Leviticus 6:2

If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the Lord, and lie unto his neighbour in that which was delivered him to keep, or in fellowship, or in a thing taken away by violence, or hath deceived his neighbour;

Leviticus 6:2 (KJV)

Context

Leviticus records the laws God gave to Israel through Moses. This verse belongs to the section about the trespass offering, also called the guilt offering. It deals with a specific kind of sin: a person sins against the Lord by wronging a neighbour through dishonesty. The sin is described as a breach of faith against God, showing that deceit in human relationships is also an offence against Him.

Meaning

The verse lists several forms of deception. A person may lie about something delivered to him for safekeeping, such as property or money entrusted to his care. He may deceive in a matter of fellowship, which means a business deal or a pledge. He may take something by violence, which is robbery or theft. Or he may oppress and defraud a neighbour. The phrase “lie unto his neighbour” means to deal falsely or to deny what is true in these matters. Each act breaks trust and violates God’s moral standards.

Biblical connections

The surrounding passage, Leviticus 6:1-7, shows the required response. The guilty person must confess the sin, restore what was taken, add a fifth part to it, and bring a trespass offering to make atonement. This demonstrates that God’s justice involves both vertical reconciliation with Him and horizontal restitution to the wronged person. The principle of accountability is clear: the offender is guilty and must make things right. This passage also points to the seriousness with which God views deceit and the violation of trust, and it establishes a foundation for understanding the need for atonement and the restoration of relationships.

Application

Though these specific regulations were given to Israel under the old covenant, the principles remain relevant. God cares about honesty in practical, everyday transactions. Believers are called to love their neighbours as themselves (Matthew 22:39). This includes treating others with fairness, truthfulness, and compassion, rather than deceiving or taking advantage of them. When a believer fails, the way forward is confession, making restitution where possible, and seeking reconciliation. Sin is not merely a private matter between individuals; it is a trespass against the Lord.

Reflection

This verse reminds us that God is concerned not only with our relationship with Him but also with how we treat others. He desires us to live uprightly and to seek justice and fairness in all our dealings. The call to integrity extends to every area of life, including matters of trust and property. As we consider our own conduct, we may ask whether we handle the possessions and reputations of others with honesty and care. God’s standard of justice is high, but His grace provides the way to make things right and to walk in renewed faithfulness.