King James Version

What Does Leviticus 20:2 Mean?

Leviticus 20:2 in the King James Version says “Again, thou shalt say to the children of Israel, Whosoever he be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that soj... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Again, thou shalt say to the children of Israel, Whosoever he be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn in Israel, that giveth any of his seed unto Molech; he shall surely be put to death: the people of the land shall stone him with stones.

Leviticus 20:2 · KJV


Context

1

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

2

Again, thou shalt say to the children of Israel, Whosoever he be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn in Israel, that giveth any of his seed unto Molech; he shall surely be put to death: the people of the land shall stone him with stones.

3

And I will set my face against that man, and will cut him off from among his people; because he hath given of his seed unto Molech, to defile my sanctuary, and to profane my holy name.

4

And if the people of the land do any ways hide their eyes from the man, when he giveth of his seed unto Molech, and kill him not:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Again, thou shalt say to the children of Israel, Whosoever he be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn in Israel, that giveth any of his seed unto Molech; he shall surely be put to death: the people of the land shall stone him with stones.

This verse falls within the section on Penalties for Disobedience. Punishments for violations of sexual and religious laws, emphasizing the seriousness of sin in God's holy community.


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

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Punishments for violations of sexual and religious laws, emphasizing the seriousness of sin in God's holy community. 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. Archaeological discoveries at sites like Ugarit reveal Canaanite religious practices Israel's laws explicitly rejected, confirming the Bible's historical reliability and the distinctiveness of Israelite worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  2. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וְאֶל1 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מִבְּנֵ֨י2 of 22

he be of the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל3 of 22

in Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

תֹּאמַר֒4 of 22

Again thou shalt say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אִישׁ֩5 of 22

Whosoever

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אִישׁ֩6 of 22

Whosoever

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

מִבְּנֵ֨י7 of 22

he be of the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל8 of 22

in Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וּמִן9 of 22
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַגֵּ֣ר׀10 of 22

or of the strangers

H1616

properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner

הַגָּ֣ר11 of 22

that sojourn

H1481

properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);

בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל12 of 22

in Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אֲשֶׁ֨ר13 of 22
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יִתֵּ֧ן14 of 22

that giveth

H5414

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

מִזַּרְע֛וֹ15 of 22

any of his seed

H2233

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

לַמֹּ֖לֶךְ16 of 22

unto Molech

H4432

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

יוּמָ֑ת17 of 22

be put to death

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

יוּמָ֑ת18 of 22

be put to death

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

עַ֥ם19 of 22

the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הָאָ֖רֶץ20 of 22

of the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

יִרְגְּמֻ֥הוּ21 of 22

shall stone

H7275

to cast together (stones), i.e., to lapidate

בָאָֽבֶן׃22 of 22

him with stones

H68

a stone


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 20:2 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 20:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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