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 24:11KJV
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Leviticus 24:11 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“Israelitish” Hebrew H3482 · used in 2 verses

  • Leviticus 24:10 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;

“Shelomith” Hebrew H8019 · used in 8 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 3:19 And the sons of Pedaiah were, Zerubbabel, and Shimei: and the sons of Zerubbabel; Meshullam, and Hananiah, and Shelomith their sister:
  • 1 Chronicles 23:18 Of the sons of Izhar; Shelomith the chief.
  • 1 Chronicles 26:28 And all that Samuel the seer, and Saul the son of Kish, and Abner the son of Ner, and Joab the son of Zeruiah, had dedicated; and whosoever had dedicated any thing, it was under the hand of Shelomith, and of his brethren.

“blasphemed” Hebrew H5344 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 30:28 And he said, Appoint me thy wages, and I will give it.
  • 1 Chronicles 12:31 And of the half tribe of Manasseh eighteen thousand, which were expressed by name, to come and make David king.
  • Job 41:2 Canst thou put an hook into his nose? or bore his jaw through with a thorn?

“Dan” Hebrew H1835 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 14:14 And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan.
  • Deuteronomy 33:22 And of Dan he said, Dan is a lion's whelp: he shall leap from Bashan.
  • 2 Samuel 17:11 Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude; and that thou go to battle in thine own person.