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Leviticus 20:4

Leviticus 20:4 in Multiple Translations

And 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,

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:

And if the people of the land do at all hide their eyes from that man, when he giveth of his seed unto Molech, and put him not to death;

And if the people of the land do not take note of that man when he gives his offspring to Molech, and do not put him to death,

If the community decides to look the other way and not execute those who sacrifice their children to Molech, then I will take action against them myself.

And if the people of the lande hide their eyes, and winke at that man when he giueth his children vnto Molech, and kill him not,

'And if the people of the land really hide their eyes from that man, in his giving of his seed to the Molech, so as not to put him to death,

If the people of the land all hide their eyes from that person when he gives of his offspring to Molech, and don’t put him to death,

And if the people of the land do any ways hide their eyes from the man, when he giveth of his seed to Molech, and kill him not;

And if the people of the land neglecting, and as it were little regarding my commandment, let alone the man that hath given of his seed to Moloch, and will not kill him:

If the people of that man’s town ignore it when he kills one of his children to offer him as a sacrifice to Molech, and if they do not execute that person,

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Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 20:4

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 20:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/אִ֡ם הַעְלֵ֣ם יַעְלִימֽוּ֩ עַ֨ם הָ/אָ֜רֶץ אֶת עֵֽינֵי/הֶם֙ מִן הָ/אִ֣ישׁ הַ/ה֔וּא בְּ/תִתּ֥/וֹ מִ/זַּרְע֖/וֹ לַ/מֹּ֑לֶךְ לְ/בִלְתִּ֖י הָמִ֥ית אֹתֽ/וֹ
וְ/אִ֡ם ʼim H518 if Conj | Conj
הַעְלֵ֣ם ʻâlam H5956 to conceal V-Hiphil-Ptc
יַעְלִימֽוּ֩ ʻâlam H5956 to conceal V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
עַ֨ם ʻam H5971 Amaw N-ms
הָ/אָ֜רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
עֵֽינֵי/הֶם֙ ʻayin H5869 eye N-cd | Suff
מִן min H4480 from Prep
הָ/אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man Art | N-ms
הַ/ה֔וּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Art | Pron
בְּ/תִתּ֥/וֹ nâthan H5414 to give Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
מִ/זַּרְע֖/וֹ zeraʻ H2233 seed Prep | N-ms | Suff
לַ/מֹּ֑לֶךְ Môlek H4432 Molech Prep | N-proper
לְ/בִלְתִּ֖י biltîy H1115 lest Prep | Conj
הָמִ֥ית mûwth H4191 to die V-Hiphil-Inf-a
אֹתֽ/וֹ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 20:4

וְ/אִ֡ם ʼim H518 "if" Conj | Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
הַעְלֵ֣ם ʻâlam H5956 "to conceal" V-Hiphil-Ptc
This Hebrew word means to hide or conceal something from view. It appears in various forms, including being hidden or keeping a secret. In the Bible, it is used to describe hiding oneself or something from others.
Definition: 1) to conceal, hide, be hidden, be concealed, be secret 1a) (Qal) secret (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be concealed 1b2) concealed, dissembler (participle) 1c) (Hiphil) to conceal, hide 1d) (Hithpael) to hide oneself
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any ways, blind, dissembler, hide (self), secret (thing). See also: Leviticus 4:13; Job 6:16; Psalms 10:1.
יַעְלִימֽוּ֩ ʻâlam H5956 "to conceal" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to hide or conceal something from view. It appears in various forms, including being hidden or keeping a secret. In the Bible, it is used to describe hiding oneself or something from others.
Definition: 1) to conceal, hide, be hidden, be concealed, be secret 1a) (Qal) secret (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be concealed 1b2) concealed, dissembler (participle) 1c) (Hiphil) to conceal, hide 1d) (Hithpael) to hide oneself
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any ways, blind, dissembler, hide (self), secret (thing). See also: Leviticus 4:13; Job 6:16; Psalms 10:1.
עַ֨ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" N-ms
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.
הָ/אָ֜רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
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.
עֵֽינֵי/הֶם֙ ʻayin H5869 "eye" N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
מִן min H4480 "from" Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
הָ/אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" Art | 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.
בְּ/תִתּ֥/וֹ nâthan H5414 "to give" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
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.
מִ/זַּרְע֖/וֹ 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.
לַ/מֹּ֑לֶךְ 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.
לְ/בִלְתִּ֖י biltîy H1115 "lest" Prep | Conj
This Hebrew word means not or except, and is often used with a prepositional prefix. It appears in various forms, such as not, except, or unless, and is used in many biblical passages.
Definition: subst 1) not, except adv 2) not 3) except (after preceding negation) conj 4) except (after an implied or expressed negation) with prep 5) so as not, in order not 6) an account of not, because...not 7) until not
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: because un(satiable), beside, but, [phrase] continual, except, from, lest, neither, no more, none, not, nothing, save, that no, without. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Kings 12:9; Isaiah 10:4.
הָמִ֥ית mûwth H4191 "to die" V-Hiphil-Inf-a
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.
אֹתֽ/וֹ ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff
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.

