Leviticus 24:16
Leviticus 24:16 in Multiple Translations
Whoever blasphemes the name of the LORD must surely be put to death; the whole assembly must surely stone him, whether he is a foreign resident or native; if he blasphemes the Name, he must be put to death.
And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of the LORD, shall be put to death.
And he that blasphemeth the name of Jehovah, he shall surely be put to death; all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the sojourner, as the home-born, when he blasphemeth the name of Jehovah, shall be put to death.
And he who says evil against the name of the Lord will certainly be put to death; he will be stoned by all the people; the man who is not of your nation and one who is an Israelite by birth, whoever says evil against the holy Name is to be put to death.
Anyone who curses the name of the Lord must be executed. All of you must stone them to death, whether they are a foreigner who lives with you or an Israelite. If they curse my name, they must be executed.
And he that blasphemeth the name of the Lord, shalbe put to death: all the Congregation shall stone him to death: aswell the stranger, as he that is borne in the lande: when he blasphemeth the name of the Lord, let him beslaine.
and he who is execrating the name of Jehovah is certainly put to death; all the company do certainly cast stones at him; as a sojourner so a native, in his execrating the Name, is put to death.
He who blasphemes the LORD’s name, he shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall certainly stone him. The foreigner as well as the native-born shall be put to death when he blasphemes the Name.
And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of the LORD , shall be put to death.
And he that blasphemeth the name of the Lord, dying let him die: all the multitude shall stone him, whether he be a native or a stranger. He that blasphemeth the name of the Lord, dying let him die.
So anyone who curses me [MTY] must be executed. All the people must throw stones at him. It does not matter if he is a foreigner or an Israeli citizen; anyone who curses me must be executed.’
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 24:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Leviticus 24:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/נֹקֵ֤ב
שֵׁם
יְהוָה֙
מ֣וֹת
יוּמָ֔ת
רָג֥וֹם
יִרְגְּמוּ
ב֖/וֹ
כָּל
הָ/עֵדָ֑ה
כַּ/גֵּר֙
כָּֽ/אֶזְרָ֔ח
בְּ/נָקְב/וֹ
שֵׁ֖ם
יוּמָֽת
וְ/נֹקֵ֤ב
nâqab
H5344
to pierce
Conj | V-Qal
שֵׁם
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
מ֣וֹת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Ptc
יוּמָ֔ת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Hophal-Imperf-3ms
רָג֥וֹם
râgam
H7275
to stone
V-Qal-Ptc
יִרְגְּמוּ
râgam
H7275
to stone
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
ב֖/וֹ
Prep | Suff
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הָ/עֵדָ֑ה
ʻêdâh
H5712
congregation
Art | N-fs
כַּ/גֵּר֙
gêr
H1616
sojourner
Prep | N-ms
כָּֽ/אֶזְרָ֔ח
ʼezrâch
H249
born
Prep | N-ms
בְּ/נָקְב/וֹ
nâqab
H5344
to pierce
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
שֵׁ֖ם
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms
יוּמָֽת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Hophal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 24:16
וְ/נֹקֵ֤ב
nâqab
H5344
"to pierce"
Conj | V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to curse or blaspheme, often with a sense of violence or strong emotion. It can also mean to pierce or strike through, as seen in Exodus.
Definition: 1) to pierce, perforate, bore, appoint 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pierce, bore 1a2) to prick off, designate 1b) (Niphal) to be pricked off, be designated, be specified
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: appoint, blaspheme, bore, curse, express, with holes, name, pierce, strike through. See also: Genesis 30:28; 2 Chronicles 31:19; Proverbs 11:26.
שֵׁם
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
מ֣וֹת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Ptc
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
יוּמָ֔ת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Hophal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
רָג֥וֹם
râgam
H7275
"to stone"
V-Qal-Ptc
The Hebrew word 'râgam' means to stone someone, or kill them by throwing stones. It is used in the Bible to describe a form of punishment.
Definition: 1) to stone, slay or kill by stoning 1a) (Qal) to stone
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] certainly, stone. See also: Leviticus 20:2; Numbers 15:36; Ezekiel 23:47.
יִרְגְּמוּ
râgam
H7275
"to stone"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
The Hebrew word 'râgam' means to stone someone, or kill them by throwing stones. It is used in the Bible to describe a form of punishment.
Definition: 1) to stone, slay or kill by stoning 1a) (Qal) to stone
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] certainly, stone. See also: Leviticus 20:2; Numbers 15:36; Ezekiel 23:47.
ב֖/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הָ/עֵדָ֑ה
ʻêdâh
H5712
"congregation"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gathering of people, like a congregation or crowd, often referring to a group of Israelites. It is used in various books, including Exodus and Psalms. The word is about people coming together.
Definition: congregation, gathering
Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: assembly, company, congregation, multitude, people, swarm. Compare H5713 (עֵדָה). See also: Exodus 12:3; Numbers 20:1; Psalms 1:5.
כַּ/גֵּר֙
gêr
H1616
"sojourner"
Prep | N-ms
A sojourner is a foreigner or temporary resident, lacking inherited rights, but often given concessions in Israel. This term appears in the Bible to describe outsiders living among God's people.
