Leviticus 24:16

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he that blasphemeth {H5344} the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068}, he shall surely {H4191} be put to death {H4191}, and all the congregation {H5712} shall certainly {H7275} stone {H7275} him: as well the stranger {H1616}, as he that is born in the land {H249}, when he blasphemeth {H5344} the name {H8034} of the LORD, shall be put to death {H4191}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and whoever blasphemes the name of ADONAI must be put to death; the entire community must stone him. The foreigner as well as the citizen is to be put to death if he blasphemes the Name.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 24:16 establishes a severe and unequivocal law within ancient Israel: anyone who blasphemes the sacred name of the LORD, whether native-born or stranger, must be put to death by stoning. This decree underscores the profound reverence God demanded for His character and identity, equating a direct verbal assault on His divine name with a capital offense. The communal execution of this judgment by the entire congregation reinforces the universal standard of holiness required within the covenant community and their collective responsibility to uphold God's honor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This specific law is delivered immediately following a concrete incident detailed in [Leviticus 24:10-12](/leviticus/24-10-12 "Leviticus 24:10-12 - The Blasphemer's Incident"), where the son of an Israelite woman and an Egyptian man "blasphemed the Name [of the LORD], and cursed." This unprecedented event prompted Moses to seek divine judgment. The subsequent divine decree in verse 16, along with the detailed instructions for its execution in [Leviticus 24:23](/leviticus/24-23 "Leviticus 24:23 - Execution of the Blasphemer"), provides the legal framework for handling such a grave offense. The broader literary context of [Leviticus 24](/leviticus/24 "Leviticus 24 - Laws of the Lampstand, Showbread, and Blasphemy") integrates instructions for Tabernacle rituals (lampstand and showbread) with various civil and criminal laws (e.g., lex talionis in [Leviticus 24:17-22](/leviticus/24-17-22 "Leviticus 24:17-22 - Laws of Retribution")), all designed to maintain the holiness, purity, and order of the Israelite community in the presence of God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The giving of this law occurs during Israel's formative period in the wilderness, shortly after the covenant at Sinai. At this foundational stage, God was establishing a holy nation, distinct from the surrounding pagan cultures where the names of deities were often invoked casually, manipulatively, or in association with immoral practices. The prohibition against blasphemy, echoing the [Third Commandment in Exodus 20:7](/exodus/20-7 "Exodus 20:7 - The Third Commandment"), was crucial for instilling a profound reverence for Yahweh, the covenant God, whose Name represented His unique character, authority, and presence. Capital punishment by stoning was a common method of execution in the ancient Near East, often reserved for sins considered a direct affront to the divine order or a severe threat to the community's purity and well-being. The involvement of "all the congregation" in the stoning underscored the community's collective responsibility to uphold God's laws and purge evil from their midst, thereby maintaining their corporate holiness before God and preventing divine wrath from falling upon the entire nation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the **Sanctity of God's Name**, emphasizing that the LORD's name is not merely a label but embodies His holy, sovereign, and covenantal character, demanding ultimate reverence. Closely related is the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, as blasphemy is presented as an act that defiles the community and necessitates purging to maintain corporate holiness. The law also highlights **Divine Justice and Judgment**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to upholding His standards and punishing severe transgressions. Finally, the inclusion of both "stranger" and "native-born" underscores the theme of **Universal Application of Covenant Law** within the Israelite community, emphasizing that God's standards of righteousness apply equally to all who reside within His covenant nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blasphemeth (Hebrew, _nâqab'_):** From H5344, this primitive root means "to puncture," literally or figuratively. In this context, it signifies a deliberate act of "libeling" or "cursing" the divine name, a forceful and public declaration that pierces or wounds God's honor. It implies a conscious act of contempt, striking through His reputation.
* **Name of the LORD (Hebrew, _shêm Yᵉhôvâh'_):** Comprising H8034 (_shêm_) and H3068 (_Yᵉhôvâh_), this phrase is central. _Shêm_ refers to an "appellation" or "mark of individuality," representing "honor, authority, character." _Yᵉhôvâh_ is the "self-Existent or Eternal," the Jewish national name of God. Together, "Name of the LORD" signifies God's essential being, His unique character, and His covenant presence. To blaspheme it is to attack His very essence and authority.
* **Put to death (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** Derived from H4191, a primitive root meaning "to die" (literally or figuratively) or "causatively, to kill." The repetition in the verse ("surely be put to death... shall be put to death") emphasizes the absolute certainty and finality of this consequence, signifying that the offender must truly "die" for the offense.
* **Stone (Hebrew, _râgam'_):** From H7275, this primitive root means "to cast together (stones)," or "to lapidate." This specifies the method of execution, a communal act where the entire congregation participates in casting stones, underscoring their collective responsibility to purge the evil and maintain the community's holiness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD,"**: This clause precisely defines the capital offense. The act is a deliberate, public, and contemptuous dishonoring of God's revealed, covenant name, which represents His character, authority, and very being.
* **"he shall surely be put to death,"**: This is the immediate, unequivocal, and certain prescribed penalty. The emphatic repetition of the verb "to die" in Hebrew underscores the absolute finality and severity of the judgment for this grave transgression.
* **"[and] all the congregation shall certainly stone him:"**: This specifies the method of execution – stoning – and, crucially, designates the entire community as the agents of divine justice. This communal act served to purge the evil from their midst, demonstrating the congregation's corporate rejection of the sin and their commitment to upholding God's holiness.
* **"as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land,"**: This clause emphasizes the universal application of this law within the Israelite community. God's standards of holiness and justice applied equally to all who resided within the covenant nation, regardless of their ethnic origin, underscoring the principle that all who live under God's covenant are bound by its stipulations.
* **"when he blasphemeth the name [of the LORD], shall be put to death."**: This final clause reiterates the offense and the penalty, creating a powerful legal framework that leaves no room for ambiguity. The repetition serves to underscore the profound gravity of the sin and the absolute certainty of its consequence, reinforcing the divine mandate.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 24:16 employs several potent literary devices to underscore its message. **Repetition** is prominent, with the phrase "blasphemeth the name of the LORD... shall be put to death" appearing twice. This emphatic repetition serves to highlight the extreme gravity of the offense and the unwavering certainty of its consequence, embedding the law firmly in the communal consciousness. The verse also functions as a **Legal Formulary**, characterized by its precise, declarative, and prescriptive language. This formal structure lends undeniable authority and finality to the divine decree. Furthermore, the inclusion of "as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land" demonstrates **Inclusivity** or **Universality**, emphasizing that God's holy standards and the consequences for violating them applied without prejudice to all individuals within the covenant community, regardless of their background.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 24:16 profoundly articulates the absolute sanctity of God's name, which represents His very essence, authority, and covenant presence. Blasphemy was not merely a verbal misstep but a direct act of rebellion against the divine order, an assault on God's character, and a challenge to His sovereignty. The prescribed capital punishment underscores the extreme seriousness with which God viewed this sin under the Mosaic Law, emphasizing that sin against a holy God demands a severe response. The communal responsibility for carrying out the judgment highlights the corporate nature of holiness in ancient Israel; the entire congregation was tasked with purging evil to maintain their collective purity and prevent defilement from bringing divine judgment upon the nation. This law, therefore, serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering holiness and the profound seriousness of treating His name, character, or Word with contempt or irreverence.

