Leviticus 6:3
or finds lost property and lies about it and swears falsely, or if he commits any such sin that a man might commit--
or finds lost property
The Hebrew word for "finds" is "מָצָא" (matsa), which implies not just a casual discovery but an intentional or providential encounter. In the ancient Near Eastern context, finding lost property was a significant event, as personal belongings were scarce and valuable. The phrase "lost property" refers to items that have been separated from their owner, highlighting the importance of community responsibility and integrity. The Torah emphasizes the moral obligation to return lost items, reflecting God's desire for justice and righteousness among His people.

and lies about it
The Hebrew term for "lies" is "כָּחַשׁ" (kachash), which conveys deceit and falsehood. This act of lying is not merely a personal sin but a breach of trust within the community. In the biblical context, truthfulness is a cornerstone of societal harmony and reflects the character of God, who is truth. The act of lying about found property indicates a deeper issue of the heart, where personal gain is prioritized over communal well-being and divine commandments.

swearing falsely
The phrase "swearing falsely" comes from the Hebrew "שָׁבַע" (shava) combined with "שֶׁקֶר" (sheker), meaning to take an oath deceitfully. In ancient Israel, oaths were sacred and binding, often invoking God's name as a witness. To swear falsely was to misuse God's name and undermine the covenant relationship between God and His people. This act is a direct violation of the third commandment, which prohibits taking the Lord's name in vain. It underscores the gravity of using God's name to legitimize deceit, highlighting the need for integrity and reverence in all dealings.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The author of Leviticus, who received the laws from God to instruct the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The recipients of the laws, who were to live according to God's commandments in the Promised Land.

3. Tabernacle
The central place of worship where offerings and sacrifices were made, representing God's presence among His people.

4. Priests
The mediators between God and the Israelites, responsible for offering sacrifices and teaching the law.

5. Lost Property
The specific subject of the law in this verse, highlighting issues of honesty and integrity among the community.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Integrity
This verse underscores the necessity of honesty in all dealings, reflecting God's character.

Community Trust
Maintaining truthfulness builds trust within the community, which is essential for harmonious living.

Consequences of Sin
The verse highlights that lying incurs guilt, reminding us of the spiritual and relational consequences of sin.

Repentance and Restitution
When we fail, God provides a way for repentance and making things right, as seen in the broader context of Levitical laws.

Reflecting God's Holiness
As God's people, we are called to reflect His holiness through our actions and words, including honesty in all matters.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the command in Leviticus 6:3 relate to the broader theme of honesty in the Bible?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of integrity from this verse in our daily interactions?

3. How does the concept of restitution in Leviticus inform our understanding of making amends today?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we are truthful in our speech and actions?

5. How do the teachings of Jesus and the apostles on honesty and oaths build upon the foundation laid in Leviticus 6:3?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 20:16
This verse connects to the commandment against bearing false witness, emphasizing the importance of truthfulness.

Proverbs 12:22
This verse highlights God's delight in those who are truthful, contrasting with the sin of lying.

Matthew 5:33-37
Jesus' teaching on oaths and honesty, reinforcing the call to integrity in speech and actions.

Ephesians 4:25
Paul instructs believers to put away falsehood and speak truthfully, reflecting the moral principles found in Leviticus.

James 5:12
James echoes Jesus' teaching on oaths, urging believers to let their "yes" be "yes" and their "no" be "no."
Sin a Germ as Well as a FruitW. Clarkson Leviticus 6:3
Dishonesty Atoned forS.R. Aldridge Leviticus 6:1-7
Human Ownership and DishonestyW. Clarkson Leviticus 6:1-7
RestitutionJ.A. Macdonald Leviticus 6:1-7
Trespasses Done WittinglyR.A. Redford Leviticus 6:1-7
A Boy's Temptation ResistedChristian AgeLeviticus 6:2-7
All Sins are Against GodH. W. Beecher.Leviticus 6:2-7
Christ the True Trespass-OfferingF. H. White.Leviticus 6:2-7
Confession and RestitutionOtto Funcke.Leviticus 6:2-7
Custody of TreasureC. D. Ginsburg, LL.D.Leviticus 6:2-7
Depositing PropertyW. H. Jellie.Leviticus 6:2-7
Fruits of DeceitS. S. ChronicleLeviticus 6:2-7
Harm Done by TrespassW. H. Jellie.Leviticus 6:2-7
LessonsA. Willet, D. D.Leviticus 6:2-7
Refusing to DeceiveLeviticus 6:2-7
Reparation by RestitutionA. Whyte.Leviticus 6:2-7
RestitutionJames Fleming, D. D.Leviticus 6:2-7
RestitutionFamily TreasuryLeviticus 6:2-7
Restoration of Lost PropertyLeviticus 6:2-7
Social Sins and Their Godward AspectJ. Cumming, D. D.Leviticus 6:2-7
People
Aaron, Ephah, Moses
Places
Teman
Topics
FALSE, Anything, Chance, Commits, Deal, Dealt, Denieth, Evil, Falsehood, Falsely, Finds, Lie, Lied, Lies, Lieth, Loss, Lost, Oath, Property, Regard, Sin, Sinning, Sins, Swear, Sweareth, Swearing, Swears, Sworn, Therein
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Leviticus 6:1-5

