Leviticus 24:15

KJV

And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Whosoever curseth his God shall bear his sin.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt speak {H1696} unto the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, saying {H559}, Whosoever {H376} curseth {H3588}{H7043} his God {H430} shall bear {H5375} his sin {H2399}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then tell the people of Isra'el, 'Whoever curses his God will bear the consequences of his sin;

Berean Standard Bible

And you are to tell the Israelites, ‘If anyone curses his God, he shall bear the consequences of his sin.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Whosoever curseth his God shall bear his sin.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 24:15 articulates a foundational principle within the Mosaic Law, establishing the severe consequences for anyone who treats God with contempt or disrespect. Derived from a specific incident of blasphemy, this verse underscores the profound gravity of speech directed against the divine, emphasizing that such an offense against the covenant God carries significant personal culpability and necessitates judgment. It serves as a stark reminder of the absolute reverence due to the Creator and Covenant-Keeper, reinforcing the sanctity of His name and character within the Israelite community and highlighting the personal accountability of each individual for their words and actions toward the Divine.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears immediately after the detailed account of a specific incident involving a man who blasphemed the Name of the Lord (cf. [Leviticus 24:10-14](/leviticus/24-10-14 "Leviticus 24:10-14 - The Blasphemer's Punishment")). Following this unprecedented event, Moses sought divine judgment, and the Lord responded by issuing a general decree applicable to all Israel concerning blasphemy and other capital offenses. Thus, [Leviticus 24:15](/leviticus/24-15 "Leviticus 24:15 - The Law Against Cursing God") transitions from a particular case to a universal law within the covenant community, setting the stage for the specific penalty for blasphemy outlined in [Leviticus 24:16](/leviticus/24-16 "Leviticus 24:16 - The Penalty for Blasphemy"). The preceding verses (cf. [Leviticus 24:1-9](/leviticus/24-1-9 "Leviticus 24:1-9 - Regulations for the Sanctuary Lamps and Showbread")) describe the regulations for the sanctuary's lamps and the showbread, highlighting the sacred space and practices that underscore God's holiness, thereby intensifying the contrast with the act of blasphemy and emphasizing the sanctity of the divine presence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** [Leviticus 24:15](/leviticus/24-15 "Leviticus 24:15 - The Law Against Cursing God") was given to the children of Israel shortly after their exodus from Egypt, as they were establishing their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh at Mount Sinai. In a world dominated by polytheistic nations where deities were often reviled or mocked, Israel was commanded to uphold the absolute sanctity of their one true God. The concept of "cursing God" was not merely a verbal offense but an act of profound rebellion against the divine authority and the very foundation of the covenant. The phrase "shall bear his sin" (or "his iniquity") in this context implies not only personal guilt but also the responsibility for the consequences of that sin, which, as seen in [Leviticus 24:16](/leviticus/24-16 "Leviticus 24:16 - The Penalty for Blasphemy"), could include capital punishment or exclusion from the community. This law reinforced the [Third Commandment](/exodus/20-7 "Exodus 20:7 - The Third Commandment") (Exodus 20:7), which prohibited taking the Lord's name in vain, demonstrating the seriousness with which God's honor was to be guarded within the newly formed nation.
* **Key Themes:** A central theme in [Leviticus 24:15](/leviticus/24-15 "Leviticus 24:15 - The Law Against Cursing God") is the **Holiness of God** and the corresponding demand for **Reverence**. The entire book of Leviticus emphasizes God's absolute purity and His separation from all that is common or defiled. This verse underscores that God's name, which represents His very being and character, is supremely holy and must be treated with the utmost respect. Any act of "cursing" directly assaults this divine holiness and is therefore a grave offense. Another prominent theme is **Divine Justice and Accountability**. The phrase "shall bear his sin" highlights that God is a righteous judge who holds individuals fully accountable for their actions, particularly those that dishonor Him. This principle of justice ensures that sin is not trivialized but carries inherent and imposed consequences, maintaining order and purity within the covenant community. Finally, the verse contributes to the theme of **Covenant Fidelity**. By prohibiting the cursing of "his God," the law reinforces the exclusive and personal relationship between Yahweh and Israel. To curse God is an act of covenant infidelity, a betrayal of the unique bond established at Sinai, and thus demands a severe response to uphold the integrity of the covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Curseth (Hebrew, _qâlal'_):** From H7043, this primitive root means "to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)." In the context of "cursing God," _qâlal_ signifies treating God as light, insignificant, or vile; it is to diminish His glory, revile Him, or actively defame Him. It is the antithesis of honoring, blessing, or giving weight to God's name and character, representing an act of profound disrespect that strikes at the heart of His holiness and sovereignty.
* **His God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** From H430, this word is the plural of _ʼĕlôah_, meaning "Gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God." The possessive suffix on _ʼĕlôhîym_ ("his God") emphasizes the personal and covenantal relationship between the individual Israelite and Yahweh. It highlights that the offense is not against some distant deity, but against "his God"—the one who delivered him from slavery, established a covenant with him, and sustained him. This personal connection magnifies the treachery and ingratitude inherent in the act of cursing.
* **Shall bear his sin (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ chêṭᵉʼ'_):** This phrase combines H5375 (_nâsâʼ_), "to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative," and H2399 (_chêṭᵉʼ_), "a crime or its penalty." Together, _nâsâʼ chêṭᵉʼ_ implies carrying the guilt and suffering the full consequences of the transgression. In the Old Testament legal context, "bearing sin" often meant facing divine judgment, which could manifest as exclusion from the community, spiritual defilement, or, in severe cases like blasphemy, capital punishment. It signifies that the individual is fully accountable for their actions and will incur the deserved penalty without atonement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying":** This introductory phrase establishes the divine authority behind the command. It indicates that this is a direct revelation from God to Moses, intended to be communicated to the entire community of Israel. It underscores the universal applicability and binding nature of the law for all within the covenant, emphasizing that this is a direct mandate from the Lord to His people.
* **"Whosoever curseth his God":** This clause identifies the specific offense and the perpetrator. "Whosoever" indicates that the law applies to any individual within Israel, regardless of status or origin, who commits this act. "Curseth his God" defines the grave act of contempt, reviling, or blasphemy directed against the covenant God, Yahweh. It emphasizes the personal relationship and the profound betrayal involved in such an act, highlighting the direct affront to the divine being who is in covenant with them.
* **"shall bear his sin":** This concluding clause states the inevitable consequence of the transgression. The individual who curses God will be held fully responsible for their offense and will incur the necessary penalty. This phrase encapsulates the principle of divine justice, where sin is not overlooked but carries its inherent and imposed consequences, often leading to severe judgment or separation from the holy community, as detailed in the subsequent verse.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 24:15 primarily employs **Legal Formulation**, characteristic of the Mosaic Law. It presents a clear, concise, and universally applicable statute, moving from a specific incident (cf. [Leviticus 24:10-14](/leviticus/24-10-14 "Leviticus 24:10-14 - The Blasphemer's Punishment")) to a general principle. This is evident in the direct address ("thou shalt speak") and the universal scope ("Whosoever"). The verse also utilizes **Consequence Statement**, directly linking the action ("curseth his God") to its inevitable outcome ("shall bear his sin"). This clear cause-and-effect structure is typical of legal pronouncements designed to deter transgression by highlighting the certainty of judgment. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** between the reverence due to God and the contemptuous act of cursing Him, underscoring the severity of the transgression against the divine standard of holiness and the covenant relationship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 24:15 profoundly emphasizes the absolute holiness and sovereignty of God, demanding the highest reverence from His covenant people. The prohibition against cursing God is not merely about avoiding offensive language; it reflects the deep theological truth that God's name embodies His very character, power, and presence. To revile His name is to attack His essence, His authority, and the very foundation of Israel's existence as a people set apart. This law serves to maintain the moral and spiritual purity of the community, ensuring that God's honor is upheld and that His people reflect His holiness in their speech and attitudes. It underscores divine justice, demonstrating that God cannot tolerate open contempt for His being, and that such an act constitutes a direct assault on His majesty and the covenant He has established.

