Asham

Asham is a term in the Hebrew Bible that designates a guilt offering, also called a reparation or trespass offering, within the Levitical system of sacrifices. The word derives from a Hebrew root meaning guilt or offense and is usually translated as “guilt offering” or “reparation offering.” It is distinct from the sin offering (khatat) and is prescribed for certain transgressions that require compensation to the wronged party or to restore ceremonial purity.

The ash am was prescribed for offenses that incurred guilt before the Lord and, in many cases, required restitution to the wronged person. The offender would confess the sin, repay the principal amount plus one-fifth (20%) of its value as restitution, and bring a ram without blemish as the sacrifice. The ritual involved the priest handling the sacrifice; portions of the meat were burned on the altar while the rest was eaten by the priests in the holy place, making the ritual both a atonement and an offering to secure priestly participation in the rite.

In modern Judaism the guilt offering is not practiced because the Temple rites are not performed today; nevertheless, the concept is discussed in Rabbinic literature as part of a broader framework of repentance, restitution, and ritual cleanliness. In biblical scholarship, ash am is analyzed for its legal and theological role within the Levitical code and its emphasis on reparations as part of atonement.

See also: Leviticus, offerings in ancient Israel, sin offering, restitution in religious law.