Then I will set my face against that man, and against his family, and will cut him off, and all that go a whoring after him, to commit whoredom with Molech, from among their people.

LEVITICUS 20:5KJV
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Leviticus 20:5 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 20:5 mean?

Leviticus 20:5 says that God will personally oppose and cut off anyone, along with their family, who turns to worship Molech and leads others into that same practice. The verse stresses that those who follow this path will be separated from their community because of their unfaithfulness.

In this verse, God is speaking to the Israelites through Moses, warning them about the seriousness of idolatry, especially the worship of Molech, which involved detestable practices. The language shows that this is not just about individual sin but also about the influence one person can have on others, and the consequences extend to families and followers. The verse comes in a section where God is laying out laws to keep Israel distinct from surrounding nations.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 20:5

  • "Set" (שִׂים, sîm): This word means to direct or fix attention. Here, it shows God is actively turning His attention in opposition, not just passively allowing consequences.
  • "Face" (פָּנִים, pānîm): Often means presence or favor, but here it means God is turning His presence against someone, signaling strong disapproval.
  • "Cut off" (כָּרַת, kārat): This word often means to remove or separate completely, indicating a total break from the community.
  • "Whoring" and "Whoredom" (זָנָה, zānâ): These words describe unfaithfulness, often used for both literal sexual immorality and spiritual betrayal, like idolatry.

Why Leviticus 20:5 matters

  • The verse clarifies that idolatry, especially involving Molech, is not just a private matter but affects families and the wider community.
  • The strong language about God "setting His face" and "cutting off" highlights how seriously God views spiritual unfaithfulness.
  • This verse connects to the broader theme in Leviticus of keeping Israel distinct and holy, warning against adopting the practices of neighboring peoples.

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.

“whoring” Hebrew H2181 · used in 82 verses

  • Genesis 34:31 And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with an harlot?
  • 1 Chronicles 5:25 And they transgressed against the God of their fathers, and went a whoring after the gods of the people of the land, whom God destroyed before them.
  • Ezekiel 16:31 In that thou buildest thine eminent place in the head of every way, and makest thine high place in every street; and hast not been as an harlot, in that thou scornest hire;