     5253   cheating
     7370   guilt offering

Leviticus 6:1-6

     5492   restitution

Leviticus 6:1-7

     5264   compensation
     5625   witnesses, false
     7422   ritual

Leviticus 6:2-5

     5555   stealing

Leviticus 6:3-5

     5430   oaths, human

Library
Meditations against Despair, or Doubting of God's Mercy.
It is found by continual experience, that near the time of death, when the children of God are weakest, then Satan makes the greatest nourish of his strength, and assails them with his strongest temptations. For he knows that either he must now or never prevail; for if their souls once go to heaven, he shall never vex nor trouble them any more. And therefore he will now bestir himself as much as he can, and labour to set before their eyes all the gross sins which ever they committed, and the judgments
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Cleansing of the Temple - the Sign,' which is not a Sign.
It has been said that Mary understood, and yet did not understand Jesus. And of this there seems fresh evidence in the circumstance that, immediately after the marriage of Cana, she and the brethren of Jesus' went with Him, or followed Him, to Capernaum, which henceforth became His own city,' [1774] during His stay by the Lake of Galilee. The question, whether He had first returned to Nazareth, seems almost trifling. It may have been so, and it may be that His brothers had joined Him there, while
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories
[Sidenote: Influences in the exile that produced written ceremonial laws] The Babylonian exile gave a great opportunity and incentive to the further development of written law. While the temple stood, the ceremonial rites and customs received constant illustration, and were transmitted directly from father to son in the priestly families. Hence, there was little need of writing them down. But when most of the priests were carried captive to Babylonia, as in 597 B.C., and ten years later the temple
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
or, Gospel Light Fetched out of the Temple at Jerusalem, to Let us More Easily into the Glory of New Testament Truths. 'Thou son of man, shew the house to the house of Isreal;--shew them the form of the house, and the fashion thereof, and the goings out hereof, and the comings in thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the laws thereof.'--Ezekiel 43:10, 11 London: Printed for, and sold by George Larkin, at the Two Swans without Bishopgate,
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Destruction of Jerusalem Foretold.
^A Matt. XXIV. 1-28; ^B Mark XIII. 1-23; ^C Luke XXI. 5-24. ^a 1 And Jesus went out from the temple [leaving it to return no more], and was going on his way; and his disciples came to him ^b as he went forth ^a to show him the buildings of the temple. ^b one of his disciples saith unto him, Teacher, behold, what manner of stones and what manner of buildings! ^c 5 And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and offerings, he said [The strength and wealth of the temple roused
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Obedience
Take heed, and hearken, O Israel; this day thou art become the people of the Lord thy God. Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the Lord thy God, and do his commandments.' Deut 27: 9, 10. What is the duty which God requireth of man? Obedience to his revealed will. It is not enough to hear God's voice, but we must obey. Obedience is a part of the honour we owe to God. If then I be a Father, where is my honour?' Mal 1: 6. Obedience carries in it the life-blood of religion. Obey the voice of the Lord
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Peaceable Principles and True: Or, a Brief Answer to Mr. D'Anver's and Mr. Paul's Books against My Confession of Faith, and Differences in Judgment About Baptism no Bar to Communion.
WHEREIN THEIR SCRIPTURELESS NOTIONS ARE OVERTHROWN, AND MY PEACEABLE PRINCIPLES STILL MAINTAINED. 'Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?'--Psalm 58:1 SIR, I have received and considered your short reply to my differences in judgment about water baptism no bar to communion; and observe, that you touch not the argument at all: but rather labour what you can, and beyond what you ought, to throw odiums upon your brother for reproving you for your error,
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Leviticus 6:3 NIV
Leviticus 6:3 NLT
Leviticus 6:3 ESV
Leviticus 6:3 NASB
Leviticus 6:3 KJV

Leviticus 6:3 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Leviticus 6:2
Top of Page
Top of Page