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class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/leviticus/20.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/leviticus/20.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />If the members of the community close their eyes when that man sacrifices one of his children to Molek and if they fail to put him to death,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/leviticus/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />And if the people of the community ignore those who offer their children to Molech and refuse to execute them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/leviticus/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And if the people of the land do at all close their eyes to that man when he gives one of his children to Molech, and do not put him to death,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/leviticus/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />And if the people of the land ever hide their eyes and fail to put to death the man who gives one of his children to Molech,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/leviticus/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />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:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/leviticus/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And if the people of the land should in any way hide their eyes from the man, when he gives <i>some</i> of his descendants to Molech, and they do not kill him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/leviticus/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />If the people of the land, however, should ever disregard that man when he gives any of his children to Molech, so as not to put him to death,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/leviticus/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8216If the people of the land, however, should ever disregard that man when he gives any of his offspring to Molech, so as not to put him to death,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/leviticus/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />‘If the people of the land, however, should ever disregard that man when he gives any of his offspring to Molech, so as not to put him to death,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/leviticus/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />If the people of the land, however, should ever turn a blind eye to that man when he gives any of <i>those who are</i> his seed to Molech, so as not to put him to death,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/leviticus/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />If the people of the land should ever tolerate that man when he gives any of his children [as a burnt offering] to Molech, and fail to put him to death [as My law requires],<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/leviticus/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But if the people of the country look the other way when that man gives any of his children to Molech, and do not put him to death,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/leviticus/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But if the people of the country look the other way when that man gives any of his children to Molech, and do not put him to death, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/leviticus/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And if the people at the land do at all hide their eyes from that man, when he giveth of his seed unto Molech, and put him not to death;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/leviticus/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Some of you may let them get away with human sacrifice, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/leviticus/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And if the people of the land do any ways hide their eyes from that man, when he giveth of his seed unto Molech, and put him not to death:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/leviticus/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />If the common people ignore those who give their children to Molech and do not put them to death,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/leviticus/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />But if the community ignores what you have done and does not put you to death, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/leviticus/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />If the people avoid dealing with that man when he offers his child to Molech—that is, if they fail to execute him— <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/leviticus/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />And if the people of the land ever hide their eyes and fail to put to death the man who gives one of his children to Molech,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/leviticus/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />If, however, the people of the land shut their eyes to that man when he gives some of his children to Molech so that they do not put him to death,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/leviticus/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />If the people of the land all hide their eyes from that person, when he gives of his offspring to Moloch, and do not put him to death;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/leviticus/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And if the people of the land do any ways hide their eyes from the man, when he giveth of his seed to Molech, and kill him not;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/leviticus/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />If the people of the land all hide their eyes from that person when he gives of his offspring to Molech, and don’t put him to death, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/leviticus/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And if the people of the land really hide their eyes from that man, in his giving to the Molech from his seed, so as not to put him to death,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/leviticus/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 'And if the people of the land really hide their eyes from that man, in his giving of his seed to the Molech, so as not to put him to death,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/leviticus/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And if the people of the land, hiding, shall hide their eyes from that man in his giving his seed to Molech, so as not to put him to death;<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/leviticus/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And if the people of the land neglecting, and as it were little regarding my commandment, let alone the man that hath given of his seed to Moloch, and will not kill him: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/leviticus/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But if the people of the land, having been neglectful and holding little regard for my authority, release the man who has given from his seed to Moloch, and they are not willing to kill him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/leviticus/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />If the people of the land condone the giving of offspring to Molech, by failing to put the wrongdoer to death,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/leviticus/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />And if the people of the land should ever close their eyes to them, when