* [Exodus 20:7](/exodus/20-7 "Exodus 20:7 - The Third Commandment: Do Not Misuse God's Name")
* [Deuteronomy 5:11](/deuteronomy/5-11 "Deuteronomy 5:11 - The Commandment Against Misusing God's Name")
* [Matthew 12:31-32](/matthew/12-31-32 "Matthew 12:31-32 - Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific judicial penalties of the Old Testament civil law are not directly applied in the same way today, the spiritual principle embedded in [Leviticus 24:15](/leviticus/24-15 "Leviticus 24:15 - The Law Against Cursing God") remains profoundly relevant for believers. This verse calls us to cultivate a deep and abiding reverence for God, recognizing that our words, especially concerning Him, carry immense weight. It challenges us to move beyond superficial avoidance of profanity and to examine the attitudes of our hearts, from which our words flow. True reverence for God manifests in speech that honors His character, acknowledges His sovereignty, and glorifies His name, whether in private thoughts, public discourse, or worship. Any form of speech or attitude that diminishes God's holiness, mocks His power, or attributes evil to Him is a serious offense against His majesty. We are ultimately accountable to God for every word, and this verse serves as a sober reminder to guard our tongues and ensure our speech consistently brings glory to Him, not contempt, reflecting the profound awe and respect due to our Creator and Redeemer.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my daily speech reflect my reverence for God, both in private and public settings?**
* **In what subtle or overt ways might I inadvertently diminish God's holiness through my words, attitudes, or even my silence?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a deeper sense of awe and respect for God in my life, leading to more honoring speech?**
* **Considering that our words flow from our hearts, what does my speech reveal about my true understanding and appreciation of God's character?**

