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.
Original Language Analysis
וְאִם
H518
וְאִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 18
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לָאִ֜ישׁ
But if the man
H376
לָאִ֜ישׁ
But if the man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 of 18
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
גֹּאֵ֗ל
have no kinsman
H1350
גֹּאֵ֗ל
have no kinsman
Strong's:
H1350
Word #:
4 of 18
to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido
הַמּוּשָׁ֥ב
be recompensed
H7725
הַמּוּשָׁ֥ב
be recompensed
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
5 of 18
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
הָֽאָשָׁ֛ם
the trespass
H817
הָֽאָשָׁ֛ם
the trespass
Strong's:
H817
Word #:
6 of 18
guilt; by implication, a fault; also a sin-offering
הָֽאָשָׁ֛ם
the trespass
H817
הָֽאָשָׁ֛ם
the trespass
Strong's:
H817
Word #:
8 of 18
guilt; by implication, a fault; also a sin-offering
הַמּוּשָׁ֥ב
be recompensed
H7725
הַמּוּשָׁ֥ב
be recompensed
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
9 of 18
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
לַֽיהוָ֖ה
unto the LORD
H3068
לַֽיהוָ֖ה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
10 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לַכֹּהֵ֑ן
even to the priest
H3548
לַכֹּהֵ֑ן
even to the priest
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
11 of 18
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
מִלְּבַ֗ד
H905
מִלְּבַ֗ד
Strong's:
H905
Word #:
12 of 18
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
אֵ֚יל
beside the ram
H352
אֵ֚יל
beside the ram
Strong's:
H352
Word #:
13 of 18
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
15 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical Context
The kinsman-redeemer system provided social safety nets in ancient Israel, ensuring that widows, orphans, and the destitute had family advocates. If a wronged person died without family, his claim did not die with him—God remained the ultimate claimant of justice through His priestly representatives.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ as our kinsman-redeemer satisfy both justice and mercy?
- What does it mean that all sin is ultimately against God, even when we wrong others?
- How should the church ensure that justice is not forgotten even when human claimants are absent?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The provision that restitution go to the priest when the wronged party had no kinsman demonstrates God's concern that justice not be thwarted by technicalities. The Hebrew goel (kinsman-redeemer) normally received restitution, but if none existed, the priest represented God's claim. This establishes that all sin is ultimately against God, even when it directly harms neighbors. The priest receiving the restitution pictures Christ who, as our kinsman-redeemer, receives the satisfaction for sins committed against God and His people.