Old Testament
Leviticus 24:12
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They held him in custody so that the mind of the LORD might be revealed to them.
Compare translations
And they put him in ward, that the mind of the LORD might be shewed them.
What Leviticus 24:12 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 24:12, the Israelites are faced with a situation involving a man who has committed a serious offense. They decide to hold him in custody, indicating their desire to seek divine guidance on how to proceed. This act of waiting for the 'mind of the LORD' reflects their understanding that God's will is paramount in matters of justice and morality. The phrase 'mind of the LORD' suggests that they are looking for God's wisdom and direction in making a decision that aligns with His laws. This moment emphasizes the importance of seeking God's counsel before taking action, especially in complex situations. It shows that the community values divine insight over personal judgment, highlighting their commitment to living according to God's standards. This passage serves as a reminder that in our own lives, we should pause and seek God's guidance in our decisions, ensuring that our actions reflect His will and character.
How to apply Leviticus 24:12 to your life
In our daily lives, we often face decisions that require careful consideration. Like the Israelites, we should take time to seek God's guidance through prayer and reflection before acting. This practice helps ensure our choices align with His will and promotes a sense of peace and clarity in our actions.
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 Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses

Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. 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.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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 24:12
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 24:12
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 24:12 mean?
Leviticus 24:12 describes a situation where the Israelites hold a man in custody to seek God's guidance on how to handle his offense. This reflects their commitment to understanding and following God's will in matters of justice.
What is the meaning of 'the mind of the LORD' in Leviticus 24:12?
In Leviticus 24:12, 'the mind of the LORD' refers to God's wisdom and direction. The Israelites are looking for divine insight to ensure their decisions align with God's laws.
How can Leviticus 24:12 apply to my life?
Leviticus 24:12 encourages us to pause and seek God's guidance before making important decisions. By doing so, we can ensure our choices reflect His will and bring clarity to our actions.
Why did the Israelites hold the man in custody in Leviticus 24:12?
The Israelites held the man in custody to wait for God's direction on how to proceed with his case. This shows their desire to act justly and in accordance with God's laws.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.