1. Leviticus 5:16 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What does it mean that the offender must make restitution for what he has done amiss in the holy thing?

Leviticus 5:16 (ESV)

16 He shall also make restitution for what he has done amiss in the holy thing and shall add a fifth to it and give it to the priest. And the priest shall make atonement for him with the ram of the guilt offering, and he shall be forgiven.

In addition to the sacrificial animal, namely the ram, the offender was required to make compensation for his wrongdoing. This amounted to one-fifth of the cost of the ram, a 20 percent reparation fine. The principle of restitution is found in early parts of the Mosaic legislation (Exodus 22:3, Exodus 22:5, Exodus 22:6, Exodus 22:12). It indicates that the commission of the offence has created indebtedness.