Leviticus 20:3

Leviticus 20:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

And I will set My face against that man and cut him off from his people, because by giving his offspring to Molech, he has defiled My sanctuary and profaned My holy name.

King James Version KJV

And I will set my face against that man, and will cut him off from among his people; because he hath given of his seed unto Molech, to defile my sanctuary, and to profane my holy name.

American Standard Version ASV

I also will set my face against that man, and will cut him off from among his people; because he hath given of his seed unto Molech, to defile my sanctuary, and to profane my holy name.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And my face will be turned against that man, and he will be cut off from his people; because he has given his offspring to Molech, making my holy place unclean, and making my holy name common.

Free Bible Version FBV

I will disown them and expel them from their people, because by sacrificing their children to Molech they have polluted my sanctuary and disgraced my reputation.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And I will set my face against that man and cut him off from among his people, because he hath giuen his children vnto Molech, for to defile my Sanctuarie, and to pollute mine holy Name.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and I — I set My face against that man, and have cut him off from the midst of his people, for of his seed he hath given to the Molech, so as to defile My sanctuary, and to pollute My holy name.

World English Bible WEB

I also will set my face against that person, and will cut him off from among his people, because he has given of his offspring to Molech, to defile my sanctuary, and to profane my holy name.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And I will set my face against that man, and will cut him off from among his people; because he hath given of his seed to Molech, to defile my sanctuary, and to profane my holy name.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And I will set my face against him: and I will cut him off from the midst of his people, because he hath given of his seed to Moloch, and hath defiled my sanctuary, and profaned my holy name.

Translation for Translators T4T

I will reject [IDM] such people and command that they no longer be allowed to associate with my people.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 20:3

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 20:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/אֲנִ֞י אֶתֵּ֤ן אֶת פָּנַ/י֙ בָּ/אִ֣ישׁ הַ/ה֔וּא וְ/הִכְרַתִּ֥י אֹת֖/וֹ מִ/קֶּ֣רֶב עַמּ֑/וֹ כִּ֤י מִ/זַּרְע/וֹ֙ נָתַ֣ן לַ/מֹּ֔לֶךְ לְמַ֗עַן טַמֵּא֙ אֶת מִקְדָּשִׁ֔/י וּ/לְ/חַלֵּ֖ל אֶת שֵׁ֥ם קָדְשִֽׁ/י

וַ/אֲנִ֞י ʼănîy H589 I Conj | Pron

אֶתֵּ֤ן nâthan H5414 to give V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

פָּנַ/י֙ pânîym H6440 face N-cp | Suff

בָּ/אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man Prep | N-ms

הַ/ה֔וּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Art | Pron

וְ/הִכְרַתִּ֥י kârath H3772 to cut Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs

אֹת֖/וֹ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

מִ/קֶּ֣רֶב qereb H7130 entrails Prep | N-ms

עַמּ֑/וֹ ʻam H5971 Amaw N-ms | Suff

כִּ֤י kîy H3588 for Conj

מִ/זַּרְע/וֹ֙ zeraʻ H2233 seed Prep | N-ms | Suff

נָתַ֣ן nâthan H5414 to give V-Qal-Perf-3ms

לַ/מֹּ֔לֶךְ Môlek H4432 Molech Prep | N-proper

לְמַ֗עַן maʻan H4616 because Prep

טַמֵּא֙ ṭâmêʼ H2930 to defile V-Piel-Inf-a

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

מִקְדָּשִׁ֔/י miqdâsh H4720 sanctuary N-ms | Suff

וּ/לְ/חַלֵּ֖ל châlal H2490 to bore Conj | Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

שֵׁ֥ם shêm H8034 name N-ms

קָדְשִֽׁ/י qôdesh H6944 Holy Place N-ms | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 20:3

וַ/אֲנִ֞י ʼănîy H589 "I" Conj | Pron

This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.

Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)

Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.

אֶתֵּ֤ן nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.

Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon

Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

פָּנַ/י֙ pânîym H6440 "face" N-cp | Suff

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

בָּ/אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" Prep | N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

הַ/ה֔וּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Art | Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)

Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.

וְ/הִכְרַתִּ֥י kârath H3772 "to cut" Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs

This Hebrew word means to cut or destroy something, but it also has a special meaning related to making a covenant or agreement. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abram, symbolized by cutting animals in half, showing the seriousness of the promise. This word is used to describe important agreements and alliances.

Definition: : cut/fell 1) to cut, cut off, cut down, cut off a body part, cut out, eliminate, kill, cut a covenant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a1a) to cut off a body part, behead 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to hew 1a4) to cut or make a covenant 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off 1b2) to be cut down 1b3) to be chewed 1b4) to be cut off, fail 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be cut off 1c2) to be cut down 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cut off 1d2) to cut off, destroy 1d3) to cut down, destroy 1d4) to take away 1d5) to permit to perish 1e) (Hophal) cut off

Usage: Occurs in 280 OT verses. KJV: be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want. See also: Genesis 9:11; 1 Samuel 24:6; Psalms 12:4.

אֹת֖/וֹ ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

מִ/קֶּ֣רֶב qereb H7130 "entrails" Prep | N-ms

This Hebrew word means the inner part or midst of something, whether physical or emotional, and can refer to the entrails of an animal or the seat of thought and emotion. In 1 Kings 17:21, it describes Elijah's emotional plea to God.

Definition: : among/within 1) midst, among, inner part, middle 1a) inward part 1a1) physical sense 1a2) as seat of thought and emotion 1a3) as faculty of thought and emotion 1b) in the midst, among, from among (of a number of persons) 1c) entrails (of sacrificial animals) Also means: qe.rev (קֶ֫רֶב ": inner_parts" H7130H)

Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] among, [idiom] before, bowels, [idiom] unto charge, [phrase] eat (up), [idiom] heart, [idiom] him, [idiom] in, inward ([idiom] -ly, part, -s, thought), midst, [phrase] out of, purtenance, [idiom] therein, [idiom] through, [idiom] within self. See also: Genesis 18:12; Joshua 7:12; Psalms 5:10.

עַמּ֑/וֹ ʻam H5971 "Amaw" N-ms | Suff

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

כִּ֤י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

מִ/זַּרְע/וֹ֙ zeraʻ H2233 "seed" Prep | N-ms | Suff

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means seed or offspring, like in Genesis where God promises Abraham many descendants. It can also mean a plant or sowing time, as in Isaiah 55:10. This concept is central to God's plan for humanity.

Definition: : seed/sowing 1) seed, sowing, offspring 1a) a sowing 1b) seed 1c) semen virile 1d) offspring, descendants, posterity, children 1e) of moral quality 1e1) a practitioner of righteousness (fig.) 1f) sowing time (by meton)

Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] carnally, child, fruitful, seed(-time), sowing-time. See also: Genesis 1:11; 1 Samuel 1:11; Psalms 18:51.

נָתַ֣ן nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

לַ/מֹּ֔לֶךְ Môlek H4432 "Molech" Prep | N-proper

Molek refers to the chief deity of the Ammonites, a false god to whom some Israelites wrongly sacrificed their infants. The Bible strongly condemns this practice.

Definition: § Molech = "king" the god of the Ammonites and Phoenicians to whom some Israelites sacrificed their infants in the valley of Hinnom

Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Molech. Compare H4445 (מַלְכָּם). See also: Leviticus 18:21; Leviticus 20:5; Jeremiah 32:35.

לְמַ֗עַן maʻan H4616 "because" Prep

This Hebrew word means because of something or for a specific purpose. It is used to explain why something happens or is done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's intentions or purposes.

Definition: 1) purpose, intent prep 1a) for the sake of 1b) in view of, on account of 1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj 1d) to the end that

Usage: Occurs in 252 OT verses. KJV: because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. See also: Genesis 12:13; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 5:9.

טַמֵּא֙ ṭâmêʼ H2930 "to defile" V-Piel-Inf-a

This Hebrew word means to be foul or contaminated, often in a moral or ceremonial sense. It is used in the Bible to describe something that is unclean or polluted. In the book of Leviticus, it talks about being unclean and how to become clean again.

Definition: 1) to be unclean, become unclean, become impure 1a) (Qal) to be or become unclean 1a1) sexually 1a2) religiously 1a3) ceremonially 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to defile oneself, be defiled 1b1a) sexually 1b1b) by idolatry 1b1c) ceremonially 1b2) to be regarded as unclean 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to defile 1c1a) sexually 1c1b) religiously 1c1c) ceremonially 1c2) to pronounce unclean, declare unclean (ceremonially) 1c3) to profane (God's name) 1d) (Pual) to be defiled 1e) (Hithpael) to be unclean 1f) (Hothpael) to be defiled

Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: defile (self), pollute (self), be (make, make self, pronounce) unclean, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 34:5; Leviticus 22:5; Psalms 79:1.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

מִקְדָּשִׁ֔/י miqdâsh H4720 "sanctuary" N-ms | Suff

A sanctuary or holy place, like a temple or palace, set apart for God or idols, a sacred space.

Definition: 1) sacred place, sanctuary, holy place 1a) sanctuary 1a1) of the temple 1a2) of the tabernacle 1a3) of Ezekiel's temple 1a4) of Jehovah

Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: chapel, hallowed part, holy place, sanctuary. See also: Exodus 15:17; Lamentations 1:10; Psalms 68:36.

וּ/לְ/חַלֵּ֖ל châlal H2490 "to bore" Conj | Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a

This Hebrew word means to profane or begin, like starting something new or breaking a rule. It appears in the Bible when someone disrespects God or a person, like in Ezekiel 22:26. It can also mean to play music or start a project.

