Old Testament
Leviticus 20:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
then I will turn against that person and his entire family. I will cut off from their people everyone who followed him in being unfaithful to me by worshiping Molech.
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Then I will set my face against that man, and against his family, and will cut him off, and all that go a whoring after him, to commit whoredom with Molech, from among their people.
What Leviticus 20:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 20:5, God warns the Israelites about the severe consequences of worshiping Molech, a pagan deity associated with child sacrifice. The verse emphasizes that anyone who turns away from God to follow Molech will face divine judgment. God declares that He will oppose not only the individual but also their entire family, indicating that the repercussions of such unfaithfulness extend beyond the individual to their loved ones. This reflects the seriousness of idolatry and the importance of remaining faithful to God. The term 'cut off' signifies a complete separation from the community of Israel, highlighting the gravity of leading others into sin. This passage serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the communal impact of individual actions.
How to apply Leviticus 20:5 to your life
This verse encourages us to remain faithful to God and avoid influences that lead us away from Him. It reminds us that our choices can affect not only ourselves but also our families and communities. We should seek to uphold our commitment to God in all aspects of life.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
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Keep studying Leviticus 20:5
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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 20:5 mean?
Leviticus 20:5 warns against the worship of Molech, a pagan god associated with child sacrifice. It indicates that those who turn away from God to follow such practices will face severe consequences, including divine judgment and separation from the community.
What is the significance of worshiping Molech in Leviticus 20:5?
Worshiping Molech in Leviticus 20:5 signifies a serious act of unfaithfulness to God, as it involves idolatry and child sacrifice. The verse highlights the grave consequences of leading others into such practices, affecting not just the individual but their entire family.
What does 'cut off' mean in Leviticus 20:5?
In Leviticus 20:5, 'cut off' refers to a complete separation from the community of Israel. It signifies the severe consequences for those who engage in idolatry, indicating that they will be excluded from the people of God.
How does Leviticus 20:5 relate to family consequences?
Leviticus 20:5 emphasizes that the consequences of turning away from God extend beyond the individual to their entire family. This reflects the communal impact of personal choices, highlighting the importance of faithfulness to God for the well-being of loved ones.
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