Study Notes — Leviticus 20:4

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Deuteronomy 17:2–5 If a man or woman among you in one of the towns that the LORD your God gives you is found doing evil in the sight of the LORD your God by transgressing His covenant and going to worship other gods, bowing down to them or to the sun or moon or any of the host of heaven—which I have forbidden— and if it is reported and you hear about it, you must investigate it thoroughly. If the report is true and such an abomination has happened in Israel, you must bring out to your gates the man or woman who has done this evil thing, and you must stone that person to death.
2 Acts 17:30 Although God overlooked the ignorance of earlier times, He now commands all people everywhere to repent.
3 1 Kings 20:42 And the prophet said to the king, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Because you have let slip from your hand the man I had devoted to destruction, your life will be exchanged for his life, and your people for his people.’”
4 Deuteronomy 13:8 you must not yield to him or listen to him. Show him no pity, and do not spare him or shield him.
5 Joshua 7:12 This is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies. They will turn their backs and run from their enemies, because they themselves have been set apart for destruction. I will no longer be with you unless you remove from among you whatever is devoted to destruction.
6 1 Samuel 3:13–14 I told him that I would judge his house forever for the iniquity of which he knows, because his sons blasphemed God and he did not restrain them. Therefore I have sworn to the house of Eli, ‘The iniquity of Eli’s house shall never be atoned for by sacrifice or offering.’”
7 Revelation 2:14 But I have a few things against you, because some of you hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block before the Israelites so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality.

Leviticus 20:4 Summary

This verse is saying that if the people of the land know about someone giving their child to Molech, but they don't do anything to stop it, they will be held responsible by God. This is because giving children to Molech is a very serious sin, as seen in Leviticus 20:2-3. God wants His people to take a stand against sin and to protect the innocent, as also seen in Psalm 82:3-4, where we are called to defend the fatherless and the oppressed. By speaking out against sin and standing up for what is right, we can show that we love and follow God, as commanded in Deuteronomy 6:5.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the people of the land hiding their eyes in Leviticus 20:4?

The people hiding their eyes means they are turning a blind eye to the sin of giving children to Molech, which is a serious offense against God, as seen in Leviticus 20:2-3, where it is commanded that those who give their children to Molech must be put to death.

Why is it important for the community to take action against those who give their children to Molech?

The community's failure to act against such sin invites God's judgment, as stated in Leviticus 20:5, where God says He will set His face against that man and his family and cut them off from their people.

How does this verse relate to the concept of corporate responsibility in the Bible?

This verse illustrates the concept of corporate responsibility, where the community is held accountable for the sins of its members, as seen in Leviticus 20:4-5, and also in other passages like Joshua 7:1-26, where the whole nation of Israel is affected by the sin of one man, Achan.

What can we learn from this verse about God's attitude towards sin?

This verse shows that God takes sin very seriously, and His judgment is not just limited to the individual, but also to the community that tolerates or ignores sin, as seen in Leviticus 20:2-6, and also in other passages like Deuteronomy 23:1-8, where God warns against tolerating sin in the community.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that we, as a community, may be hiding our eyes to sin, and what can we do to address it?
  2. How can we, as individuals, take a stand against sin in our own lives and in our communities, as commanded in Ephesians 5:11?
  3. What does this verse teach us about the importance of accountability and discipline within the community of believers, as also seen in Matthew 18:15-17?
  4. In what ways can we, as followers of Jesus, demonstrate zero tolerance for sin, as seen in 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, while still showing love and compassion to those who are struggling with sin?

Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 20:4

And if the people of the land do any ways hide their eyes from the man,.... That is, the people of the house of Israel, as the Targums of Onkelos and Jonathan; if the friends, relations, and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 20:4

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: If the people of the land ... - i:e., connive at their countrymen

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 20:4

i.e. Wink at his fault, and forbear to accuse and punish him. Compare .

Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 20:4

Leviticus 20:4 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: Ver. 4:. Hide their eyes,] i.e., Be negligent or ignorant.

Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 20:4

(4) And if the people of the land . . . —In the former verse the Legislator treated of cases where there was insufficient evidence. Here he declares what God would do if the community itself, whose duty it is to execute the sentence, either from culpable indifference or criminal sympathy with the sin, connive at it.

Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 20:4

4. hide their eyes] i.e. disregard. For the expression in this sense cp. Proverbs 28:27; Isaiah 1:15.

Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 20:4

4, 5. Hide their eyes — The Lawgiver foresees and provides for an amazing moral degeneracy and hardness of heart, when the people’s conscience will be so stupified that they will let this great crime go unpunished.

Sermons on Leviticus 20:4

SermonDescription
Erlo Stegen Wait Upon the Lord by Erlo Stegen In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the significance of Jesus shedding his blood as a proof of his commitment to his words. The sermon references the story of Rachel weeping fo
Duncan Campbell Revival on the Isle of Lewis by Duncan Campbell In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares a powerful testimony of a revival that took place in a parish. The revival began when four young girls, aged 16, prayed for their head
Derek Prince Repentance - Part 1 by Derek Prince In this sermon, Derek Prince discusses the importance of repentance in the message of salvation. He highlights the role of John the Baptist as the forerunner who prepared the heart
Tim Keller A Spirit Hath Not Flesh and Bones by Tim Keller In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the message of Easter, which is that by uniting with Jesus Christ, believers will miss out on nothing. He encourages the congregation to rel
John Stott Great Commission by John Stott In this sermon, the speaker discusses the Great Commission as recorded by Matthew, Luke, and John. The five aspects of the Great Commission, as summarized by Luke, are: proclamatio
Paul Washer Shocking Youth Message Stuns Hearers by Paul Washer In this sermon, the preacher questions why so many people claim to have encountered Jesus Christ but are not permanently changed. He emphasizes the importance of genuine transforma
Keith Daniel (Covenant Word Ministries) Servant of Sin by Keith Daniel In this sermon, the preacher recounts a rainy day when he was surprised to find a church full of people despite the bad weather. As he began to preach, a drunk man desperately trie

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