And the son of an Israelitish woman, whose father was an Egyptian, went out among the children of Israel: and this son of the Israelitish woman and a man of Israel strove together in the camp;

LEVITICUS 24:10KJV
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Leviticus 24:10 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 24:10 mean?

Leviticus 24:10 describes an incident where the son of an Israelite woman and an Egyptian father got into a fight with an Israelite man while among the people of Israel in the camp. This verse introduces a situation involving someone of mixed heritage and sets the stage for the events that follow in the chapter.

The book of Leviticus records laws and events for the Israelites as they journeyed through the wilderness. Here, the focus shifts to a specific conflict: a man whose mother was Israelite and whose father was Egyptian becomes involved in a dispute with another Israelite. This detail about his parentage is important for understanding the context and the issues of identity and belonging that arise in the following verses.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 24:10

  • The word "Israelitish" (יְשִׂרְאֵלִית, yisre'elit) is used to describe the mother, highlighting her Israelite identity, which is contrasted with the Egyptian identity of the father (מִצְרִי, mitsri). This contrast sets up the tension in the story.
  • The word "camp" (מַחֲנֶה, machaneh) refers to the organized community of Israel in the wilderness, emphasizing that this event happened within the heart of Israel’s society, not on the margins.
  • The word "strove together" (נָצָה, natsah) means to quarrel or fight, showing that this was not just a minor disagreement but a significant conflict.

Why Leviticus 24:10 matters

  • This verse highlights the presence of people of mixed heritage among the Israelites, which was a real situation as they left Egypt, and sets up questions about community boundaries and identity.
  • The detail about the man’s parentage is not just background; it becomes central to the story’s development and the legal issues addressed in the following verses.
  • Understanding this verse helps clarify why the following verses focus on the consequences of actions and the application of Israelite law to all who live within the camp, regardless of ancestry.

Where else these words appear

“Israelitish” Hebrew H3482 · used in 2 verses

  • Leviticus 24:11 And the Israelitish woman's son blasphemed the name of the LORD, and cursed. And they brought him unto Moses:(and his mother's name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan:)

“Israel” Hebrew H3481 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Samuel 17:25 And Absalom made Amasa captain of the host instead of Joab: which Amasa was a man's son, whose name was Ithra an Israelite, that went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah Joab's mother.

“together” Hebrew H5327 · used in 10 verses

  • Exodus 2:13 And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow?
  • Deuteronomy 25:11 When men strive together one with another, and the wife of the one draweth near for to deliver her husband out of the hand of him that smiteth him, and putteth forth her hand, and taketh him by the secrets:
  • Psalms 60:1 To the chief Musician upon Shushaneduth, Michtam of David, to teach; when he strove with Aramnaharaim and with Aramzobah, when Joab returned, and smote of Edom in the valley of salt twelve thousand. O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again.

“Egyptian” Hebrew H4713 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 12:12 Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they shall say, This is his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive.
  • Genesis 39:5 And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.
  • Deuteronomy 26:6 And the Egyptians evil entreated us, and afflicted us, and laid upon us hard bondage: