King James Version

What Does Leviticus 24:11 Mean?

Leviticus 24:11 in the King James Version says “And the Israelitish woman's son blasphemed the name of the LORD, and cursed. And they brought him unto Moses: (and his m...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the Israelitish woman's son blasphemed the name of the LORD, and cursed. And they brought him unto Moses: (and his mother's name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan:)”

Leviticus 24:11 · King James Version

Context

9

And it shall be Aaron's and his sons'; and they shall eat it in the holy place: for it is most holy unto him of the offerings of the LORD made by fire by a perpetual statute.

10

And the son of an Israelitish woman, whose father was an Egyptian , went out among the children of Israel : and this son of the Israelitish woman and a man of Israel strove together in the camp;

11

And the Israelitish woman's son blasphemed the name of the LORD, and cursed. And they brought him unto Moses: (and his mother's name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan:)

12

And they put him in ward, that the mind of the LORD might be shewed them. that: Heb. to expound unto them according to the mouth of the LORD

13

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Read Leviticus 24 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And the Israelitish woman's son blasphemed the name of the LORD, and cursed. And they brought him unto Moses: (and his mother's name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan:)

This verse falls within the section on Oil, Bread, and Blasphemy. Instructions for tabernacle maintenance and the account of a blasphemer's punishment, showing reverence for God's name.


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

Instructions for tabernacle maintenance and the account of a blasphemer's punishment, showing reverence for God's name. 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. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
  2. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  3. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?

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

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַ֠יִּקֹּב1 of 18

“blasphemed”

H5344

to puncture, literally (to perforate, with more or less violence) or figuratively (to specify, designate, libel)

בֶּן2 of 18

“son”

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

הָֽאִשָּׁ֨ה3 of 18

“woman's”

H802

a woman

הַיִּשְׂרְאֵלִ֤ית4 of 18

“And the Israelitish”

H3482

a jisreelitess or female descendant of jisrael

אֶת5 of 18
H853

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

וְשֵׁ֥ם6 of 18

“name”

H8034

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

וַיְקַלֵּ֔ל7 of 18

“of the LORD and cursed”

H7043

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

וַיָּבִ֥יאוּ8 of 18

“And they brought”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֹת֖וֹ9 of 18
H853

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

אֶל10 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֑ה11 of 18

“him unto Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וְשֵׁ֥ם12 of 18

“name”

H8034

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

אִמּ֛וֹ13 of 18

“and his mother's”

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

שְׁלֹמִ֥ית14 of 18

“was Shelomith”

H8019

shelomith, the name of three israelitesses

בַּת15 of 18

“the daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

דִּבְרִ֖י16 of 18

“of Dibri”

H1704

dibri, an israelite

לְמַטֵּה17 of 18

“of the tribe”

H4294

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

דָֽן׃18 of 18

“of Dan”

H1835

dan, one of the sons of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in palestine colonized by them

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 24:11 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 24:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 20:7Isaiah 8:21Exodus 18:26Exodus 3:15Matthew 26:65Exodus 18:22

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