Definition: 1) sojourner 1a) a temporary inhabitant, a newcomer lacking inherited rights 1b) of foreigners in Israel, though conceded rights
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: alien, sojourner, stranger. See also: Genesis 15:13; Deuteronomy 10:19; Psalms 39:13.
כָּֽ/אֶזְרָ֔ח
ʼezrâch
H249
"born"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to something or someone that is native or born in a place, like a tree that grows naturally or a person born in a certain country, as seen in the Bible when describing native Israelites.
Definition: 1) a native (one rising from the soil) 1a) of man, native Israelites 1b) of tree, native (to Israel)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: bay tree, (home-) born (in the land), of the (one's own) country (nation). See also: Exodus 12:19; Leviticus 24:16; Psalms 37:35.
בְּ/נָקְב/וֹ
nâqab
H5344
"to pierce"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This Hebrew word means to curse or blaspheme, often with a sense of violence or strong emotion. It can also mean to pierce or strike through, as seen in Exodus.
Definition: 1) to pierce, perforate, bore, appoint 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pierce, bore 1a2) to prick off, designate 1b) (Niphal) to be pricked off, be designated, be specified
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: appoint, blaspheme, bore, curse, express, with holes, name, pierce, strike through. See also: Genesis 30:28; 2 Chronicles 31:19; Proverbs 11:26.
שֵׁ֖ם
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
יוּמָֽת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Hophal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
Study Notes — Leviticus 24:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 24:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 24:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 24:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 24:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 24:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 24:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 24:16
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 24:16
- Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 24:16
- Sermons on Leviticus 24:16
Context — Punishment for Blasphemy
14“Take the blasphemer outside the camp, and have all who heard him lay their hands on his head; then have the whole assembly stone him.
15And you are to tell the Israelites, ‘If anyone curses his God, he shall bear the consequences of his sin.
16Whoever blasphemes the name of the LORD must surely be put to death; the whole assembly must surely stone him, whether he is a foreign resident or native; if he blasphemes the Name, he must be put to death.
17And if a man takes the life of anyone else, he must surely be put to death. 18Whoever kills an animal must make restitution—life for life.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 12:31 | Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. |
| 2 | James 2:7 | Are they not the ones who blaspheme the noble name by which you have been called? |
| 3 | John 10:33–36 | “We are not stoning You for any good work,” said the Jews, “but for blasphemy, because You, who are a man, declare Yourself to be God.” Jesus replied, “Is it not written in your Law: ‘I have said you are gods’ ? If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and the Scripture cannot be broken— then what about the One whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world? How then can you accuse Me of blasphemy for stating that I am the Son of God? |
| 4 | Mark 3:28–29 | Truly I tell you, the sons of men will be forgiven all sins and blasphemies, as many as they utter. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of eternal sin.” |
| 5 | 1 Timothy 1:13 | I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy. |
| 6 | Psalms 74:18 | Remember how the enemy has mocked You, O LORD, how a foolish people has spurned Your name. |
| 7 | Psalms 74:10 | How long, O God, will the enemy taunt You? Will the foe revile Your name forever? |
| 8 | Exodus 20:7 | You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who takes His name in vain. |
| 9 | John 8:58–59 | “Truly, truly, I tell you,” Jesus declared, “before Abraham was born, I am! ” At this, they picked up stones to throw at Him. But Jesus was hidden and went out of the temple area. |
| 10 | 1 Kings 21:10–13 | But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them testify, ‘You have cursed both God and the king!’ Then take him out and stone him to death.” So the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city did as Jezebel had instructed in the letters she had written to them. They proclaimed a fast and gave Naboth a seat of honor among the people. And the two scoundrels came in and sat opposite Naboth, and these men testified against him before the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed both God and the king!” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death. |
Leviticus 24:16 Summary
[Leviticus 24:16 teaches us that speaking against God's name is a very serious sin because it shows disrespect to who God is. This is similar to what we see in Exodus 20:7 where God commands us not to misuse His name. The punishment described is severe to emphasize how important it is to honor God's name. As believers, while we are not under the same laws as in the Old Testament, we are still called to reverence God's name, as seen in how Jesus taught us to pray in Matthew 6:9, asking that God's name be hallowed.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Leviticus 24:16 demand the death penalty for blasphemy?
The death penalty for blasphemy in Leviticus 24:16 demonstrates the gravity of speaking against God's holy name, emphasizing the importance of reverence and respect for the Lord, as seen in Exodus 20:7 where God commands not to take His name in vain.
Does this verse apply to believers today?
While the specific punishment of stoning is part of the Mosaic law and not directly applicable to believers under the New Covenant, the principle of reverence for God's name remains, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:9 to hallow God's name in prayer.
How does this relate to freedom of speech?
Leviticus 24:16 is not about restricting human freedom but about honoring God's holiness, distinguishing it from modern concepts of freedom of speech, which are more about human rights than reverence for a divine name, as discussed in Psalm 138:2 where God's name is considered above all things.
