King James Version

What Does Leviticus 24:23 Mean?

Leviticus 24:23 in the King James Version says “And Moses spake to the children of Israel, that they should bring forth him that had cursed out of the camp, and stone h... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Moses spake to the children of Israel, that they should bring forth him that had cursed out of the camp, and stone him with stones. And the children of Israel did as the LORD commanded Moses.

Leviticus 24:23 · KJV


Context

21

And he that killeth a beast, he shall restore it: and he that killeth a man, he shall be put to death.

22

Ye shall have one manner of law, as well for the stranger, as for one of your own country: for I am the LORD your God.

23

And Moses spake to the children of Israel, that they should bring forth him that had cursed out of the camp, and stone him with stones. And the children of Israel did as the LORD commanded Moses.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Moses spake to the children of Israel, that they should bring forth him that had cursed out of the camp, and stone him with stones. And the children of Israel did as the LORD commanded Moses.

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. 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 understanding the purpose behind God's laws help you obey Him from the heart rather than mere duty?
  2. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  3. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר1 of 22

spake

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

מֹשֶֽׁה׃2 of 22

And Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֶל3 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וּבְנֵֽי4 of 22

And 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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל5 of 22

of Israel

H3478

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

וַיּוֹצִ֣יאוּ6 of 22

that they should bring forth

H3318

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

אֶת7 of 22
H853

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

הַֽמְקַלֵּ֗ל8 of 22

him that had cursed

H7043

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

אֶל9 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מִחוּץ֙10 of 22

out

H2351

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

לַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה11 of 22

of 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

וַיִּרְגְּמ֥וּ12 of 22

and stone

H7275

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

אֹת֖וֹ13 of 22
H853

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

אָ֑בֶן14 of 22

him with stones

H68

a stone

וּבְנֵֽי15 of 22

And 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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל16 of 22

of Israel

H3478

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

עָשׂ֔וּ17 of 22

did

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר18 of 22
H834

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

צִוָּ֥ה19 of 22

commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוָ֖ה20 of 22

as the LORD

H3068

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

אֶת21 of 22
H853

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

מֹשֶֽׁה׃22 of 22

And Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver


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 24:23 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 24:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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