacrifices.

5. Human Uncleanness
Refers to various conditions or actions that rendered a person ceremonially unclean according to the Levitical law.
Teaching Points
Understanding Uncleanness
The concept of uncleanness in Leviticus is not just about physical dirt but represents a spiritual state that separates individuals from God. Recognizing our own "uncleanness" is the first step toward seeking God's forgiveness and purification.

Awareness and Responsibility
The verse highlights the importance of awareness in our spiritual walk. Once we become aware of our sin or uncleanness, we are responsible for addressing it. This calls for a sensitive conscience and a willingness to repent.

The Role of Confession
Confession is a crucial step in the process of purification. Just as the Israelites had to acknowledge their uncleanness, we too must confess our sins to receive God's forgiveness.

Holiness in Daily Life
The laws of cleanliness remind us that holiness should permeate every aspect of our lives. We are called to live in a way that reflects God's purity and righteousness.

Christ's Fulfillment of the Law
Jesus Christ fulfills the law's requirements for purity and offers us a way to be truly clean before God. Our faith in Him allows us to live in the freedom of His grace while striving for holiness.(3) Or if he touch the uncleanness of man.--The sundry classes of defilement which a human being might contract and impart to others by contact, are set forth in Leviticus 12-15.

When he knoweth of it, then he shall be guilty.--Better, and he knoweth it, and feeleth that he is guilty. That is, he afterwards becomes conscious that he has contracted the defilement, and feels his guilt. (See Leviticus 5:2.)



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Or
א֣וֹ (’ōw)
Conjunction
Strong's 176: Desire, if

if
כִ֤י (ḵî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

he touches
יִגַּע֙ (yig·ga‘)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5060: To touch, lay the hand upon, to reach, violently, to strike

human
אָדָ֔ם (’ā·ḏām)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being

uncleanness—
בְּטֻמְאַ֣ת (bə·ṭum·’aṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 2932: Religious impurity

anything
לְכֹל֙ (lə·ḵōl)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

by which
אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

one becomes unclean—
יִטְמָ֖א (yiṭ·mā)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2930: To be or become unclean

even if he is unaware
וְנֶעְלַ֣ם (wə·ne‘·lam)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5956: To veil from sight, conceal

of it,
מִמֶּ֔נּוּ (mim·men·nū)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

when he realizes it,
יָדַ֖ע (yā·ḏa‘)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3045: To know

he is guilty.
וְאָשֵֽׁם׃ (wə·’ā·šêm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 816: To be guilty, to be punished, perish


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OT Law: Leviticus 5:3 Or if he touches the uncleanness (Le Lv Lev.)
Leviticus 5:2
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