Leviticus 18:21 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 18:21 mean?

Leviticus 18:21 commands the Israelites not to allow any of their children to be sacrificed by fire to Molech, and not to dishonor the name of their God, because God is the LORD. The verse is a clear prohibition against a specific pagan ritual and a reminder to respect God's holiness.

In this verse, God is speaking to the people of Israel through Moses, giving instructions about how they are to live differently from the surrounding nations. The reference to Molech points to a Canaanite deity associated with child sacrifice, a practice God strictly forbids. The second part of the verse links this command to the importance of honoring God's name, showing that such acts are not just wrong actions but also a direct insult to God’s character and reputation.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 18:21

• מֹלֶךְ (Molech, transliteration: Molekh): This word refers to a Canaanite god to whom children were sometimes sacrificed by fire. The mention of Molech highlights that the command is about rejecting the religious practices of neighboring peoples.
• חָלַל (chalal, transliteration: chalal): This word means "to profane" or "to make common." Here, it stresses that participating in such rituals would make God’s name ordinary or dishonored, rather than set apart and holy.
• שֵׁם (shem, transliteration: shem): This word means "name," but in Hebrew thought, it often stands for reputation, character, or authority. Profaning God’s name means damaging how God is known and respected among people.
• יְהוָה (YHWH, transliteration: Adonai or Yahweh): This is the personal name of God, often translated as "the LORD." Its use here underlines the authority behind the command and the unique relationship between God and Israel.

Why Leviticus 18:21 matters

• This verse clarifies that God’s people are to reject the most extreme forms of pagan worship, especially those that involve violence or harm to children.
• The connection between ritual actions and God’s name shows that what people do reflects on God’s reputation, not just their own.
• In the wider passage, this command is part of a series of laws meant to set Israel apart from other nations, emphasizing both moral and spiritual distinctiveness.