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Leviticus 20

BSB·27 verses ·Old Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1Then the LORDיְהוָ֖הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → saidוַיְדַבֵּ֥רway·ḏab·bêr — to speak, say, or declareH1696 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Mosesמֹשֶׁ֥הmō·šeh — Drawn outH4872 — Full Word Study →, 2Tellתֹּאמַר֒tō·mar — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → the Israelitesבְּנֵ֣יbə·nê — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study →, ‘Anyאִ֣ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → Israeliteמִבְּנֵ֨יmib·bə·nê — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → orוּמִן־ū·min- — from, out of, by means ofH4480 — Full Word Study → foreignerהַגֵּ֣ר׀hag·gêr — Resident alien; temporary inhabitant without full citizenship rightsH1616 — Full Word Study → livingהַגָּ֣רhag·gār — to sojourn, dwell as a stranger, fearH1481 — Full Word Study → in Israelבְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֗לbə·yiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study → whoאֲשֶׁ֨ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → givesיִתֵּ֧ןyit·tên — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → any of his childrenמִזַּרְע֛וֹmiz·zar·‘ōw — Seed; offspring; descendant; progenyH2233 — Full Word Study → to Molechלַמֹּ֖לֶךְlam·mō·leḵ — Canaanite deity of fireH4432 — Full Word Study → must be put to deathמ֣וֹתmō·wṯ — to die; to put to death; to killH4191 — Full Word Study →. The peopleעַ֥ם‘am — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → of the landהָאָ֖רֶץhā·’ā·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study → are to stoneיִרְגְּמֻ֥הוּyir·gə·mu·hū — to stone; to pelt with stonesH7275 — Full Word Study → himבָאָֽבֶן׃ḇā·’ā·ḇen — Stone; rock; precious stoneH68 — Full Word Study →. 3And Iוַאֲנִ֞יwa·’ă·nî — I, me, myself (first person singular pronoun)H589 — Full Word Study → will setאֶתֵּ֤ן’et·tên — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → My faceפָּנַי֙pā·nay — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → against thatהַה֔וּאha·hū — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study → manבָּאִ֣ישׁbā·’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → and cut him offוְהִכְרַתִּ֥יwə·hiḵ·rat·tî — To cut; to make a covenantH3772 — Full Word Study → fromמִקֶּ֣רֶבmiq·qe·reḇ — midst, inner part, heart, inward beingH7130 — Full Word Study → his peopleעַמּ֑וֹ‘am·mōw — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study →, becauseכִּ֤יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → by givingנָתַ֣ןnā·ṯan — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → his offspringמִזַּרְעוֹ֙miz·zar·‘ōw — Seed; offspring; descendant; progenyH2233 — Full Word Study → to Molechלַמֹּ֔לֶךְlam·mō·leḵ — Canaanite deity of fireH4432 — Full Word Study →, he has defiledטַמֵּא֙ṭam·mê — to be unclean, to defile or contaminateH2930 — Full Word Study → My sanctuaryמִקְדָּשִׁ֔יmiq·dā·šî — Sanctuary, holy place of worshipH4720 — Full Word Study → and profanedוּלְחַלֵּ֖לū·lə·ḥal·lêl — to profane, defile, or beginH2490 — Full Word Study → My holyקָדְשִֽׁי׃qāḏ·šî — Holiness, sacred, consecrated, set apartH6944 — Full Word Study → nameשֵׁ֥םšêm — Name; reputation; renownH8034 — Full Word Study →. 4And ifוְאִ֡םwə·’im — If, whether; conditional conjunction with wide applicabilityH518 — Full Word Study → the peopleעַ֨ם‘am — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → of the landהָאָ֜רֶץhā·’ā·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study → ever hideהַעְלֵ֣םha‘·lêm — to hide, conceal, or act in secretH5956 — Full Word Study → their eyesעֵֽינֵיהֶם֙‘ê·nê·hem — Eye; sight; appearance; fountainH5869 — Full Word Study → and failלְבִלְתִּ֖יlə·ḇil·tî — without, except, lest, or nothing butH1115 — Full Word Study → to put to deathהָמִ֥יתhā·mîṯ — to die; to put to death; to killH4191 — Full Word Study → the manהָאִ֣ישׁhā·’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → