King James Version

What Does Leviticus 24:14 Mean?

Leviticus 24:14 in the King James Version says “Bring forth him that hath cursed without the camp; and let all that heard him lay their hands upon his head, and let all... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Bring forth him that hath cursed without the camp; and let all that heard him lay their hands upon his head, and let all the congregation stone him.

Leviticus 24:14 · KJV


Context

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,

14

Bring forth him that hath cursed without the camp; and let all that heard him lay their hands upon his head, and let all the congregation stone him.

15

And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Whosoever curseth his God shall bear his sin.

16

And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of the LORD, shall be put to death.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Bring forth him that hath cursed without the camp; and let all that heard him lay their hands upon his head, and let all the congregation stone him.

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.


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

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 tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

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. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
הוֹצֵ֣א1 of 17

Bring forth

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אֶת2 of 17
H853

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

הַֽמְקַלֵּ֗ל3 of 17

him that hath cursed

H7043

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

אֶל4 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מִחוּץ֙5 of 17

without

H2351

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

לַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה6 of 17

the camp

H4264

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

וְסָֽמְכ֧וּ7 of 17

him lay

H5564

to prop (literally or figuratively); reflexively, to lean upon or take hold of (in a favorable or unfavorable sense)

כָֽל8 of 17
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַשֹּׁמְעִ֛ים9 of 17

and let all that heard

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֶת10 of 17
H853

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

יְדֵיהֶ֖ם11 of 17

their hands

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

עַל12 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

רֹאשׁ֑וֹ13 of 17

upon his head

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

וְרָֽגְמ֥וּ14 of 17

stone

H7275

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

אֹת֖וֹ15 of 17
H853

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

כָּל16 of 17
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָֽעֵדָֽה׃17 of 17

and let all the congregation

H5712

a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)


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 24:14 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 24:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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