Leviticus 17:7 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 17:7 mean?

Leviticus 17:7 says that the Israelites must stop offering sacrifices to "devils," which refers to false gods or spirits, and instead follow a lasting rule for all their generations. The verse sets a permanent law to prevent the people from turning away from God by worshiping other beings.

Moses is speaking to the Israelites, passing on God's instructions during their time in the wilderness after leaving Egypt. The verse addresses a real problem: some Israelites were sacrificing to other gods, described here as "devils," and the law aims to stop this behavior. The language about "going a whoring" means being unfaithful to God by chasing after these other spiritual beings.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 17:7

• The word "devils" is שֵּׂעִירִים (seʿirim), which literally means "goat demons" or "hairy ones." In ancient times, this word referred to spirits or idols that people believed lived in the wilderness, often imagined as goat-like creatures.
• "Whoring" comes from the Hebrew זָנָה (zanah), meaning to be unfaithful, especially in the sense of spiritual unfaithfulness or idolatry. This word paints a vivid picture of turning away from God to pursue other gods, seen as a betrayal.
• "Statute" is חֻקָּה (chuqqah), meaning a fixed, permanent rule or ordinance. This shows that the command is not temporary but meant to last for all future generations.
• "Ever" is עוֹלָם (olam), which means "forever" or "for a long duration." This emphasizes that the instruction is not just for that moment but is to be kept permanently.

Why Leviticus 17:7 matters

• Leviticus 17:7 clarifies that God wanted to end the practice of sacrificing to other spiritual beings, which was a real temptation for the Israelites surrounded by other cultures.
• The verse highlights the seriousness of spiritual loyalty, using strong language to describe idolatry as unfaithfulness or betrayal.
• This law connects to the wider passage, where God is setting out clear boundaries for worship and sacrifice, making sure the Israelites focus only on Him and not on the gods of the nations around them.