they give of their offspring to Molech, and do not put them to death,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/leviticus/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And if the people of the land do in any way ignore the offense of the man who has cast of his semen into an alien woman, that they may not kill him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/leviticus/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And if the people of the land will avert their eyes from that man who cast of his seed into a foreign woman so that they will not kill him:<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/leviticus/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And if the people of the land do at all hide their eyes from that man, when he giveth of his seed unto Molech, and put him not to death;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/leviticus/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And if the natives of the land should in anywise overlook that man in giving of his seed to Moloch, so as not to put him to death;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/leviticus/20-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NWs_V1RyMFo?start=5296" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/leviticus/20.htm">Punishments for Disobedience</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>And I will set My face against that man and cut him off from his people, because by giving his offspring to Molech, he has defiled My sanctuary and profaned My holy name. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: wə·’im (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">And if</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: ‘am (N-msc) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">the people</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: hā·’ā·reṣ (Art:: N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">of the land</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5956.htm" title="5956: ha‘·lêm (V-Hifil-InfAbs) -- To conceal. A primitive root; to veil from sight, i.e. Conceal.">ever hide</a> <a href="/hebrew/5956.htm" title="5956: ya‘·lî·mū (V-Hifil-Imperf-3mp) -- To conceal. A primitive root; to veil from sight, i.e. Conceal."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: ‘ê·nê·hem (N-cdc:: 3mp) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">their eyes</a> <a href="/hebrew/1115.htm" title="1115: lə·ḇil·tî (Prep-l) -- Constructive feminine of balah; properly, a failure of, i.e. not, except, without, unless, besides, because not, until, etc.">and fail</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: hā·mîṯ (V-Hifil-Inf) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">to put to death</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯōw (DirObjM:: 3ms) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: min- (Prep) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses."></a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: hā·’îš (Art:: N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">the man</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: ha·hū (Art:: Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">who</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: bə·ṯit·tōw (Prep-b:: V-Qal-Inf:: 3ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">gives</a> <a href="/hebrew/2233.htm" title="2233: miz·zar·‘ōw (Prep-m:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- A sowing, seed, offspring. From zara'; seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity.">one of his children</a> <a href="/hebrew/4432.htm" title="4432: lam·mō·leḵ (Prep-l, Art:: N-proper-ms) -- A heathen god to whom Isr. sacrificed children. From malak; Molek, the chief deity of the Ammonites.">to Molech,</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>then I will set My face against that man and his family and cut off from among their people both him and all who follow him in prostituting themselves with Molech.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/18-10.htm">Deuteronomy 18:10-12</a></span><br />Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or conjury, interprets omens, practices sorcery, / casts spells, consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead. / For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD. And because of these detestable things, the LORD your God is driving out the nations before you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/17-17.htm">2 Kings 17:17</a></span><br />They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire and practiced divination and soothsaying. They devoted themselves to doing evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/23-10.htm">2 Kings 23:10</a></span><br />He also desecrated Topheth in the Valley of Ben-hinnom so that no one could sacrifice his son or daughter in the fire to Molech.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/32-35.htm">Jeremiah 32:35</a></span><br />They have built the high places of Baal in the Valley of Ben-hinnom to make their sons and daughters pass through the fire to Molech—something I never commanded them, nor had it ever entered My mind, that they should commit such an abomination and cause Judah to sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/16-20.htm">Ezekiel 16:20-21</a></span><br />You even took the sons and daughters you bore to Me and sacrificed them as food to idols. Was your prostitution not enough? / You slaughtered My children and delivered them up through the fire to idols.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/23-37.htm">Ezekiel 23:37-39</a></span><br />For they have committed adultery, and blood is on their hands. They have committed adultery with their idols. They have even sacrificed their children, whom they bore to Me, in the fire as food for their idols. / They have also done this to Me: On that very same day, they defiled My sanctuary and profaned My Sabbaths. / On the very day they slaughtered their children for their idols, they entered My sanctuary to profane it. Yes, they did this inside My house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/106-37.htm">Psalm 106:37-38</a></span><br />They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons. / They shed innocent blood—the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was polluted with blood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/57-5.htm">Isaiah 57:5</a></span><br />who burn with lust among the oaks, under every luxuriant tree, who slaughter your children in the valleys, under the clefts of the rocks?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/28-3.htm">2 Chronicles 28:3</a></span><br />Moreover, Ahaz burned incense in the Valley of Ben-hinnom and sacrificed his sons in the fire, according to the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/33-6.htm">2 Chronicles 33:6</a></span><br />He sacrificed his sons in the fire in the Valley of Ben-hinnom. He practiced sorcery, divination, and witchcraft, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did great evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/15-20.htm">Acts 15:20</a></span><br />Instead, we should write and tell them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals, and from blood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/15-29.htm">Acts 15:29</a></span><br />You must abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-20.htm">1 Corinthians 10:20-21</a></span><br />No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God. And I do not want you to be participants with demons. / You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot partake in the table of the Lord and the table of demons too.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/6-14.htm">2 Corinthians 6:14-17</a></span><br />Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? / What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? / What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Galatians 5:19-21</a></span><br />The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; / idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, / and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And if the people of the land do any ways hide their eyes from the man, when he gives of his seed to Molech, and kill him not:</p><p class="hdg">hide</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/17-30.htm">Acts 17:30</a></b></br> And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:</p><p class="hdg">and kill</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/13-8.htm">Deuteronomy 13:8</a></b></br> Thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him; neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/17-2.htm">Deuteronomy 17:2-5</a></b></br> If there be found among you, within any of thy gates which the LORD thy God giveth thee, man or woman, that hath wrought wickedness in the sight of the LORD thy God, in transgressing his covenant, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/7-12.htm">Joshua 7:12</a></b></br> Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, <i>but</i> turned <i>their</i> backs before their enemies, because they were accursed: neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/leviticus/20-3.htm">Children</a> <a href="/leviticus/18-17.htm">Close</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-33.htm">Community</a> <a href="/leviticus/20-2.htm">Death</a> <a href="/titus/2-15.htm">Disregard</a> <a href="/leviticus/13-37.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/leviticus/20-2.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/leviticus/9-11.htm">Hide</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-21.htm">However</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-15.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/exodus/12-42.htm">Land</a> <a href="/leviticus/20-3.htm">Molech</a> <a href="/exodus/19-13.htm">Note</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-7.htm">Really</a> <a href="/leviticus/20-3.htm">Seed</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-31.htm">Ways</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/leviticus/20-17.htm">Children</a> <a href="/leviticus/20-19.htm">Close</a> <a href="/numbers/1-2.htm">Community</a> <a href="/leviticus/20-9.htm">Death</a> <a href="/matthew/23-28.htm">Disregard</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-8.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-29.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/numbers/12-14.htm">Hide</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-10.htm">However</a> <a href="/leviticus/20-15.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/numbers/11-12.htm">Land</a> <a href="/leviticus/20-5.htm">Molech</a> <a href="/numbers/10-5.htm">Note</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-16.htm">Really</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-15.htm">Seed</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-54.htm">Ways</a><div class="vheading2">Leviticus 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/leviticus/20-1.htm">Of him who gives his seed to Moloch</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/leviticus/20-4.htm">Of him who favors such an one</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/leviticus/20-6.htm">Of going to wizards</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/leviticus/20-7.htm">Of sanctification</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/leviticus/20-9.htm">Of him who curses his parents</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/leviticus/20-11.htm">Of incest</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/leviticus/20-13.htm">Of sodomy</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/leviticus/20-15.htm">Of bestiality</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/leviticus/20-18.htm">Of uncleanness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/leviticus/20-22.htm">Obedience is required with holiness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">27. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/leviticus/20-27.htm">Wizards must be put to death</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/leviticus/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/leviticus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/leviticus/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>And if the people of the land ever hide their eyes</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the communal responsibility of the Israelites. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the community was expected to uphold God's laws collectively. "Hiding their eyes" suggests a willful ignorance or neglect of duty, which is condemned throughout Scripture (e.g., <a href="/ezekiel/22-30.htm">Ezekiel 22:30</a>). The phrase underscores the importance of vigilance in maintaining holiness and justice within the community.<p><b>and fail to put to death</b><br>The prescribed punishment for giving a child to Molech was death, reflecting the severity of the crime. This command highlights the sanctity of life and the abhorrence of idolatry, particularly child sacrifice, which was prevalent among neighboring cultures like the Ammonites. The death penalty here serves as a deterrent and a means of purging evil from among the people, aligning with the broader biblical theme of divine justice (<a href="/deuteronomy/17-7.htm">Deuteronomy 17:7</a>).<p><b>the man who gives one of his children to Molech</b><br>Molech worship involved detestable practices, including child sacrifice, which was strictly forbidden (<a href="/leviticus/18-21.htm">Leviticus 18:21</a>). This act was not only a violation of God's commandments but also a betrayal of the covenant relationship with Yahweh. The reference to Molech connects to the broader biblical narrative of Israel's struggle with idolatry and the call to exclusive worship of the one true God (<a href="/exodus/20-3.htm">Exodus 20:3</a>). This phrase also foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself willingly, contrasting with the forced sacrifices to Molech.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_people_of_the_land.htm">The People of the Land</a></b><br>Refers to the Israelites, God's chosen people, who are living in the Promised Land. They are expected to uphold God's laws and maintain holiness within the community.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/m/molech.htm">Molech</a></b><br>A pagan deity associated with child sacrifice, which was strictly forbidden by God. Worship of Molech was a significant issue in ancient Canaanite religion and posed a threat to the spiritual purity of Israel.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/child_sacrifice.htm">Child Sacrifice</a></b><br>A detestable practice condemned by God, where children were offered as sacrifices to Molech. This act was seen as a grave sin and a violation of God's commandments.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_act_of_hiding_eyes.htm">The Act of Hiding Eyes</a></b><br>Symbolizes willful ignorance or turning a blind eye to sin. It implies a communal responsibility to address and correct sinful behavior.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_command_to_execute.htm">The Command to Execute</a></b><br>Reflects the seriousness of the crime and the need for justice. It underscores the importance of communal responsibility in maintaining the holiness of the community.