Leviticus 18:21

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּמִֽזַּרְעֲךָ֥
H2233
let any of thy seed
seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity
#2
לֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#3
תִתֵּ֖ן
H5414
And thou shalt not
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#4
לְהַֽעֲבִ֣יר
H5674
pass
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#5
לַמֹּ֑לֶךְ
H4432
through the fire to Molech
molek (i.e., king), the chief deity of the ammonites
#6
וְלֹ֧א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
תְחַלֵּ֛ל
H2490
neither shalt thou profane
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
#8
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
שֵׁ֥ם
H8034
the name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#10
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ
H430
of thy God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#11
אֲנִ֥י
H589
i
#12
יְהוָֽה׃
H3068
I am the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Leviticus. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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