Definition: 1) to wound (fatally), bore through, pierce, bore 1a) (Qal) to pierce 1b) (Pual) to be slain 1c) (Poel) to wound, pierce 1d) (Poal) to be wounded

Usage: Occurs in 132 OT verses. KJV: begin ([idiom] men began), defile, [idiom] break, defile, [idiom] eat (as common things), [idiom] first, [idiom] gather the grape thereof, [idiom] take inheritance, pipe, player on instruments, pollute, (cast as) profane (self), prostitute, slay (slain), sorrow, stain, wound. See also: Genesis 4:26; Ezra 3:8; Psalms 55:21.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

שֵׁ֥ם 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.

קָדְשִֽׁ/י qôdesh H6944 "Holy Place" N-ms | Suff

The Holy Place refers to a sacred or set-apart area, like the temple in Jerusalem. It is a place of sanctity and holiness, where God is worshipped. The Bible describes it as a place of reverence and awe.

Definition: This name means apartness, holiness, sacredness Also named: hagion (ἅγιον "Holy Place" G0039)

Usage: Occurs in 380 OT verses. KJV: consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, ([idiom] most) holy ([idiom] day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary. See also: Exodus 3:5; Leviticus 23:4; 1 Chronicles 26:26.

Study Notes — Leviticus 20:3

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Leviticus 20:3 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 20:3
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 20:3
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 20:3
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 20:3
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 20:3
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 20:3
Sermons on Leviticus 20:3

Context — Punishments for Disobedience

1Then the LORD said to Moses, 2“Tell the Israelites, ‘Any Israelite or foreigner living in Israel who gives any of his children to Molech must be put to death. The people of the land are to stone him.

3And I will set My face against that man and cut him off from his people, because by giving his offspring to Molech, he has defiled My sanctuary and profaned My holy name.

4And if the people of the land ever hide their eyes and fail to put to death the man who gives one of his children to Molech, 5then I will set My face against that man and his family and cut off from among their people both him and all who follow him in prostituting themselves with Molech.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Leviticus 18:21	You must not give any of your children to be sacrificed to Molech, for you must not profane the name of your God. I am the LORD.
2	Ezekiel 5:11	Therefore as surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, because you have defiled My sanctuary with all your detestable idols and abominations, I Myself will withdraw My favor; I will not look upon you with pity, nor will I spare you.
3	Ezekiel 23:38–39	They have also done this to Me: On that very same day, they defiled My sanctuary and profaned My Sabbaths. On the very day they slaughtered their children for their idols, they entered My sanctuary to profane it. Yes, they did this inside My house.
4	Leviticus 17:10	If anyone from the house of Israel or a foreigner living among them eats any blood, I will set My face against that person and cut him off from among his people.
5	Numbers 19:20	But if a person who is unclean does not purify himself, he will be cut off from the assembly, because he has defiled the sanctuary of the LORD. The water of purification has not been sprinkled on him; he is unclean.
6	Leviticus 15:31	You must keep the children of Israel separate from their uncleanness, so that they do not die by defiling My tabernacle, which is among them.
7	Ezekiel 20:39	And as for you, O house of Israel, this is what the Lord GOD says: Go and serve your idols, every one of you. But afterward, you will surely listen to Me, and you will no longer defile My holy name with your gifts and idols.
8	2 Corinthians 6:16	What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.”
9	1 Peter 3:12	For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Leviticus 20:3 Summary

This verse, Leviticus 20:3, teaches us that God is very serious about our worship and our actions. When we give ourselves or our children to false gods or sinful practices, like the Israelites did with Molech, we hurt God's heart and defile the special place where He meets with us, which is also warned against in Deuteronomy 12:31. God wants us to love and honor Him only, as seen in the first commandment (Exodus 20:3), and to keep His name holy, as Jesus prayed in John 17:6. By following God's commands and loving Him with all our hearts, we can stay close to Him and avoid His judgment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Molech and why is giving children to it so bad?

Molech was a pagan deity to whom children were sacrificed, a practice that God strictly forbids, as seen in Leviticus 20:3, because it defiles His sanctuary and profanes His holy name, which is also emphasized in Deuteronomy 12:31.

What does it mean for God to 'set His face against' someone?

When God sets His face against someone, as mentioned in Leviticus 20:3, it means He will oppose and judge that person, which is a serious consequence, as also seen in Jeremiah 21:10 where God sets His face against Jerusalem for its wickedness.

How does giving children to Molech defile God's sanctuary?

Giving children to Molech defiles God's sanctuary because it involves idolatrous practices that directly oppose God's commands and profane the holy name of God, which is sacred and should be revered, as taught in Exodus 20:7 and Leviticus 18:21.