whoהַה֔וּאha·hū — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study → givesבְּתִתּ֥וֹbə·ṯit·tōw — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → one of his childrenמִזַּרְע֖וֹmiz·zar·‘ōw — Seed; offspring; descendant; progenyH2233 — Full Word Study → to Molechלַמֹּ֑לֶךְlam·mō·leḵ — Canaanite deity of fireH4432 — Full Word Study →, 5then Iאֲנִ֧י’ă·nî — I, me, myself (first person singular pronoun)H589 — Full Word Study → will setוְשַׂמְתִּ֨יwə·śam·tî — to put, place, set, appointH7760 — Full Word Study → My faceפָּנַ֛יpā·nay — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → against thatהַה֖וּאha·hū — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study → manבָּאִ֥ישׁbā·’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → and his familyוּבְמִשְׁפַּחְתּ֑וֹū·ḇə·miš·paḥ·tōw — Family, clan, household groupH4940 — Full Word Study → and cut offוְהִכְרַתִּ֨יwə·hiḵ·rat·tî — To cut; to make a covenantH3772 — Full Word Study → from amongמִקֶּ֥רֶבmiq·qe·reḇ — midst, inner part, heart, inward beingH7130 — Full Word Study → their peopleעַמָּֽם׃‘am·mām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → both him and allכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → who follow himאַחֲרָ֗יו’a·ḥă·rāw — after, behind, followingH310 — Full Word Study → in prostituting themselvesהַזֹּנִ֣יםhaz·zō·nîm — to commit sexual immorality; to act as a harlot or prostituteH2181 — Full Word Study → withאַחֲרֵ֥י’a·ḥă·rê — after, behind, followingH310 — Full Word Study → Molechהַמֹּ֖לֶךְham·mō·leḵ — Canaanite deity of fireH4432 — Full Word Study →. 6Whoeverוְהַנֶּ֗פֶשׁwə·han·ne·p̄eš — soul, life, person, selfH5315 — Full Word Study → turnsתִּפְנֶ֤הtip̄·neh — to turn, face, or direct attentionH6437 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → mediumsהָֽאֹבֹת֙hā·’ō·ḇōṯ — Medium or spiritist; one who consults the deadH178 — Full Word Study → or spiritistsהַיִּדְּעֹנִ֔יםhay·yid·də·‘ō·nîm — One who consults the dead; spiritist or mediumH3049 — Full Word Study → to prostitute himselfלִזְנ֖וֹתliz·nō·wṯ — to commit sexual immorality; to act as a harlot or prostituteH2181 — Full Word Study → with themאַחֲרֵיהֶ֑ם’a·ḥă·rê·hem — after, behind, followingH310 — Full Word Study →, I will also setוְנָתַתִּ֤יwə·nā·ṯat·tî — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → My faceפָּנַי֙pā·nay — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → against that personבַּנֶּ֣פֶשׁban·ne·p̄eš — soul, life, person, selfH5315 — Full Word Study → and cut him offוְהִכְרַתִּ֥יwə·hiḵ·rat·tî — To cut; to make a covenantH3772 — Full Word Study → fromמִקֶּ֥רֶבmiq·qe·reḇ — midst, inner part, heart, inward beingH7130 — Full Word Study → his peopleעַמּֽוֹ׃‘am·mōw — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study →. 7Consecrate yourselvesוְהִ֨תְקַדִּשְׁתֶּ֔םwə·hiṯ·qad·diš·tem — to set apart as holy; to consecrate or sanctifyH6942 — Full Word Study →, therefore, and beוִהְיִיתֶ֖םwih·yî·ṯem — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → holyקְדֹשִׁ֑יםqə·ḏō·šîm — Set apart, consecrated, sacredH6918 — Full Word Study →, becauseכִּ֛יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → Iאֲנִ֥י’ă·nî — I, me, myself (first person singular pronoun)H589 — Full Word Study → am the LORDיְהוָ֖הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → your Godאֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם׃’ĕ·lō·hê·ḵem — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study →. 8And you shall keepוּשְׁמַרְתֶּם֙ū·šə·mar·tem — To guard, keep, observe, preserveH8104 — Full Word Study → My statutesחֻקֹּתַ֔יḥuq·qō·ṯay — Divine statute, ordinance, or decreeH2708 — Full Word Study → and practice themוַעֲשִׂיתֶ֖םwa·‘ă·śî·ṯem — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study →. Iאֲנִ֥י’ă·nî — I, me, myself (first person singular pronoun)H589 — Full Word Study → am the LORDיְהוָ֖הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → who sanctifies youמְקַדִּשְׁכֶֽם׃mə·qad·diš·ḵem — to set apart as holy; to consecrate or sanctifyH6942 — Full Word Study →. 