King James Version

What Does Leviticus 20:4 Mean?

Leviticus 20:4 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Leviticus 20:4 · King James Version

Context

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:

5

Then I will set my face against that man, and against his family, and will cut him off, and all that go a whoring after him, to commit whoredom with Molech, from among their people.

6

And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.

Read Leviticus 20 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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:

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.


Every sacrifice and ritual in Leviticus points forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the entire sacrificial system as both perfect sacrifice and eternal high priest.

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. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  2. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  3. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְאִ֡ם1 of 16
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יַעְלִימֽוּ֩2 of 16

“do any ways”

H5956

to veil from sight, i.e., conceal (literally or figuratively)

יַעְלִימֽוּ֩3 of 16

“do any ways”

H5956

to veil from sight, i.e., conceal (literally or figuratively)

עַ֨ם4 of 16

“And if the people”

H5971

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

הָאָ֜רֶץ5 of 16

“of the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֶת6 of 16
H853

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

עֵֽינֵיהֶם֙7 of 16

“their eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

מִן8 of 16
H4480

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

הָאִ֣ישׁ9 of 16

“from the man”

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)

הַה֔וּא10 of 16
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

בְּתִתּ֥וֹ11 of 16

“when he giveth”

H5414

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

מִזַּרְע֖וֹ12 of 16

“of his seed”

H2233

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

לַמֹּ֑לֶךְ13 of 16

“unto Molech”

H4432

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

לְבִלְתִּ֖י14 of 16

“him not”

H1115

properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n

הָמִ֥ית15 of 16

“and kill”

H4191

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

אֹתֽוֹ׃16 of 16
H853

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

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 20:4 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 20:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 17:2-5Acts 17:301 Samuel 3:13-14Deuteronomy 13:8Joshua 7:121 Kings 20:42

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