Again, thou shalt say to the children of Israel, Whosoever he be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn in Israel, that giveth any of his seed unto Molech; he shall surely be put to death: the people of the land shall stone him with stones.
LEVITICUS 20:2KJVWhat does Leviticus 20:2 mean?
Leviticus 20:2 commands that anyone among the Israelites or foreigners living with them who gives any of their children to Molech must be put to death by stoning, with the people of the land carrying out the punishment. The verse sets a severe penalty for participating in the worship of Molech, which involved child sacrifice.
In this verse, God instructs Moses to speak to the Israelites about a specific crime: giving one’s child to Molech, a Canaanite deity associated with child sacrifice. The command applies not only to native Israelites but also to foreigners living among them, showing that the law was meant for everyone in the community. The punishment is communal, with the people themselves responsible for carrying it out, emphasizing the seriousness of the offense.
The Hebrew behind Leviticus 20:2
- "Strangers" (גֵּר, ger): This word refers to foreigners or non-Israelites living among the Israelites. Including them in the command shows that the law was not just for ethnic Israelites but for the entire community residing in Israel.
- "Sojourn" (גּוּר, gur): This verb means to reside as a temporary or resident alien. It highlights that even those who were not permanent citizens were expected to follow Israel’s laws regarding worship and morality.
- "Molech" (מֹלֶךְ, molekh): This name refers to a pagan god associated with child sacrifice. Mentioning Molech by name makes clear the specific practice being condemned.
- "Seed" (זֶרַע, zera‘): This word means offspring or children. The use of this term underscores the gravity of the crime—giving one’s own child to be sacrificed.
Why Leviticus 20:2 matters
- Leviticus 20:2 clarifies that the prohibition against child sacrifice was not only for Israelites but also for any foreigners living among them, stressing the community-wide expectation of moral behavior.
- The verse highlights the communal responsibility for justice, as the people themselves are to carry out the punishment, not just the leaders or priests.
- By naming Molech specifically, the verse connects to a broader biblical theme of rejecting the idolatrous and destructive practices of surrounding nations, setting Israel apart in its worship and ethics.