Leviticus 20:4

Authorized King James Version

And if the people of the land do any ways hide their eyes from the man, when he giveth of his seed unto Molech, and kill him not:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאִ֡ם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יַעְלִימֽוּ֩

H5956

do any ways

to veil from sight, i.e., conceal (literally or figuratively)

יַעְלִימֽוּ֩

H5956

do any ways

to veil from sight, i.e., conceal (literally or figuratively)

עַ֨ם

H5971

And if the people

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

הָאָ֜רֶץ

H776

of the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֶת

H853

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

עֵֽינֵיהֶם֙

H5869

their eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הָאִ֣ישׁ

H376

from the 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)

#10

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

#11

בְּתִתּ֥וֹ

H5414

when he giveth

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

#12

מִזַּרְע֖וֹ

H2233

of his seed

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

#13

לַמֹּ֑לֶךְ

H4432

unto Molech

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

#14

לְבִלְתִּ֖י

H1115

him not

properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n

#15

הָמִ֥ית

H4191

and kill

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

#16

אֹתֽוֹ׃

H853

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

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing covenant community contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Leviticus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
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?

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Leviticus 20:4

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Study Resources