King James Version

What Does Leviticus 24:16 Mean?

Leviticus 24:16 in the King James Version says “And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 24:16 · KJV

Context

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.

17

And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death. killeth: Heb. smiteth the life of a man

18

And he that killeth a beast shall make it good; beast for beast. beast for: Heb. life for life

Read Leviticus 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.


The New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with God.

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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. Ancient texts like the Code of Hammurabi show that law codes were common in the ancient Near East, but biblical law uniquely grounded ethics in God's character rather than merely social convention.

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. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
בְּנָקְבוֹ1 of 15

“And he that blasphemeth”

H5344

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

שֵׁ֖ם2 of 15

“the name”

H8034

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

יְהוָה֙3 of 15

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

יוּמָֽת׃4 of 15

“be put to death”

H4191

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

יוּמָֽת׃5 of 15

“be put to death”

H4191

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

יִרְגְּמוּ6 of 15

“shall certainly”

H7275

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

יִרְגְּמוּ7 of 15

“shall certainly”

H7275

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

ב֖וֹ8 of 15
H0
כָּל9 of 15
H3605

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

הָֽעֵדָ֑ה10 of 15

“and all the congregation”

H5712

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

כַּגֵּר֙11 of 15

“him as well the stranger”

H1616

properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner

כָּֽאֶזְרָ֔ח12 of 15

“as he that is born in the land”

H249

a spontaneous growth, i.e., native (tree or persons)

בְּנָקְבוֹ13 of 15

“And he that blasphemeth”

H5344

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

שֵׁ֖ם14 of 15

“the name”

H8034

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

יוּמָֽת׃15 of 15

“be put to death”

H4191

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

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 24:16 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 24:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 12:31James 2:7John 10:33-361 Timothy 1:13Mark 3:28-29Acts 26:11

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