Leviticus 5:1 introduces a new section with the phrase, “If a person sins.” This verse mentions the first of four inadvertent sins that can be forgiven through the sin offering. This list includes: withholding evidence (Leviticus 5:1), touching an unclean animal (Leviticus 5:2), human uncleanness (Leviticus 5:3), and taking foolish oaths (Leviticus 5:4). Unlike Leviticus 4:1–35 which was arranged by social status: anointed priest, tribal leader, ruler, and commoner; Leviticus 5:1–19 is arranged by economic means.
1 “If anyone sins in that he hears a public adjuration to testify, and though he is a witness, whether he has seen or come to know the matter, yet does not speak, he shall bear his iniquity;