Leviticus 24:13 kjv

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Leviticus 24:13 nkjv

And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,

Leviticus 24:13 niv

Then the LORD said to Moses:

Leviticus 24:13 esv

Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,

Leviticus 24:13 nlt

Then the LORD said to Moses,

Leviticus 24 verses

Leviticus 24 13 Meaning

Leviticus 24:13 serves as a pivotal introductory phrase, signifying the direct divine origin and authority of the instructions that follow. It establishes that the subsequent legal pronouncements and judgment regarding the blasphemer's case were not human decrees or traditions, but originated specifically from YHWH, the God of Israel, conveyed personally through Moses, His chosen mediator. This formula emphasizes divine initiative, ensuring the Law's undisputed weight and immutability for the Israelite community.

Leviticus 24 13 Context

Leviticus chapter 24 begins with regulations concerning the tabernacle: the perpetual oil for the lampstand and the arrangement of the showbread, symbolizing Israel's relationship with God through worship. Abruptly, the chapter shifts focus to a grave judicial case (verses 10-12): an incident where the son of an Israelite woman and an Egyptian man, quarreling in the camp, blasphemes the Name of the LORD. This presented a new, unprecedented legal dilemma for which no prior explicit law had been given. The people, unsure how to proceed, brought him to Moses and held him in custody "until the word of the LORD should be declared to them." Verse 13 directly answers this query, initiating God's authoritative response and laying down explicit laws concerning blasphemy and other capital offenses. The historical context is Israel camped at Mount Sinai, where YHWH is progressively establishing His covenant and detailed moral, ceremonial, and judicial laws for the formation of the nascent nation, distinct from all other peoples.

Leviticus 24 13 Word analysis

• And (וַיְדַבֵּר - Vaydabber): The Hebrew waw conjunction here, connected to the verb dabber, functions as a waw consecutive, linking this divine speech directly to the previous narrative about the blasphemer. It signifies immediate action or a direct response from God following the people's plea for guidance.
• the LORD (יְהוָה - YHWH): This is the Tetragrammaton, God's personal covenant name, representing His sovereign authority, faithful character, and enduring relationship with Israel. Its usage underscores that the coming instructions are not human invention or mere legal tradition but a direct, authoritative revelation from the God of the covenant, distinct from any pagan deity.
• spoke (דָּבַר - davar): The Hebrew verb "to speak" (here in the Hiphil form indicating causation, but in context, divine pronouncement) emphasizes direct, intentional, and authoritative communication. It's more than casual speech; it conveys a formal, weighty declaration, highlighting God's active involvement in the legal affairs and moral life of His people.
• to Moses (אֶל־מֹשֶׁה - el-Moshe): This phrase reaffirms Moses' unique and irreplaceable role as God's chosen prophet and mediator for the Israelite people. He is the exclusive human channel through whom God directly communicates His will, laws, and judgments to the nation at this foundational stage. Moses stands distinct from all others as the recipient of divine law for Israel, setting the stage for his subsequent role as lawgiver.
• saying (לֵּאמֹֽר - lemor): This infinitive absolute, frequently used in Hebrew narration, functions to introduce direct speech. It signals that what immediately follows are the exact words or commandments issued by God Himself through Moses. It functions as a clear linguistic marker for direct divine utterance.

Words-group analysis

• "And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying": This is a classic and frequently recurring formula in the Pentateuch, found hundreds of times (e.g., in Leviticus alone). Its repetition consistently asserts the divine origin and authority of the commands, statutes, and judgments that follow. In a theological sense, it underscores God's omnipresence and omnipotence as the active ruler and guide of His people. Its usage here, specifically after a legal quandary with no immediate precedent, powerfully signifies God's direct intervention to provide divine justice and clarity. This formula eliminates any ambiguity about the source of the law, affirming that Israel's legal system is divinely instituted, setting it apart from human-made legal codes of surrounding nations.

Leviticus 24 13 Bonus section

The consistent use of "And the LORD spoke to Moses" across the Pentateuch, and particularly in response to unforeseen circumstances or direct inquiries, showcases the dynamic, rather than static, nature of divine guidance. God did not simply hand down a complete law code all at once, but rather communicated progressively, often in direct response to the community's needs or sins. This verse exemplifies God's immanent presence and immediate responsiveness to His people's legal and moral challenges, especially when precedents are lacking. It underscores Moses' unparalleled access to divine counsel during this formative period of Israel's history, highlighting his unique prophetic and mediatorial role prior to the coming of the Messiah.

Leviticus 24 13 Commentary

Leviticus 24:13, while seemingly a simple transitional verse, is deeply significant. It marks the divine intervention required to resolve a unique legal crisis – the blasphemy incident. Prior to this, Israel had no specific legal statute governing such a severe transgression. This verse highlights that when human wisdom or existing laws were insufficient, God Himself would speak directly to Moses, providing precise and authoritative guidance. It underscores the active, living nature of the covenant and God's commitment to establish a just society through direct revelation. The formal introduction ("And the LORD spoke...") reaffirms the bedrock principle of all Mosaic Law: its origin is solely divine, delivered through Moses, binding Israel not by human edict but by God's own will. This particular instance demonstrates the flexible yet absolute nature of divine law – new situations require new revelation, but the authority remains singular. It's a testament to God's continuous engagement with His people's moral and judicial life.