The Guilt Offering, also known as the Trespass Offering, is a significant aspect of the sacrificial system outlined in the Old Testament, specifically within the Levitical law. This offering is distinct from other sacrifices such as the Burnt Offering or the Sin Offering, as it addresses specific transgressions that require restitution. The primary scriptural references for the regulations concerning the Guilt Offering are found in Leviticus 5:14–6:7 and Leviticus 7:1–7.

Purpose and Nature

The Guilt Offering is prescribed for unintentional sins that involve desecration of holy things or violations against others that require restitution. It is a means of atonement for specific offenses where the individual is aware of their guilt and seeks to make amends. The offering underscores the seriousness of sin, the need for repentance, and the importance of making restitution where possible.

Scriptural Regulations

1. Leviticus 5:14–19: This passage introduces the Guilt Offering, emphasizing its necessity when someone commits a breach of faith against the LORD by unintentionally sinning in regard to any of the LORD's holy things. The offender is required to bring a ram without blemish from the flock, or its equivalent value in silver shekels, as a Guilt Offering to the priest. Additionally, the individual must make restitution for the holy thing they have desecrated, adding a fifth of its value to it.

“If someone acts unfaithfully and sins unintentionally against any of the LORD’s holy things, he must bring his guilt offering to the LORD: an unblemished ram from the flock, according to your valuation in silver shekels, based on the sanctuary shekel. It is a guilt offering.” (Leviticus 5:15)

2. Leviticus 6:1–7: This section extends the application of the Guilt Offering to cases involving deceit or wrongdoing against a neighbor, such as theft, extortion, or false swearing. The guilty party must restore what was taken or withheld, adding a fifth of its value, and present a ram without blemish as a Guilt Offering to the priest. The priest then makes atonement on behalf of the individual before the LORD.

“If someone sins and acts unfaithfully against the LORD by deceiving his neighbor regarding a deposit or security, or by robbery, or if he has extorted from his neighbor or found what was lost and lied about it, swearing falsely—in any of these things that a man may do to sin—once he has sinned and is guilty, he must restore what he has stolen or taken by extortion, or the deposit entrusted to him, or the lost property he found, or anything else about which he has sworn falsely. He must make restitution in full, add a fifth of the value, and pay it to the owner on the day he presents his guilt offering.” (Leviticus 6:2–5)

3. Leviticus 7:1–7: This passage provides additional details on the ritual aspects of the Guilt Offering. The offering is to be slaughtered in the same place as the Burnt Offering, and the blood is to be sprinkled around the altar. The fat, kidneys, and liver lobe are to be burned on the altar, as they are considered the LORD's portion. The priest who offers the sacrifice is entitled to the rest of the ram.

“This is the law of the guilt offering, which is most holy: The guilt offering is to be slaughtered in the place where the burnt offering is slaughtered, and the priest is to sprinkle its blood on all sides of the altar.” (Leviticus 7:1–2)

Theological Significance

The Guilt Offering highlights the gravity of sin and the necessity of atonement and restitution. It reflects the holiness of God and the requirement for His people to live in integrity and righteousness. The offering serves as a reminder of the need for repentance and the restoration of relationships, both with God and with others. Through the Guilt Offering, the Israelites were taught the principles of justice, mercy, and reconciliation, which are foundational to the covenant relationship with God.