9Ifכִּֽי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → anyoneאִ֣ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → cursesיְקַלֵּ֧לyə·qal·lêl — to make light; to curse; to despiseH7043 — Full Word Study → his fatherאָבִ֛יו’ā·ḇîw — H1 — Full Word Study → or motherאִמּ֖וֹ’im·mōw — mother; female parentH517 — Full Word Study →, he must be put to deathמ֣וֹתmō·wṯ — to die; to put to death; to killH4191 — Full Word Study →. He has cursedקִלֵּ֖לqil·lêl — to make light; to curse; to despiseH7043 — Full Word Study → his fatherאָבִ֧יו’ā·ḇîw — H1 — Full Word Study → or motherוְאִמּ֛וֹwə·’im·mōw — mother; female parentH517 — Full Word Study →; his bloodדָּמָ֥יוdā·māw — blood; life force; bloodshed; guiltH1818 — Full Word Study → shall be upon him. 10If a manוְאִ֗ישׁwə·’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → commits adulteryיִנְאַף֙yin·’ap̄ — to commit adultery; to act unfaithfully in marriageH5003 — Full Word Study → withאֶת־’eṯ- — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → another man’s wifeאֵ֣שֶׁת’ê·šeṯ — Woman; wife; femaleH802 — Full Word Study →withאֶת־’eṯ- — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → the wifeאֵ֣שֶׁת’ê·šeṯ — Woman; wife; femaleH802 — Full Word Study → of his neighborרֵעֵ֑הוּrê·‘ê·hū — neighbor, friend, companion, associateH7453 — Full Word Study →both the adultererהַנֹּאֵ֖ףhan·nō·’êp̄ — to commit adultery; to act unfaithfully in marriageH5003 — Full Word Study → and the adulteressוְהַנֹּאָֽפֶת׃wə·han·nō·’ā·p̄eṯ — to commit adultery; to act unfaithfully in marriageH5003 — Full Word Study → must surely be put to deathמֽוֹת־mō·wṯ- — to die; to put to death; to killH4191 — Full Word Study →. 11If a manוְאִ֗ישׁwə·’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → liesיִשְׁכַּב֙yiš·kaḇ — to lie down, recline, sleepH7901 — Full Word Study → withאֶת־’eṯ- — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → his father’sאָבִ֔יו’ā·ḇîw — H1 — Full Word Study → wifeאֵ֣שֶׁת’ê·šeṯ — Woman; wife; femaleH802 — Full Word Study →, he has uncoveredגִּלָּ֑הgil·lāh — HeglamH1540 — Full Word Study → his father’sאָבִ֖יו’ā·ḇîw — H1 — Full Word Study → nakednessעֶרְוַ֥ת‘er·waṯ — nakedness, shame, exposed vulnerabilityH6172 — Full Word Study →. Bothשְׁנֵיהֶ֖םšə·nê·hem — The number two; a pair or coupleH8147 — Full Word Study → must surely be put to deathמֽוֹת־mō·wṯ- — to die; to put to death; to killH4191 — Full Word Study →; their bloodדְּמֵיהֶ֥םdə·mê·hem — blood; life force; bloodshed; guiltH1818 — Full Word Study → is upon them. 12If a manוְאִ֗ישׁwə·’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → liesיִשְׁכַּב֙yiš·kaḇ — to lie down, recline, sleepH7901 — Full Word Study → withאֶת־’eṯ- — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → his daughter-in-lawכַּלָּת֔וֹkal·lā·ṯōw — bride; daughter-in-law; betrothed womanH3618 — Full Word Study →, bothשְׁנֵיהֶ֑םšə·nê·hem — The number two; a pair or coupleH8147 — Full Word Study → must surely be put to deathמ֥וֹתmō·wṯ — to die; to put to death; to killH4191 — Full Word Study →. They have actedעָשׂ֖וּ‘ā·śū — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → perverselyתֶּ֥בֶלte·ḇel — Confusion, disorder, perversionH8397 — Full Word Study →; their bloodדְּמֵיהֶ֥םdə·mê·hem — blood; life force; bloodshed; guiltH1818 — Full Word Study → is upon them. 13If a manוְאִ֗ישׁwə·’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → liesיִשְׁכַּ֤בyiš·kaḇ — to lie down, recline, sleepH7901 — Full Word Study → withאֶת־’eṯ- — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → a manזָכָר֙zā·ḵār — Male, man, or masculine personH2145 — Full Word Study → as with a womanאִשָּׁ֔ה’iš·šāh — Woman; wife; femaleH802 — Full Word Study →, they have bothשְׁנֵיהֶ֑םšə·nê·hem — The number two; a pair or coupleH8147 — Full Word Study → committedעָשׂ֖וּ‘ā·śū — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → an abominationתּוֹעֵבָ֥הtō·w·‘ê·ḇāh — Abomination; something detestable or loathsomeH8441 — Full Word Study →. They must surely be put to deathמ֥וֹתmō·wṯ — to die; to put to death; to killH4191 — Full Word Study →; their bloodדְּמֵיהֶ֥םdə·mê·hem — blood; life force; bloodshed; guiltH1818 — Full Word Study → is upon them. 14If a manוְאִ֗ישׁwə·’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → marriesיִקַּ֧חyiq·qaḥ — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study → both a womanאִשָּׁ֛ה’iš·šāh — Woman; wife; femaleH802 — Full Word Study → and her motherאִמָּ֖הּ’im·māh — mother; female parentH517 — Full Word Study →, itהִ֑ואhî — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study → is depravedזִמָּ֣הzim·māh — Wickedness, lewdness, or evil intentH2154 — Full Word Study →. Both heוְאֶתְהֶ֔ןwə·’eṯ·hen — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → and theyאֹתוֹ֙’ō·ṯōw — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → must be burnedיִשְׂרְפ֤וּyiś·rə·p̄ū — to burn, kindle, consume by fireH8313 — Full Word Study → in the fireבָּאֵ֞שׁbā·’êš — Fire; flame; burningH784 — Full Word Study →, so that there will beתִהְיֶ֥הṯih·yeh — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → noוְלֹא־wə·lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → depravityזִמָּ֖הzim·māh — Wickedness, lewdness, or evil intentH2154 — Full Word Study → among youבְּתוֹכְכֶֽם׃bə·ṯō·wḵ·ḵem — midst, among, between, throughH8432 — Full Word Study →. 15If a manוְאִ֗ישׁwə·’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → liesיִתֵּ֧ןyit·tên — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → carnallyשְׁכָבְתּ֛וֹšə·ḵā·ḇə·tōw — The act of lying down; sexual intercourseH7903 — Full Word Study → with an animalבִּבְהֵמָ֖הbiḇ·hê·māh — Animal, beast, livestockH929 — Full Word Study →, he must be put to deathמ֣וֹתmō·wṯ — to die; to put to death; to killH4191 — Full Word Study →. Andוְאֶת־wə·’eṯ- — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → you are also to killתַּהֲרֹֽגוּ׃ta·hă·rō·ḡū — To kill, slay, or murderH2026 — Full Word Study → the animalהַבְּהֵמָ֖הhab·bə·hê·māh — Animal, beast, livestockH929 — Full Word Study →. 16If a womanוְאִשָּׁ֗הwə·’iš·šāh — Woman; wife; femaleH802 — Full Word Study → approachesתִּקְרַ֤בtiq·raḇ — to approach, draw near, come forwardH7126 — Full Word Study → anyכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → animalבְּהֵמָה֙bə·hê·māh — Animal, beast, livestockH929 — Full Word Study → to mateלְרִבְעָ֣הlə·riḇ·‘āh — to mate, breed, copulateH7250 — Full Word Study → with itאֹתָ֔הּ’ō·ṯāh — with, together with, againstH854 — Full Word Study →, you must killוְהָרַגְתָּ֥wə·hā·raḡ·tā — To kill, slay, or murderH2026 — Full Word Study → bothאֶת־’eṯ- — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → the womanהָאִשָּׁ֖הhā·’iš·šāh — Woman; wife; femaleH802 — Full Word Study → andוְאֶת־wə·’eṯ- — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → the animalהַבְּהֵמָ֑הhab·bə·hê·māh — Animal, beast, livestockH929 — Full Word Study →. They must surely be put to deathמ֥וֹתmō·wṯ — to die; to put to death; to killH4191 — Full Word Study →; their bloodדְּמֵיהֶ֥םdə·mê·hem — blood; life force; bloodshed; guiltH1818 — Full Word Study → is upon them. 17If a manוְאִ֣ישׁwə·’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → marriesיִקַּ֣חyiq·qaḥ — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study → his sisterאֲחֹת֡וֹ’ă·ḥō·ṯōw — Sister; female sibling or kinswomanH269 — Full Word Study →, whether the daughterבַּת־baṯ- — daughter; female child or descendantH1323 — Full Word Study → of his fatherאָבִ֣יו’ā·ḇîw — H1 — Full Word Study → orא֣וֹ’ōw — or, whether; also expressing desire or preferenceH176 — Full Word Study → of his motherאִ֠מּוֹ’im·mōw — mother; female parentH517 — Full Word Study →, and they have sexual relationsוְרָאָ֨הwə·rā·’āh — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study →, itה֔וּאhū — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study → is a