King James Version

What Does Leviticus 18:21 Mean?

Leviticus 18:21 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD. Molech: Gr. Moloch”

Leviticus 18:21 · KJV

Context

19

Also thou shalt not approach unto a woman to uncover her nakedness, as long as she is put apart for her uncleanness.

20

Moreover thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbour's wife, to defile thyself with her.

21

And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD. Molech: Gr. Moloch

22

Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.

23

Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it is confusion.

Read Leviticus 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.

This verse falls within the section on Unlawful Sexual Relations. Prohibitions against various sexual sins, distinguishing Israel from Canaanite practices and protecting family sanctity.


The New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Prohibitions against various sexual sins, distinguishing Israel from Canaanite practices and protecting family sanctity. Chapters 17-27, often called the 'Holiness Code,' expand covenant obligations beyond ritual to encompass all of life—sexuality, economics, justice, and relationships. The repeated refrain 'I am the LORD' grounds these laws in God's character and covenant relationship with Israel. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. The Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  2. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  3. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וּמִֽזַּרְעֲךָ֥1 of 12

“let any of thy seed”

H2233

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

לֹֽא2 of 12
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִתֵּ֖ן3 of 12

“And thou shalt not”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לְהַֽעֲבִ֣יר4 of 12

“pass”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

לַמֹּ֑לֶךְ5 of 12

“through the fire to Molech”

H4432

molek (i.e., king), the chief deity of the ammonites

וְלֹ֧א6 of 12
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תְחַלֵּ֛ל7 of 12

“neither shalt thou profane”

H2490

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

אֶת8 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שֵׁ֥ם9 of 12

“the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ10 of 12

“of thy God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֲנִ֥י11 of 12
H589

i

יְהוָֽה׃12 of 12

“I am the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Leviticus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Leviticus 18:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Leviticus 18:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 12:31Leviticus 20:2-5Deuteronomy 18:10Leviticus 19:12Leviticus 22:321 Kings 11:7

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