Leviticus 20 1

Leviticus 20:1 kjv

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Leviticus 20:1 nkjv

Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,

Leviticus 20:1 niv

The LORD said to Moses,

Leviticus 20:1 esv

The LORD spoke to Moses, saying,

Leviticus 20:1 nlt

The LORD said to Moses,

Leviticus 20 verses

Leviticus 20 1 Meaning

Leviticus 20:1 serves as a foundational declaration, formally introducing the subsequent divine pronouncements concerning various laws and their penalties. It signifies that the comprehensive legislation detailed in the rest of Chapter 20 does not originate from human wisdom or Mosaic decree, but directly from YHWH, the sovereign God of Israel. This establishes the absolute divine authority behind the holiness code and the severe consequences for its violation, underscoring that the commands are divine ordinances requiring strict adherence for the maintenance of a holy people in covenant with a holy God.

Leviticus 20 1 Context

Leviticus Chapter 20 stands as a crucial segment within the larger Holiness Code (Leviticus 17-26) which details the standards for Israel's ethical and ritual purity as God's chosen people. Immediately following a chapter outlining a broad range of commands to "be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy" (Lev 19:2), Chapter 20 specifically focuses on the severe judicial consequences, primarily capital punishment, for specific heinous sins. These include child sacrifice to Molech, consulting mediums or spiritists, various forms of sexual immorality (incest, adultery, bestiality, homosexuality), and cursing parents. The introduction "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying" marks the commencement of a series of very grave ordinances that set Israel apart from the surrounding Canaanite and Egyptian cultures, which often practiced many of these abominations. Historically and culturally, these laws provided a stark contrast to the pagan religions of the ancient Near East, which frequently incorporated ritual prostitution, cultic orgies, and child sacrifice into their worship, asserting YHWH's exclusive claim to Israel's devotion and demanding a holy lifestyle reflecting His own character.

Leviticus 20 1 Word analysis

• And (וַיְדַבֵּר - vay'dabber): This connective conjunction and verb form (vav-consecutive with the Piel perfect) implies a continuity with previous divine communications while simultaneously introducing a new, often specific, set of instructions or judgments. It signals an immediate and direct divine utterance following previous sections, showing an ongoing, active relationship between God and His people.
• the LORD (יְהוָה - YHWH/Adonai): This is the covenant name of God, frequently translated as "LORD" in English Bibles (following the Jewish tradition of substituting Adonai for reverence). Its presence signifies the ultimate authority and sovereign will behind the commands. It underscores that the law is not human, but divine, coming from the self-existent, covenant-keeping God of Israel. It emphasizes God's unique identity as distinct from all pagan deities.
• spake (דִּבֶּר - dibber): This verb, in the Piel stem, denotes a forceful, authoritative, and often deliberate form of speaking. It is not merely a suggestion or thought, but a direct and definitive pronouncement, emphasizing the intentionality and weight of God's commands. It highlights divine revelation, often conveying a complete message rather than fragments.
• unto Moses (אֶל-מֹשֶׁה - el-Moshe): Moses is designated as the sole recipient of this direct divine communication for the nation. This affirms his unparalleled role as God's chosen mediator, through whom the law and covenant instructions are conveyed to the people of Israel. It validates the authenticity and divine origin of the forthcoming laws to the Israelites, as Moses's authority was divinely appointed and well-recognized.
• saying (לֵאמֹר - le'mor): This infinitive construction directly follows the verb "spake" and serves as a technical term that introduces the exact words or content of the divine speech. It functions as an indicator that the ensuing text is a direct quotation of what the LORD commanded. This detail confirms the verbatim transmission of God's will and law to Moses, thereby highlighting the precision and immutability of these divine decrees.

Words-group analysis

• "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying": This precise introductory formula is a recurring hallmark throughout the Pentateuch, especially in Leviticus and Numbers. Its frequent repetition emphasizes several key theological truths:
  • Divine Authority: All laws, statutes, and judgments emanate directly from YHWH Himself. This undercuts any human claims to their origin and demands ultimate obedience.
  • Mediated Revelation: God chooses a specific human agent, Moses, to receive and transmit His word. This highlights the concept of divine condescension—God communicating His will in a way humanity can grasp.
  • Ongoing Covenant: The continuous nature of these pronouncements signifies God's active involvement in the daily lives of His covenant people, instructing them on how to maintain holiness and fellowship with Him.
  • Legal Force: The formula implicitly confers legal and binding status on the instructions that follow, preparing the hearer for commands that carry significant implications, including the imposition of capital punishment as detailed in Chapter 20. It sets the tone for a non-negotiable divine mandate.

Leviticus 20 1 Bonus section

The highly formalized nature of this introductory phrase ("And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying") is crucial for understanding the prophetic and legal frameworks throughout the Old Testament. This consistent linguistic pattern in Leviticus (appearing over 30 times, and similar phrasing throughout the Pentateuch and prophetic books) emphasizes not just God's capacity but His active commitment to reveal His character and will. For the original audience, it provided unwavering assurance that the intricate, often demanding, legal system was not subject to human debate or modification, but bore the ultimate authority of the Divine. This formula serves to stamp the ensuing commands with infallibility and divine decree. It also indirectly prefigures the concept of God's continued revelation, whether through prophets ("the word of the LORD came to...") or, ultimately, through His Son, Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies and fulfills God's spoken word (Jn 1:1, Heb 1:1-2).

Leviticus 20 1 Commentary

Leviticus 20:1 acts as a powerful divine signature, establishing the non-negotiable origin of the subsequent statutes. The formal and repetitive nature of the phrase "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying" reinforces that the ensuing stringent laws concerning capital offenses are not arbitrary human constructs but direct emanations from the sovereign will of a holy God. This foundational statement underscores that Israel's moral code and its enforcement mechanisms are entirely God-ordained, essential for maintaining covenant purity and a distinct identity amidst pagan influences. It signifies the immense weight and binding authority of what is to follow, compelling total obedience to avoid divine judgment and ensure the holiness of the community.