King James Version

What Does Leviticus 19:14 Mean?

Leviticus 19:14 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind, but shalt fear thy God: I am the LORD.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind, but shalt fear thy God: I am the LORD.”

Leviticus 19:14 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

12

And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.

13

Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbour, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning.

14

Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind, but shalt fear thy God: I am the LORD.

15

Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.

16

Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the LORD.

Read Leviticus 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind, but shalt fear thy God: I am the LORD.

This verse falls within the section on Various Laws of Holiness. Wide-ranging ethical and ceremonial laws, including the command to 'love your neighbor as yourself' (19:18).


Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Wide-ranging ethical and ceremonial laws, including the command to 'love your neighbor as yourself' (19:18). 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. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  2. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
  3. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
לֹֽא1 of 12
H3808

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

תְקַלֵּ֣ל2 of 12

“Thou shalt not curse”

H7043

to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)

חֵרֵ֔שׁ3 of 12

“the deaf”

H2795

deaf (whether literally or spiritual)

וְלִפְנֵ֣י4 of 12

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

עִוֵּ֔ר5 of 12

“the blind”

H5787

blind (literally or figuratively)

לֹ֥א6 of 12
H3808

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

תִתֵּ֖ן7 of 12

“nor put”

H5414

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

מִכְשֹׁ֑ל8 of 12

“a stumblingblock”

H4383

a stumbling-block, literally or figuratively (obstacle, enticement (specifically an idol), scruple)

וְיָרֵ֥אתָ9 of 12

“but shalt fear”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

מֵּֽאֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ10 of 12

“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 19:14 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 19:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 27:18Leviticus 19:32Leviticus 25:17Romans 14:131 Peter 2:17Nehemiah 5:15

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 19 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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