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:)
LEVITICUS 24:11KJVWhat does Leviticus 24:11 mean?
Leviticus 24:11 tells how the son of an Israelite woman blasphemed the name of the LORD and cursed, leading to his being brought before Moses. The verse also gives the name of his mother, Shelomith, and her family background from the tribe of Dan.
This verse is part of a story where a conflict breaks out among the Israelites in the wilderness. The focus is on a specific incident where a man, whose mother is named but whose Egyptian father is not, speaks against God in a serious way. The verse sets up the situation for what will follow, highlighting the gravity of misusing God’s name and the importance of identity and community in Israel’s laws.
The Hebrew behind Leviticus 24:11
- "Blasphemed" (נָקַב, naqav): This word often means “to pierce” or “to specify,” but here it is understood as speaking against or attacking the name of God. It emphasizes the seriousness of the offense, not just a casual insult but a direct, intentional act.
- "Name" (שֵׁם, shem): In Hebrew thought, “the name” often stands for God’s character and presence. To blaspheme the name is to show deep disrespect for God Himself.
- "Cursed" (קָלַל, qalal): This word means to make light of, to treat as insignificant, or to insult. It shows that the man did not just say something harsh, but actively dishonored God.
- "Israelitish" (יִשְׂרְאֵלִית, yisre’elit): This word points out that the woman is an Israelite, which is notable because her son’s father is Egyptian. The verse draws attention to mixed heritage in the community.
Why Leviticus 24:11 matters
- Leviticus 24:11 highlights how seriously ancient Israel treated the misuse of God’s name, showing that words spoken against God were not taken lightly.
- The verse’s mention of the man’s mixed parentage sets up later discussions about identity, belonging, and responsibility within the Israelite community.
- By naming the mother and her family, the text shows the importance of lineage and accountability, even in difficult or negative situations.