Leviticus 24:15

Authorized King James Version

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And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Whosoever curseth his God shall bear his sin.

Original Language Analysis

וְאֶל H413
וְאֶל
Strong's: H413
Word #: 1 of 12
near, with or among; often in general, to
בְּנֵ֥י unto the children H1121
בְּנֵ֥י unto the children
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 2 of 12
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל of Israel H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל of Israel
Strong's: H3478
Word #: 3 of 12
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
תְּדַבֵּ֣ר And thou shalt speak H1696
תְּדַבֵּ֣ר And thou shalt speak
Strong's: H1696
Word #: 4 of 12
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
לֵאמֹ֑ר saying H559
לֵאמֹ֑ר saying
Strong's: H559
Word #: 5 of 12
to say (used with great latitude)
אִ֛ישׁ Whosoever H376
אִ֛ישׁ Whosoever
Strong's: H376
Word #: 6 of 12
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)
אִ֛ישׁ Whosoever H376
אִ֛ישׁ Whosoever
Strong's: H376
Word #: 7 of 12
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)
כִּֽי curseth H3588
כִּֽי curseth
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 8 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְקַלֵּ֥ל H7043
יְקַלֵּ֥ל
Strong's: H7043
Word #: 9 of 12
to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)
אֱלֹהָ֖יו his God H430
אֱלֹהָ֖יו his 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
וְנָשָׂ֥א shall bear H5375
וְנָשָׂ֥א shall bear
Strong's: H5375
Word #: 11 of 12
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
חֶטְאֽוֹ׃ his sin H2399
חֶטְאֽוֹ׃ his sin
Strong's: H2399
Word #: 12 of 12
a crime or its penalty

Analysis & Commentary

And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Whosoever curseth his God shall bear his sin.

This verse falls within the section on Oil, Bread, and Blasphemy. Instructions for tabernacle maintenance and the account of a blasphemer's punishment, showing reverence for God's name.


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

Historical Context

Instructions for tabernacle maintenance and the account of a blasphemer's punishment, showing reverence for God's name. 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 texts like the Code of Hammurabi show that law codes were common in the ancient Near East, but biblical law uniquely grounded ethics in God's character rather than merely social convention.

Questions for Reflection

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