### FAQ
**What does "curseth his God" mean in practical terms for us today?**

Answer: For believers today, "cursing God" extends beyond explicit profanity or reviling His name. It encompasses any speech or attitude that treats God lightly, disrespects His character, attributes evil to Him, or misrepresents His nature. This includes using His name carelessly, mocking spiritual things, or even grumbling and complaining against His providence in a way that implies He is unjust or uncaring. Jesus taught that "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (cf. [Matthew 12:34](/matthew/12-34 "Matthew 12:34 - Out of the Abundance of the Heart")), indicating that irreverent speech stems from an irreverent heart. Therefore, it calls us to a deep internal reverence that shapes all our communication about God, ensuring our words reflect a genuine awe for His holiness.

**Was the punishment for this sin always death?**

Answer: For the specific act of "blaspheming the Name" (which is a stronger form of cursing, as seen in [Leviticus 24:16](/leviticus/24-16 "Leviticus 24:16 - The Penalty for Blasphemy")), the penalty was indeed death by stoning. However, the broader phrase "shall bear his sin" in [Leviticus 24:15](/leviticus/24-15 "Leviticus 24:15 - The Law Against Cursing God") could encompass a range of divine judgments or consequences, depending on the severity and context of the "cursing." In some cases, it might imply exclusion from the community, spiritual defilement requiring purification, or other forms of divine discipline. But for direct, defiant blasphemy against the divine Name, the law prescribed capital punishment to underscore the absolute sanctity of God and the gravity of such an offense against the covenant.

**How does this law relate to the Third Commandment?**

Answer: [Leviticus 24:15](/leviticus/24-15 "Leviticus 24:15 - The Law Against Cursing God") serves as a specific application and judicial consequence of the broader principle laid out in the [Third Commandment](/exodus/20-7 "Exodus 20:7 - The Third Commandment") (Exodus 20:7), which states, "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain." While the Third Commandment prohibits any misuse or trivialization of God's name, [Leviticus 24:15](/leviticus/24-15 "Leviticus 24:15 - The Law Against Cursing God") addresses the most extreme form of this transgression—active cursing or blasphemy—and prescribes a severe penalty. It highlights the ultimate seriousness of dishonoring God's name, which represents His very being and authority, demonstrating that the covenant God demands profound reverence from His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Leviticus 24:15](/leviticus/24-15 "Leviticus 24:15 - The Law Against Cursing God"), with its stark declaration that "Whosoever curseth his God shall bear his sin," finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. While the law demanded that those who cursed God bear their own sin and its consequences, Jesus, the perfect Son, never cursed God but perfectly honored and glorified the Father's name throughout His earthly ministry (cf. [John 17:4](/john/17-4 "John 17:4 - Jesus Glorifies the Father")). He lived a life of absolute reverence and obedience, fulfilling the law's demands for perfect honor to God. Yet, in an astonishing act of divine grace, He became the one who "bore our sins in his body on the tree" (cf. [1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins")). He, who knew no sin, was "made to be sin for us" (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")), effectively bearing the sin of all who had cursed God, rebelled against Him, or otherwise dishonored His name. The ultimate consequence of "bearing sin" was death, and Christ willingly endured this penalty on the cross, becoming the substitute for humanity's contempt and rebellion. Through His sacrifice, forgiveness is offered even for those who have blasphemed, though blasphemy against the Holy Spirit remains a unique and unforgivable sin (cf. [Matthew 12:31](/matthew/12-31 "Matthew 12:31 - Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit")). In Christ, believers are not only forgiven for their past irreverence but are also empowered by the Holy Spirit to honor God's name and live lives that bring Him glory, reflecting the reverence that [Leviticus 24:15](/leviticus/24-15 "Leviticus 24:15 - The Law Against Cursing God") so powerfully demanded. His name is now "above every name" (cf. [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation and Lordship")), and we are called to hallow it.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 9:13

But the man that [is] clean, and is not in a journey, and forbeareth to keep the passover, even the same soul shall be cut off from among his people: because he brought not the offering of the LORD in his appointed season, that man shall bear his sin.

Exodus 22:28

Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.

Leviticus 5:1

¶ And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and [is] a witness, whether he hath seen or known [of it]; if he do not utter [it], then he shall bear his iniquity.

Leviticus 20:16

And if a woman approach unto any beast, and lie down thereto, thou shalt kill the woman, and the beast: they shall surely be put to death; their blood [shall be] upon them.

Leviticus 20:17

And if a man shall take his sister, his father's daughter, or his mother's daughter, and see her nakedness, and she see his nakedness; it [is] a wicked thing; and they shall be cut off in the sight of their people: he hath uncovered his sister's nakedness; he shall bear his iniquity.