Leviticus 24:16

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.

Study Bible

Whoever blasphemes
The Hebrew root for "blasphemes" is "naqab," which means to pierce, bore, or perforate, but in this context, it refers to speaking in a way that defames or insults. This highlights the severity of speaking against God, as it is seen as a direct attack on His holiness and character. In ancient Israel, the sanctity of God's name was paramount, reflecting the deep reverence and fear of the Lord that was expected of His people.

the name of the LORD
The "name" in Hebrew is "shem," which signifies more than just a label; it represents the essence and character of God. The "LORD" is translated from "YHWH," the sacred tetragrammaton, which was considered so holy that it was not spoken aloud. This underscores the profound respect and awe that the Israelites were to have for God, recognizing His sovereignty and holiness.

must surely be put to death
The phrase "must surely be put to death" is a translation of the Hebrew "mot yumat," a legal formula indicating the seriousness of the offense. This reflects the theocratic nature of Israelite society, where divine law governed civil and religious life. The death penalty for blasphemy underscores the gravity of maintaining the holiness of God's name and the community's responsibility to uphold divine justice.

The whole congregation
This phrase emphasizes communal responsibility in upholding God's laws. In ancient Israel, the community was seen as a collective body that shared in the covenant with God. The involvement of the "whole congregation" in the execution of justice signifies the collective commitment to God's holiness and the communal rejection of sin.

must surely stone him
Stoning was a common form of capital punishment in ancient Israel, symbolizing the community's role in executing justice. It was a public act, serving as a deterrent and a means of purging evil from among the people. The method of execution reflects the seriousness with which the community was to treat offenses against God.

whether he is a foreign resident or a native
This phrase indicates the universality of God's law, applying equally to Israelites and foreigners living among them. It underscores the inclusive nature of God's covenant, where all who dwell within the community are subject to the same divine standards. This reflects the idea that God's holiness transcends ethnic and national boundaries.

if he blasphemes the Name
Reiterating the offense, this phrase highlights the specific act of defaming God's name. The repetition serves to emphasize the centrality of God's holiness in the life of the community and the non-negotiable nature of reverence for His name.

he must be put to death
The repetition of the death penalty underscores the unyielding nature of divine justice. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of maintaining the sanctity of God's name. This reflects the seriousness with which God views His relationship with His people and the standards He sets for them.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, representing His holiness and authority.

2. The Congregation of Israel
The assembly of the Israelites, responsible for upholding God's laws.

3. Foreign Resident (Ger)
A non-Israelite living among the Israelites, subject to the same laws.

4. Blasphemer
An individual who speaks irreverently or disrespectfully about God.

5. Stoning
A method of capital punishment used in ancient Israel for certain transgressions.

Teaching Points

Reverence for God's Name
God's name is holy and should be treated with the utmost respect. This commandment underscores the importance of honoring God in our speech and actions.

Community Responsibility
The entire congregation was involved in the execution of justice, highlighting the communal responsibility to uphold God's laws and maintain holiness within the community.

Equality Before the Law
Both native Israelites and foreign residents were subject to the same laws, demonstrating God's impartiality and the universal application of His standards.

Seriousness of Blasphemy
Blasphemy is a grave sin with severe consequences, reflecting the seriousness with which God views the misuse of His name.

New Testament Perspective
While the New Testament does not prescribe stoning, it continues to emphasize the importance of reverence for God and the seriousness of blasphemy, calling believers to a higher standard of speech and conduct.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the commandment in Leviticus 24:16 reflect the holiness of God's name, and how can we apply this understanding in our daily lives?

2. In what ways does the communal aspect of the punishment for blasphemy in ancient Israel inform our understanding of community responsibility in the church today?

3. How does the inclusion of both native Israelites and foreign residents under the same law demonstrate God's justice and impartiality?

4. What are some modern-day examples of blasphemy, and how can Christians respond to them in a way that honors God?

5. How can the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament guide us in understanding and applying the principles of reverence for God's name in our interactions with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20:7
This verse emphasizes the importance of not taking the Lord's name in vain, highlighting the sacredness of God's name.

Matthew 12:31-32
Jesus speaks about the unforgivable sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, showing the seriousness of blasphemy in both Old and New Testaments.

Acts 7:58-60
The stoning of Stephen, which reflects the practice of stoning as a communal act of judgment.

James 3:9-10
Discusses the power of the tongue and the importance of using it to bless rather than curse, aligning with the reverence due to God's name.