disgraceחֶ֣סֶדḥe·seḏ — Covenant loyalty and steadfast kindnessH2617 — Full Word Study →. They must be cut offוְנִ֨כְרְת֔וּwə·niḵ·rə·ṯū — To cut; to make a covenantH3772 — Full Word Study → in the sightלְעֵינֵ֖יlə·‘ê·nê — Eye; sight; appearance; fountainH5869 — Full Word Study → ofבְּנֵ֣יbə·nê — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → their peopleעַמָּ֑ם‘am·mām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study →. He has uncoveredגִּלָּ֖הgil·lāh — HeglamH1540 — Full Word Study → the nakednessעֶרְוַ֧ת‘er·waṯ — nakedness, shame, exposed vulnerabilityH6172 — Full Word Study → of his sisterאֲחֹת֛וֹ’ă·ḥō·ṯōw — Sister; female sibling or kinswomanH269 — Full Word Study →; he shall bearיִשָּֽׂא׃yiś·śā — To lift up, raise, or bear; to carry or supportH5375 — Full Word Study → his iniquityעֲוֺנ֥וֹ‘ă·wō·nōw — Iniquity, guilt, or moral wrongdoingH5771 — Full Word Study →. 18If a manוְ֠אִישׁwə·’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → liesיִשְׁכַּ֨בyiš·kaḇ — to lie down, recline, sleepH7901 — Full Word Study → withאֶת־’eṯ- — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → a menstruatingדָּוָ֗הdā·wāh — to be sick, ill, or faintH1739 — Full Word Study → womanאִשָּׁ֜ה’iš·šāh — Woman; wife; femaleH802 — Full Word Study → and has sexual relations with herוְגִלָּ֤הwə·ḡil·lāh — HeglamH1540 — Full Word Study →, he has exposedהֶֽעֱרָ֔הhe·‘ĕ·rāh — to uncover, expose, or lay bareH6168 — Full Word Study → the source of her flowמְקֹרָ֣הּmə·qō·rāh — A spring, fountain, or source of waterH4726 — Full Word Study →, and sheוְהִ֕יאwə·hî — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study → has uncoveredגִּלְּתָ֖הgil·lə·ṯāh — HeglamH1540 — Full Word Study → the sourceמְק֣וֹרmə·qō·wr — A spring, fountain, or source of waterH4726 — Full Word Study → of her bloodדָּמֶ֑יהָdā·me·hā — blood; life force; bloodshed; guiltH1818 — Full Word Study →. Bothשְׁנֵיהֶ֖םšə·nê·hem — The number two; a pair or coupleH8147 — Full Word Study → of them must be cut offוְנִכְרְת֥וּwə·niḵ·rə·ṯū — To cut; to make a covenantH3772 — Full Word Study → from amongמִקֶּ֥רֶבmiq·qe·reḇ — midst, inner part, heart, inward beingH7130 — Full Word Study → their peopleעַמָּֽם׃‘am·mām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study →. 19You must notלֹ֣אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → have sexual relations withוְעֶרְוַ֨תwə·‘er·waṯ — nakedness, shame, exposed vulnerabilityH6172 — Full Word Study → the sisterאֲח֧וֹת’ă·ḥō·wṯ — Sister; female sibling or kinswomanH269 — Full Word Study → of your motherאִמְּךָ֛’im·mə·ḵā — mother; female parentH517 — Full Word Study → or your fatherאָבִ֖יךָ’ā·ḇî·ḵā — H1 — Full Word Study →, forכִּ֧יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → it is exposingהֶעֱרָ֖הhe·‘ĕ·rāh — to uncover, expose, or lay bareH6168 — Full Word Study → one’s own kinשְׁאֵר֛וֹšə·’ê·rōw — Flesh; kinship; blood relativeH7607 — Full Word Study →; both shall bearיִשָּֽׂאוּ׃yiś·śā·’ū — To lift up, raise, or bear; to carry or supportH5375 — Full Word Study → their iniquityעֲוֺנָ֥ם‘ă·wō·nām — Iniquity, guilt, or moral wrongdoingH5771 — Full Word Study →. 20If a manוְאִ֗ישׁwə·’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → liesיִשְׁכַּב֙yiš·kaḇ — to lie down, recline, sleepH7901 — Full Word Study → withאֶת־’eṯ- — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → his uncle’s wifeדֹּ֣דָת֔וֹdō·ḏā·ṯōw — aunt; a father's sister or uncle's wifeH1733 — Full Word Study →, he has uncoveredגִּלָּ֑הgil·lāh — HeglamH1540 — Full Word Study → the nakednessעֶרְוַ֥ת‘er·waṯ — nakedness, shame, exposed vulnerabilityH6172 — Full Word Study → of his uncleדֹּד֖וֹdō·ḏōw — beloved; uncle; loveH1730 — Full Word Study →. They will bearיִשָּׂ֖אוּyiś·śā·’ū — To lift up, raise, or bear; to carry or supportH5375 — Full Word Study → their sinחֶטְאָ֥םḥeṭ·’ām — sin, transgression, or guiltH2399 — Full Word Study →; they shall dieיָמֻֽתוּ׃yā·mu·ṯū — to die; to put to death; to killH4191 — Full Word Study → childlessעֲרִירִ֥ים‘ă·rî·rîm — Childless, bereaved of childrenH6185 — Full Word Study →. 