Old Testament

Leviticus 20:4

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Leviticus 20:4, God warns the Israelites about the serious sin of child sacrifice to the pagan god Molech.

Author
Traditionally attributed to Moses
Written
Around 1400 BC
Genre
Law (Pentateuch)
Original Audience
The Israelites in the wilderness
CBTClear Bible Translation

If the people of the community look the other way when someone sacrifices his child to Molech and don't put him to death,

KJVKing 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:

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Leviticus 20:4, God warns the Israelites about the serious sin of child sacrifice to the pagan god Molech. The verse highlights the community's responsibility to uphold moral standards. If the people ignore or turn a blind eye to such acts, they are complicit in the wrongdoing. The act of sacrificing children was not only a grave sin but also a direct violation of God's commandments. The verse emphasizes that the community must take action against such practices, including executing those who commit these acts. This reflects the importance of collective accountability in maintaining a righteous society. The underlying message is that silence or inaction in the face of evil can lead to greater moral decay. Therefore, the community is called to be vigilant and proactive in upholding justice and righteousness, ensuring that such abominable practices do not take root among them.

How to apply Leviticus 20:4 to your life

This verse encourages us to be vigilant against wrongdoing in our communities. We should not ignore harmful practices but instead speak out and take action to uphold moral values. It reminds us that collective responsibility is crucial in fostering a just society.

Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Leviticus 20:4 mean?

Leviticus 20:4 warns the Israelites against the sin of child sacrifice to Molech and emphasizes the community's duty to act against such practices. It highlights that ignoring these acts makes the community complicit in wrongdoing.

What is the significance of Molech in Leviticus 20:4?

Molech represents a pagan god to whom some ancient cultures sacrificed children. In Leviticus 20:4, the mention of Molech underscores the severity of child sacrifice and the need for the community to reject such abominable practices.

What does the phrase 'turn a blind eye' mean in Leviticus 20:4?

In Leviticus 20:4, 'turn a blind eye' refers to the community ignoring or overlooking the act of child sacrifice. This phrase emphasizes the danger of inaction and the moral obligation to confront evil.

How does Leviticus 20:4 relate to community responsibility?

Leviticus 20:4 illustrates that the community has a collective responsibility to uphold moral standards and take action against wrongdoing. It stresses that silence in the face of sin can lead to greater moral decay.

The Book of Leviticus
Book Summary

The Book of Leviticus

Leviticus 1: The Burnt Offering

The LORD calls to Moses from the tabernacle and gives instructions for the burnt offering. A man who brings a burnt offering from the herd presents a male without blemish at the door of the tabernacle. He lays his hand on the head of the offering, kills it, and Aaron's sons the priests sprinkle the blood around the altar. The animal is flayed and cut into pieces, and the whole is burned on the altar as a sweet savor to the LORD.

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