Is this verse still relevant today?

Yes, this verse remains relevant today as it teaches about the seriousness of idolatry and the importance of honoring God's name, principles that are timeless and apply to all believers, as Jesus also warns against idolatry in Matthew 10:28 and the importance of honoring God's name in John 17:6.

Reflection Questions

How does this verse make me reflect on my own actions and priorities in relation to God?
In what ways can I unintentionally 'defile' my relationship with God, and how can I prevent this?
What are some modern forms of 'idolatry' that I need to be aware of and avoid, based on the principles of this verse?
How can I ensure that I am honoring God's name in my daily life, as commanded in this verse and supported by other scriptures like Exodus 20:7?

Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 20:3

And I will set my face against that man,.... Express resentment, anger, wrath, and indignation at him, see Psalms 34:16: and will cut him off from among his people: that is, supposing him to have

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 20:3

And I will set my face against that man, and will cut him off from among his people; because he hath given of his seed unto Molech, to defile my sanctuary, and to profane my holy name. No JFB commentary on this verse.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 20:3

I will set my face against that man, i.e. deal with him as an enemy, and make him a monument of my justice, either by punishing him immediately and eminently, when the magistrate cannot or will not do it, or by adding to his corporal punishments my curse upon his soul and name. See . From among his people; from the number of his people, of what nation or kindred soever he was; or, from the land of the living. To defile my sanctuary, which was done by this wickedness, either because such persons did, for the cover of their idolatry, come into God’ s sanctuary, as the rest did; see ; or because the sanctuary was, and was said to be, defiled by gross abominations committed in that city or land where God’ s sanctuary was; or because by these actions they did pronounce and declare to all men that they esteemed the sanctuary and service of God abominable and vile, by preferring such odious and pernicious idolatry before it. And to profane my holy name; partly by despising it themselves, and partly by disgracing it to others, and giving them occasion to blaspheme it, and to abhor the true religion, because they saw it deserted and condemned by those that best knew it and once embraced it.

Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 20:3

Leviticus 20:3 And I will set my face against that man, and will cut him off from among his people; because he hath given of his seed unto Molech, to defile my sanctuary, and to profane my holy name.Ver. 3. To defile my sanctuary.] Great sins do greatly pollute. See Leviticus 18:21.

Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 20:3

(3) And I will set my face against that man.—That is, make him feel my anger. (See Leviticus 17:10.) And will cut him off.—As the preceding verse describes the offender as having been stoned to death by the people, the declaration on the part of God that He will cut off the sinner has occasioned some difficulty. Hence some take it simply to express the same thing—that the judicial execution is God’s mode of cutting off the sinner from his people. According to the administrators of the law during the second Temple, however, the legislator supposes a case where the man has been actually guilty of the crime, and that there has not been a sufficient amount of evidence to convict him. In that case God himself would interpose and cut the offender off. This is more in accordance with what follows. To defile my sanctuary.—By sinning, the Israelites contracted defilement, and they defiled the sanctuary which was in their midst. (See Leviticus 15:31; Leviticus 16:16.) These very people, moreover, when they had sacrificed their children to Molech, afterwards came to the sanctuary to worship God (Jeremiah 7:9-10; Ezekiel 23:37-39). Profane my holy name.—See Leviticus 18:21.

Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 20:3

3. I will set my face — Should Israel connive at this horrible abomination, and through fear or motives of base and selfish policy refuse to execute my law, “I will be my own executioner,” says Jehovah.

Sermons on Leviticus 20:3

	Sermon	Description
	Contract on Children - Part 2 by Winkie Pratney	This sermon delves into the dark reality of the worship of Moloch, highlighting the extreme sacrifices and atrocities committed in the name of power and supernatural influence. It
	God's Holiness - Part 4 by Richard Owen Roberts	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of holiness and the hatred of sin in the eyes of God. He quotes various Bible verses to support his message, including Luke 1
	From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Daniel) ch.1:8-2:35 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of obeying God's commandments, even the seemingly minor ones. He references four passages of scripture that forbid certain act
	Does Association With Evil Defile? by A.E. Booth	A.E. Booth preaches about the importance of maintaining holiness and purity in the sight of God, drawing lessons from the Old Testament types and prophecies. He emphasizes the need
	God's Handbook on Holiness - Part 1 by Roy Hession	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the writing and purpose of the book of Leviticus in the Bible. He emphasizes that the book was inspired by God and written by Moses. The speak
	The Unreasonableness of Indetermination in Religion by Jonathan Edwards	Jonathan Edwards preaches about the unreasonableness of being indecisive in religion, using the example of Elijah challenging the people to choose between the Lord and Baal. He emp
	Have You Seen the Father Yet by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the actions and words of Jesus are a reflection of the Father's love and compassion for His children. He reminds the audience of the mi