Leviticus 19:14

Authorized King James Version

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Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind, but shalt fear thy God: I am the LORD.

Original Language Analysis

לֹֽא H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 1 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תְקַלֵּ֣ל Thou shalt not curse H7043
תְקַלֵּ֣ל Thou shalt not curse
Strong's: H7043
Word #: 2 of 12
to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)
חֵרֵ֔שׁ the deaf H2795
חֵרֵ֔שׁ the deaf
Strong's: H2795
Word #: 3 of 12
deaf (whether literally or spiritual)
וְלִפְנֵ֣י before H6440
וְלִפְנֵ֣י before
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 4 of 12
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
עִוֵּ֔ר the blind H5787
עִוֵּ֔ר the blind
Strong's: H5787
Word #: 5 of 12
blind (literally or figuratively)
לֹ֥א H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 6 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִתֵּ֖ן nor put H5414
תִתֵּ֖ן nor put
Strong's: H5414
Word #: 7 of 12
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
מִכְשֹׁ֑ל a stumblingblock H4383
מִכְשֹׁ֑ל a stumblingblock
Strong's: H4383
Word #: 8 of 12
a stumbling-block, literally or figuratively (obstacle, enticement (specifically an idol), scruple)
וְיָרֵ֥אתָ but shalt fear H3372
וְיָרֵ֥אתָ but shalt fear
Strong's: H3372
Word #: 9 of 12
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
מֵּֽאֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ thy God H430
מֵּֽאֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ thy God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 10 of 12
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
אֲנִ֥י H589
אֲנִ֥י
Strong's: H589
Word #: 11 of 12
i
יְהוָֽה׃ I am the LORD H3068
יְהוָֽה׃ I am the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 12 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis & Commentary

Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind, but shalt fear thy God: I am the LORD.

This verse falls within the section on Various Laws of Holiness. Wide-ranging ethical and ceremonial laws, including the command to 'love your neighbor as yourself' (19:18).


Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

Historical Context

Wide-ranging ethical and ceremonial laws, including the command to 'love your neighbor as yourself' (19:18). Chapters 17-27, often called the 'Holiness Code,' expand covenant obligations beyond ritual to encompass all of life—sexuality, economics, justice, and relationships. The repeated refrain 'I am the LORD' grounds these laws in God's character and covenant relationship with Israel. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

Questions for Reflection

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