Leviticus 20:3

Authorized King James Version

And I will set my face against that man, and will cut him off from among his people; because he hath given of his seed unto Molech, to defile my sanctuary, and to profane my holy name.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַֽאֲנִ֞י

H589

נָתַ֣ן

H5414

And I will set

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

פָּנַי֙

H6440

my face

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

בָּאִ֣ישׁ

H376

against that man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

הַה֔וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וְהִכְרַתִּ֥י

H3772

and will cut him off

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

אֹת֖וֹ

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מִקֶּ֣רֶב

H7130

from among

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

#10

עַמּ֑וֹ

H5971

his people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#11

כִּ֤י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#12

מִזַּרְעוֹ֙

H2233

of his seed

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

#13

נָתַ֣ן

H5414

And I will set

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#14

לַמֹּ֔לֶךְ

H4432

unto Molech

molek (i.e., king), the chief deity of the ammonites

#15

לְמַ֗עַן

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

#16

טַמֵּא֙

H2930

to defile

to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)

#17

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#18

מִקְדָּשִׁ֔י

H4720

my sanctuary

a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum

#19

וּלְחַלֵּ֖ל

H2490

and to 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

#20

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#21

שֵׁ֥ם

H8034

name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

#22

קָדְשִֽׁי׃

H6944

my holy

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Leviticus. The concept of covenant community reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, 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

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this verse's literary context within Leviticus chapter 20 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

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Leviticus 20:3

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Study Resources