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:

LEVITICUS 20:4KJV
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Leviticus 20:4 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 20:4 mean?

Leviticus 20:4 warns that if the people of the land ignore or deliberately overlook someone who sacrifices his child to Molech, and do not put a stop to it as commanded, they are themselves failing in their responsibility. The verse highlights that turning a blind eye to such a serious offense is itself a grave matter.

In this verse, God is speaking through Moses to the Israelites, addressing the community’s duty to uphold God’s laws. The situation involves the worship of Molech, a Canaanite deity associated with child sacrifice, which was strictly forbidden. The verse stresses that the whole community is responsible for confronting and stopping such acts, not just the authorities or leaders.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 20:4

  • "people" (עָם, ʿam): This word refers to the general population, emphasizing that the warning is for everyone, not just leaders or judges.
  • "hide" (עָלַם, ʿālam): The sense here is to deliberately conceal or ignore, not just to fail to notice. The verse is about willful neglect, not accidental oversight.
  • "Molech" (מֹלֶךְ, Molekh): This name points to a specific pagan god associated with child sacrifice, clarifying the seriousness and specificity of the offense.

Why Leviticus 20:4 matters

  • Leviticus 20:4 clarifies that ignoring evil is itself a serious wrongdoing; the community cannot claim innocence by simply looking away.
  • The verse highlights shared responsibility, showing that everyone in the land is accountable for upholding God’s standards, not just officials.
  • This verse fits into a larger section where God sets out the consequences for idolatry and child sacrifice, making clear that such practices are utterly unacceptable among the Israelites.

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 20:3 And I will set my face against that man, and will cut him off from among his people; because he hath given of his seed unto Molech, to defile my sanctuary, and to profane my holy name.
  • 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.

“ways” Hebrew H5956 · used in 27 verses

  • Leviticus 4:13 And if the whole congregation of Israel sin through ignorance, and the thing be hid from the eyes of the assembly, and they have done somewhat against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which should not be done, and are guilty;
  • 1 Samuel 12:3 Behold, here I am: witness against me before the LORD, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you.
  • Psalms 55:1 To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, A Psalm of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.

“not” Hebrew H1115 · used in 29 verses

  • Genesis 3:11 And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?
  • Numbers 14:16 Because the LORD was not able to bring this people into the land which he sware unto them, therefore he hath slain them in the wilderness.
  • Job 14:12 So man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep.