Old Testament
Leviticus 20:4
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
If the people of the community look the other way when someone sacrifices his child to Molech and don't put him to death,
Compare translations
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:
What Leviticus 20:4 means
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
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Ruth
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Leviticus 20:4
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Leviticus 20:4
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Leviticus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.