21If a manוְאִ֗ישׁwə·’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → marriesיִקַּ֛חyiq·qaḥ — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study → his brother’sאָחִ֖יו’ā·ḥîw — Male sibling; brother; kinsmanH251 — Full Word Study → wifeאֵ֥שֶׁת’ê·šeṯ — Woman; wife; femaleH802 — Full Word Study →, itהִ֑ואhî — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study → is an act of impurityנִדָּ֣הnid·dāh — Menstrual impurity; ritual uncleanness; separationH5079 — Full Word Study →. He has uncoveredגִּלָּ֖הgil·lāh — HeglamH1540 — Full Word Study → the nakednessעֶרְוַ֥ת‘er·waṯ — nakedness, shame, exposed vulnerabilityH6172 — Full Word Study → of his brotherאָחִ֛יו’ā·ḥîw — Male sibling; brother; kinsmanH251 — Full Word Study →; they shall beיִהְיֽוּ׃yih·yū — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → childlessעֲרִירִ֥ים‘ă·rî·rîm — Childless, bereaved of childrenH6185 — Full Word Study →. 22You are therefore to keepוּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֤םū·šə·mar·tem — To guard, keep, observe, preserveH8104 — Full Word Study → allכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → My statutesחֻקֹּתַי֙ḥuq·qō·ṯay — Divine statute, ordinance, or decreeH2708 — Full Word Study → andכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → ordinancesמִשְׁפָּטַ֔יmiš·pā·ṭay — Justice, judgment, or legal decisionH4941 — Full Word Study →, so that the landהָאָ֔רֶץhā·’ā·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study → whereאֲשֶׁ֨ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → Iאֲנִ֜י’ă·nî — I, me, myself (first person singular pronoun)H589 — Full Word Study → am bringingמֵבִ֥יאmê·ḇî — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → you to liveלָשֶׁ֥בֶתlā·še·ḇeṯ — to dwell, inhabit, settle, remainH3427 — Full Word Study → will notוְלֹא־wə·lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → vomit you outתָקִ֤יאṯā·qî — to vomit; to eject or expel forcefullyH6958 — Full Word Study →. 23You must notוְלֹ֤אwə·lō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → followתֵֽלְכוּ֙ṯê·lə·ḵū — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → the statutesבְּחֻקֹּ֣תbə·ḥuq·qōṯ — Divine statute, ordinance, or decreeH2708 — Full Word Study → of the nationsהַגּ֔וֹיhag·gō·w — Nation; a people or ethnic groupH1471 — Full Word Study → Iאֲנִ֥י’ă·nî — I, me, myself (first person singular pronoun)H589 — Full Word Study → am driving outמְשַׁלֵּ֖חַmə·šal·lê·aḥ — to send, let go, releaseH7971 — Full Word Study → before youמִפְּנֵיכֶ֑םmip·pə·nê·ḵem — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study →. Becauseכִּ֤יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → they didעָשׂ֔וּ‘ā·śū — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → allכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → these thingsאֵ֙לֶּה֙’êl·leh — These; those; the onesH428 — Full Word Study →, I abhorredוָאָקֻ֖ץwā·’ā·quṣ — to loathe, abhor, feel disgust or aversionH6973 — Full Word Study → them. 24But I have toldוָאֹמַ֣רwā·’ō·mar — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → you that youאַתֶּם֮’at·tem — You; second-person pronoun (singular or plural)H859 — Full Word Study → will inheritתִּֽירְשׁ֣וּtî·rə·šū — to possess, inherit, dispossessH3423 — Full Word Study → their landאַדְמָתָם֒’aḏ·mā·ṯām — Land, soil, ground, earthH127 — Full Word Study →, since Iוַאֲנִ֞יwa·’ă·nî — I, me, myself (first person singular pronoun)H589 — Full Word Study → will giveאֶתְּנֶ֤נָּה’et·tə·nen·nāh — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → it to you as an inheritanceלָרֶ֣שֶׁתlā·re·šeṯ — to possess, inherit, dispossessH3423 — Full Word Study →a landאֶ֛רֶץ’e·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study → flowingזָבַ֥תzā·ḇaṯ — to flow, gush out, or dischargeH2100 — Full Word Study → with milkחָלָ֖בḥā·lāḇ — milk; richness, abundanceH2461 — Full Word Study → and honeyוּדְבָ֑שׁū·ḏə·ḇāš — honey; sweetnessH1706 — Full Word Study →. Iאֲנִי֙’ă·nî — I, me, myself (first person singular pronoun)H589 — Full Word Study → am the LORDיְהוָ֣הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → your Godאֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔ם’ĕ·lō·hê·ḵem — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study →, whoאֲשֶׁר־’ă·šer- — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → has set you apartהִבְדַּ֥לְתִּיhiḇ·dal·tî — To separate, divide, or distinguishH914 — Full Word Study → fromמִן־min- — from, out of, by means ofH4480 — Full Word Study → the peoplesהָֽעַמִּֽים׃hā·‘am·mîm — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study →. 25You are therefore to distinguishוְהִבְדַּלְתֶּ֞םwə·hiḇ·dal·tem — To separate, divide, or distinguishH914 — Full Word Study → betweenבֵּֽין־bên- — between, among, in the midst ofH996 — Full Word Study → cleanהַטְּהֹרָה֙haṭ·ṭə·hō·rāh — Ritually or morally pure; cleanH2889 — Full Word Study → and uncleanלַטְּמֵאָ֔הlaṭ·ṭə·mê·’āh — Unclean, defiled, impureH2931 — Full Word Study → animalsהַבְּהֵמָ֤הhab·bə·hê·māh — Animal, beast, livestockH929 — Full Word Study → andוּבֵין־ū·ḇên- — between, among, in the midst ofH996 — Full Word Study → birdsהָע֥וֹףhā·‘ō·wp̄ — birdH5775 — Full Word Study →. Do notוְלֹֽא־wə·lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → become contaminatedתְשַׁקְּצ֨וּṯə·šaq·qə·ṣū — to detest or abhor with disgustH8262 — Full Word Study → by any animalבַּבְּהֵמָ֣הbab·bə·hê·māh — Animal, beast, livestockH929 — Full Word Study → or birdוּבָע֗וֹףū·ḇā·‘ō·wp̄ — birdH5775 — Full Word Study →, or by anythingוּבְכֹל֙ū·ḇə·ḵōl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → thatאֲשֶׁ֣ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → crawlsתִּרְמֹ֣שׂtir·mōś — to creep, crawl, or move slowlyH7430 — Full Word Study → on the groundהָֽאֲדָמָ֔הhā·’ă·ḏā·māh — Land, soil, ground, earthH127 — Full Word Study →; I have set theseאֲשֶׁר־’ă·šer- — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → apartהִבְדַּ֥לְתִּיhiḇ·dal·tî — To separate, divide, or distinguishH914 — Full Word Study → as uncleanלְטַמֵּֽא׃lə·ṭam·mê — to be unclean, to defile or contaminateH2930 — Full Word Study → for you. 26You are to beוִהְיִ֤יתֶםwih·yî·ṯem — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → holyקְדֹשִׁ֔יםqə·ḏō·šîm — Set apart, consecrated, sacredH6918 — Full Word Study → to Me becauseכִּ֥יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → Iאֲנִ֣י’ă·nî — I, me, myself (first person singular pronoun)H589 — Full Word Study →, the LORDיְהוָ֑הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study →, am holyקָד֖וֹשׁqā·ḏō·wōš — Set apart, consecrated, sacredH6918 — Full Word Study →, and I have set you apartוָאַבְדִּ֥לwā·’aḇ·dil — To separate, divide, or distinguishH914 — Full Word Study → fromמִן־min- — from, out of, by means ofH4480 — Full Word Study → the nationsהָֽעַמִּ֖יםhā·‘am·mîm — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → to beלִהְי֥וֹתlih·yō·wṯ — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → My own. 27A manוְאִ֣ישׁwə·’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → orאֽוֹ־’ōw- — or, whether; also expressing desire or preferenceH176 — Full Word Study → a womanאִשָּׁ֗ה’iš·šāh — Woman; wife; femaleH802 — Full Word Study → who isיִהְיֶ֨הyih·yeh — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → a mediumא֛וֹב’ō·wḇ — Medium or spiritist; one who consults the deadH178 — Full Word Study → orא֥וֹ’ōw — or, whether; also expressing desire or preferenceH176 — Full Word Study → spiritistיִדְּעֹנִ֖יyid·də·‘ō·nî — One who consults the dead; spiritist or mediumH3049 — Full Word Study → must surely be put to deathמ֣וֹתmō·wṯ — to die; to put to death; to killH4191 — Full Word Study →. They shall be stonedיִרְגְּמ֥וּyir·gə·mū — to stone; to pelt with stonesH7275 — Full Word Study →; their bloodדְּמֵיהֶ֥םdə·mê·hem — blood; life force; bloodshed; guiltH1818 — Full Word Study → is upon them.’”