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_holiness.htm">The Call to Holiness</a></b><br>God calls His people to be holy and separate from the sinful practices of surrounding nations. This requires active participation in upholding His laws.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/communal_responsibility.htm">Communal Responsibility</a></b><br>The community is responsible for addressing sin within its midst. Ignoring sin can lead to greater corruption and distance from God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_idolatry.htm">The Danger of Idolatry</a></b><br>Idolatry, in any form, is a serious offense against God. It leads to moral decay and spiritual separation from Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_justice.htm">The Importance of Justice</a></b><br>Justice is a key component of God's character. Upholding justice within the community reflects God's righteousness and maintains order.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/v/vigilance_against_sin.htm">Vigilance Against Sin</a></b><br>Believers must remain vigilant against sin and idolatry, recognizing their subtle forms and resisting the temptation to compromise.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_leviticus_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_bible's_stance_on_stoning.htm">What is the Bible's stance on stoning?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_molech_historically_religiously.htm">Who is Molech in historical and religious contexts?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_would_god_allow_curses,_not_forgiveness.htm">Nehemiah 4:4-5: Why would a just and merciful God sanction curses against enemies, conflicting with later teachings of forgiveness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_allow_war_killing_but_forbid_murder.htm">Why does the Bible allow killing in war but forbid murder in the Ten Commandments?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/leviticus/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">And if the people of the land . . . --</span>In the former verse the Legislator treated of cases where there was insufficient evidence. Here he declares what God would do if the community itself, whose duty it is to execute the sentence, either from culpable indifference or criminal sympathy with the sin, connive at it.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/leviticus/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 4, 5.</span> - There is to be no connivance with Molech-worship. The penalty is death, and is to be carried out by the proper tribunals, whose business it was to see that the stoning took place. So in Deuteronomy the duty of killing those who entice to idolatry is laid down. "Thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him; neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shall thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him: but thou shalt surely kill him; thine hand shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people" (<a href="/deuteronomy/13-8.htm">Deuteronomy 13:8, 9</a>). In the case of Molech-worship God declares that, if the tribunals of the nation fail to adjudge the penalty of death to the offender, he will himself lake the matter into his hands, and cut him off with his family and all that follow him in his sin of unfaithfulness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/leviticus/20-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">And if</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאִ֡ם</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’im)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the people</span><br /><span class="heb">עַ֨ם</span> <span class="translit">(‘am)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the land</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאָ֜רֶץ</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ā·reṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> </span><span class="str2">Earth, land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">ever hide</span><br /><span class="heb">הַעְלֵ֣ם</span> <span class="translit">(ha‘·lêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5956.htm">Strong's 5956: </a> </span><span class="str2">To veil from sight, conceal</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their eyes</span><br /><span class="heb">עֵֽינֵיהֶם֙</span> <span class="translit">(‘ê·nê·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - cdc | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> </span><span class="str2">An eye, a fountain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and fail</span><br /><span class="heb">לְבִלְתִּ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḇil·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1115.htm">Strong's 1115: </a> </span><span class="str2">A failure of, not, except, without, unless, besides, because not, until</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to put to death</span><br /><span class="heb">הָמִ֥ית</span> <span class="translit">(hā·mîṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To die, to kill</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the man</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאִ֣ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who gives</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּתִתּ֥וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ṯit·tōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">one of</span><br /><span class="heb">מִן־</span> <span class="translit">(min-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> </span><span class="str2">A part of, from, out of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his children</span><br /><span class="heb">מִזַּרְע֖וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(miz·zar·‘ōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2233.htm">Strong's 2233: </a> </span><span class="str2">Seed, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to Molech,</span><br /><span class="heb">לַמֹּ֑לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(lam·mō·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4432.htm">Strong's 4432: </a> </span><span class="str2">Molech -- a heathen god to whom Israelites sacrificed children</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/leviticus/20-4.htm">Leviticus 20:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/leviticus/20-4.htm">Leviticus 20:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/leviticus/20-4.htm">Leviticus 20:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/leviticus/20-4.htm">Leviticus 20:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/leviticus/20-4.htm">Leviticus 20:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/leviticus/20-4.htm">Leviticus 20:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/leviticus/20-4.htm">Leviticus 20:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/leviticus/20-4.htm">Leviticus 20:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/leviticus/20-4.htm">Leviticus 20:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/leviticus/20-4.htm">Leviticus 20:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/leviticus/20-4.htm">OT Law: Leviticus 20:4 If the people of the land all (Le Lv Lev.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/leviticus/20-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Leviticus 20:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Leviticus 20:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/leviticus/20-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Leviticus 20:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Leviticus 20:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>