What is the significance of 'the whole assembly' being involved in the punishment?
The involvement of the whole assembly in Leviticus 24:16 signifies the communal responsibility in upholding the sanctity of God's name, mirroring the communal aspect of worship and obedience seen in Deuteronomy 31:12 where all are gathered to hear the law and learn to fear the Lord.
Reflection Questions
- What does the severity of the punishment for blasphemy in this verse reveal about God's character and how He views the use of His name?
- How can I, in my daily life, demonstrate a deeper respect for the name of the Lord and avoid taking it in vain?
- In what ways can the community of believers today work together to uphold the sanctity of God's name, even if not through the specific actions described in this verse?
- What does this verse teach about the importance of our words and how they reflect our heart towards God, in light of Matthew 12:36 which warns about accounting for every idle word?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 24:16
And he that blasphemeth the name of the Lord,.... Or, "but he that blasphemeth", c.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 24:16
And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 24:16
He that blasphemeth the name of the Lord: this some make a distinct sin from cursing his God, mentioned , but the difference they make seems arbitrary, and without evidence from reason, or the use of the words. And therefore this may be a repetition of the same sin in other words, which is common. And as this law is laid down in more general terms, , so both the sin and the punishment are more particularly expressed, . Or the first part of be an application of the former rule to the present case. And as for him that blasphemeth, &c., or is blaspheming, &c. in the present tense, which is fitly used concerning words just now uttered, and scarce yet out of their ears, he shall, &c. And so the following words, as well the stranger, & c., may be a repetition and amplification of the former law. All the congregation shall stone him, to show their zeal for God, and to beget in them the greater dread and abhorrency of blasphemy.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 24:16
Leviticus 24:16 And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, [and] all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name [of the LORD], shall be put to death.Ver. 16. And he that blasphemeth.] Swearers and blasphemers toss God’ s name to and fro with such impiety and profaneness, as if their speech could have no grace but in his disgrace: as if Augustus Caesar were dealing with some god Neptune; or the three sons trying their archery at their father’ s heart, to see who can shoot nearest. Shall surely be put to death.] Though he be never so much provoked by others, as this blasphemer was; that shall no whit excuse him. Lonicer, Theat. Hist.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 24:16
(16) And he that blasphemeth the name of the Lord.—Better, And he that curseth the name of the Lord. The case is, however, different when it is the God of Israel. It is henceforth to be the law that whosoever curses Jehovah is to suffer death by lapidation, which is to be inflicted upon the criminal by the Jewish community. As well the stranger as he that is born in the land.—This law is applicable alike to the proselyte and to the Gentile, who does not even profess to believe in Jehovah. When he blasphemeth the name of the Lord.—Better, when he curseth the Name. Here again the expression “Name” has, out of reverence, been substituted for Jehovah. (See Leviticus 24:11.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 24:16
Verse 16. Blasphemeth the name of the Lord] ונקב שם יהוה venokeb shem Yehovah, he who pierces, transfixes, or, as some translate it, expounds, the name of Jehovah; See Clarke on Leviticus 24:10. This being the name by which especially the Divine Essence was pointed out, it should be held peculiarly sacred. We have already seen that the Jews never pronounce this name, and so long has it been disused among them that the true pronunciation is now totally lost; See Clarke on Exodus 6:3.
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 24:16
16. all … stone him] probably to be attributed to P or Rp[72], as the original word for ‘congregation’ is not found elsewhere in H. [72] A Reviser, who, probably after that collection had been combined with the Priestly Code, introduced further elements from that Code.The occurrence just related having brought about the enactment of a law dealing with the particular case of blasphemy, an occasion is thus offered for adding penalties for other transgressions. For the death penalty as prescribed in this v. for smiting a man mortally, cp. Exodus 21:12-14.
Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 24:16
Stranger - i. e. foreigner. See Leviticus 16:29 note.
Sermons on Leviticus 24:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Unpardonable Sin by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of unbelief and fear among the congregation. He prays for healing of these negative emotions and encourages the listeners to hold o |
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The New Year as God Sees It by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the fear and uncertainty that people are experiencing in the world today. He emphasizes that despite the fear, believers should take comfort |
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(Through the Bible) Matthew 8-9 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker recounts a story from the book of Acts where Paul is being attacked by a mob. The captain of the guard questions Paul about what he said to provoke such |
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The Eternal Spirit Personality of the Eternal Spirit by Willie Mullan | Willie Mullan explores the concept of the Eternal Spirit, emphasizing the personality and deity of the Holy Spirit as a distinct person of the Trinity, rather than merely an influe |
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A House Divided Cannot Stand by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of unity in various aspects of life, including within families, churches, and relationships with God. It addresses the concept of the unpardon |
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Are You "Playing" Church by Shane Idleman | This sermon delves into the importance of humility and sincerity in our relationship with God, emphasizing the need to surrender our hearts to Him. It explores the significance of |
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Theirs Is the Kingdom of Heaven by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the process of transformation and how it is possible for people to become like Jesus. The focus is on our response and responsibility to the g |