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Chapter Commentary — Leviticus 20
Chapter Overview

Chapter Overview

Leviticus 20 presents God's covenant requirements for holy living among His people, centered on the sanctity of the family, sexuality, and separation from idolatry and occult practices. This chapter reinforces and applies the prohibitions introduced in Leviticus 18, now with specific penalties for violation. The repeated refrain "I am the LORD" underscores that these laws flow from God's holy character and His desire to set Israel apart as a distinct, consecrated nation. Rather than arbitrary rules, these commands reflect God's redemptive design for human flourishing and His people's relationship with Him.

Verses 1–8: Idolatry and the Call to Holiness

God opens with the gravest offense: sacrificing children to Molech, a Canaanite deity associated with the worship of false gods and demons. Verses 2–3 declare capital punishment—death by stoning—not merely as civic law but as spiritual justice, since such sacrifice defiles God's sanctuary and profanes His holy name. Verses 4–5 extend accountability: if the community fails to enforce this penalty, God Himself will judge both the offender and those complicit through negligence, along with all who participate in such worship. Verse 6 expands this principle to include spiritism and witchcraft—consulting familiar spirits and wizards—which represent the same fundamental sin: turning from the living God to demonic powers. Verses 7–8 form the theological heart: God calls His people to sanctify themselves and keep His statutes because He Himself is holy and He sanctifies them. Holiness is not self-generated morality but a response to God's character and His transforming grace.

Verses 9–21: Sexual and Family Boundaries

This section details specific capital and lesser offenses regarding sexual conduct and family relationships. Verse 9 addresses cursing one's parents—a violation of the fifth commandment deserving death. Verses 10–16 prohibit adultery, incest (with a stepmother, daughter-in-law), homosexual conduct, and bestiality—all described as grave perversions of the sexual union God designed within marriage. The consistent penalty reflects the seriousness with which God views the corruption of family order and the misuse of sexuality. Verse 13 specifically names same-sex relations an abomination (Hebrew: toebaḥ), signifying something deeply contrary to God's created design. Verses 17–21 address incest with siblings and extended family members, with penalties ranging from being "cut off" (excision from community) to childlessness, indicating degrees of severity while maintaining firm boundaries protecting family integrity.

Verses 22–27: The Pattern of Separation

Verse 22 ties obedience to the land's blessing: keeping God's statutes ensures the land will not "spue you out"—a vivid image of divine judgment. Verses 23–24 explain God's rationale: Israel must not adopt the abhorrent practices of the nations He dispossessed; the Canaanites' violation of these very laws provoked God's abhorrence and their expulsion. Israel's inheritance is conditional upon remaining separate and holy. Verses 25–26 return to the principle of distinction, extending it even to dietary laws (clean and unclean animals) as symbols of the broader call to holiness in thought, word, and deed. Finally, verse 27 circles back to occultism, confirming that spiritism and witchcraft warrant capital punishment—underscoring that no spiritual compromise can coexist with devotion to the Lord.

Application for Today

While Christians are not bound by Old Testament civil penalties, we inherit the moral principles underlying these laws: that sexual integrity, family honor, and singular devotion to God matter deeply. The repeated call to "be holy, for I am holy" echoes throughout Scripture and applies to us (1 Peter 1:16). We are called to live distinctly—not conforming to cultural idolatry, sexual confusion, or spiritual compromise—because we belong to Jesus Christ. Holiness flows not from fear of punishment but from gratitude for grace and desire to reflect our holy God in an unholy world.

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