* [Exodus 20:7](/exodus/20-7 "Exodus 20:7 - The Third Commandment")
* [Deuteronomy 13:5](/deuteronomy/13-5 "Deuteronomy 13:5 - Purging Evil from the Community")
* [Matthew 12:31](/matthew/12-31 "Matthew 12:31 - Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the New Covenant does not prescribe physical stoning for blasphemy, the underlying principle of profound reverence for God's name remains eternally vital. For believers today, honoring God's name extends beyond avoiding verbal curses; it encompasses living a life that reflects His character, glorifies His person, and upholds His truth. To "take the name of the LORD in vain" in a contemporary sense can include misrepresenting Him through ungodly behavior, using His name flippantly, or claiming to follow Him while denying His power or truth in our actions. This verse from Leviticus serves as a powerful call to cultivate a deep awe and adoration for God, recognizing that His name embodies His holiness, power, and love. Our lives should be a testament to His glory, hallowing His name in every thought, word, and deed, demonstrating the transformative power of His presence within us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we, as New Covenant believers, truly "hallow" God's name in our daily lives, beyond just avoiding explicit curses?**
* **In what ways might we inadvertently "take God's name in vain" today, even without using profanity?**
* **How does our community of faith collectively reflect reverence for God's name, and what is our responsibility in upholding His holiness?**

