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 20:2KJV
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Leviticus 20:2 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“Molech” Hebrew H4432 · used in 8 verses

  • Leviticus 18:21 And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.
  • Leviticus 20:4 And if the people of the land do any ways hide their eyes from the man, when he giveth of his seed unto Molech, and kill him not:
  • 1 Kings 11:7 Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon.

“stone” Hebrew H7275 · used in 15 verses

  • Leviticus 20:27 A man also or woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be upon them.
  • Numbers 14:10 But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel.
  • 1 Kings 12:18 Then king Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the tribute; and all Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. Therefore king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem.

“strangers” Hebrew H1616 · used in 83 verses

  • Genesis 15:13 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;
  • Leviticus 25:47 And if a sojourner or stranger wax rich by thee, and thy brother that dwelleth by him wax poor, and sell himself unto the stranger or sojourner by thee, or to the stock of the stranger's family:
  • Deuteronomy 27:19 Cursed be he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen.

“sojourn” Hebrew H1481 · used in 94 verses

  • Genesis 12:10 And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land.
  • Deuteronomy 1:17 Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God's: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it.
  • Psalms 61:4 I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.