### FAQ

**Why was blasphemy punished so severely in ancient Israel?**

Answer: Blasphemy against the name of the LORD was considered an ultimate act of rebellion because God's name represented His very essence, character, and covenant presence. To curse or revile His name was a direct assault on His divine authority and holiness, akin to attacking God Himself. Such an act threatened the purity and stability of the entire covenant community, potentially inviting divine judgment upon all. The severe punishment of death by stoning, carried out by the congregation, served to purge this grave evil from their midst and reinforce the absolute necessity of revering the God who had redeemed them and established His dwelling among them, as seen in the broader context of [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - Laws of Holiness").

**Does the law in Leviticus 24:16 apply to Christians today?**

Answer: The literal application of capital punishment by stoning for blasphemy, as prescribed in [Leviticus 24:16](/leviticus/24-16 "Leviticus 24:16 - Punishment for Blasphemy"), does not apply to Christians under the New Covenant. The Mosaic Law, with its specific civil and ceremonial codes, was given to ancient Israel. However, the underlying theological principle—the absolute sanctity and holiness of God's name—remains eternally valid. Under the New Covenant, true blasphemy is understood as a grave sin against the Holy Spirit, particularly the deliberate and unrepentant rejection of His testimony to Christ's divinity and saving work ([Matthew 12:31-32](/matthew/12-31-32 "Matthew 12:31-32 - Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit")). Believers today are called to honor God's name not through literal stoning, but through a life of worship, obedience, and reverence, reflecting His glory and character in all they do ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Holy Nation")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 24:16, with its severe penalty for blaspheming God's name, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant law demanded death for dishonoring God's name, Jesus perfectly hallowed the Father's name throughout His earthly ministry, declaring, "I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world" ([John 17:6](/john/17-6 "John 17:6 - Jesus Manifests God's Name")). Ironically, Jesus Himself was accused of blasphemy by the religious leaders ([Mark 14:61-64](/mark/14-61-64 "Mark 14:61-64 - Jesus Accused of Blasphemy"); [John 10:33](/john/10-33 "John 10:33 - Jews Accuse Jesus of Blasphemy")) for claiming to be God, thereby asserting His divine identity and unity with the Father—the very essence of God's name. His crucifixion, the ultimate act of judgment, was not for His own sin but for the sins of humanity, including all forms of dishonoring God. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus bore the curse and penalty for our blasphemy and all our transgressions, offering forgiveness and reconciliation. Now, under the New Covenant, those who believe in Christ are given the Holy Spirit, enabling them to truly know God's name and call Him "Abba, Father" ([Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption")). The ultimate blasphemy, therefore, shifts from a verbal curse to a willful, unrepentant rejection of the Holy Spirit's testimony to Christ, the very revelation of God's saving name and character. Through Christ, we are empowered to live lives that genuinely hallow God's name, reflecting His glory and character to a watching world ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race")).

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

Matthew 12:31

Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy [against] the [Holy] Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.

John 10:33

The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.

John 10:36

Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?

James 2:7

Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?

Mark 3:28

Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme:

Mark 3:29

But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:

1 Timothy 1:13

Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did [it] ignorantly in unbelief.