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Leviticus 18:21 - Idolatry defiles God's name?

Leviticus 18:21 - ויקרא 18:21

Hebrew Text

וּמִזַּרְעֲךָ לֹא־תִתֵּן לְהַעֲבִיר לַמֹּלֶךְ וְלֹא תְחַלֵּל אֶת־שֵׁם אֱלֹהֶיךָ אֲנִי יְהוָה׃

English Translation

And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through (the fire) to Molekh, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the Lord.

Transliteration

Umizarekha lo-titen leha'avir lamolekh velo techallel et-shem Elohekha ani Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּמִֽזַּרְעֲךָ֥ לֹא־תִתֵּ֖ן לְהַעֲבִ֣יר לַמֹּ֑לֶךְ וְלֹ֧א תְחַלֵּ֛ל אֶת־שֵׁ֥ם אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ אֲנִ֥י יְהֹוָֽה׃
וּמִֽזַּרְעֲךָ֥ לֹא־תִתֵּ֖ן לְהַעֲבִ֣יר לַמֹּ֑לֶךְ וְלֹ֧א תְחַלֵּ֛ל אֶת־שֵׁ֥ם אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ אֲנִ֥י יְהֹוָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition of Molekh Worship

The verse (Vayikra 18:21) contains two prohibitions: 1) giving one's offspring to Molekh, and 2) profaning Hashem's name. Rashi explains that "passing through to Molekh" refers to the idolatrous practice of causing children to pass through fire as part of Molekh worship. The Rambam (Hilchot Avodah Zarah 6:3) elaborates that this was a form of child sacrifice practiced by ancient idolaters.

Severity of the Transgression

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 64b) discusses this prohibition at length, noting it carries the death penalty. The Midrash (Sifra Kedoshim 9:14) emphasizes that this sin is particularly abhorrent because it destroys the future generations of the Jewish people while simultaneously rejecting Hashem's sovereignty.

Connection to Profaning Hashem's Name

The juxtaposition of these prohibitions teaches, as the Ramban explains, that idolatry inherently profanes Hashem's name. When Jews engage in such practices, it causes a desecration of the Divine name (Chilul Hashem) by associating the holy nation with abominable idolatry.

Contemporary Applications

  • The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 208) derives from this verse the broader principle of avoiding any practices that endanger children's lives for superstitious reasons.
  • Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch notes this commandment serves as eternal protest against all forms of child sacrifice, whether physical or spiritual (such as sacrificing children's Jewish education for material gain).

Conclusion with "I am Hashem"

The verse concludes with "I am Hashem" - the Kli Yakar explains this reminds us that only Hashem has true authority over life and death, not false deities like Molekh. This affirmation of Divine sovereignty forms the basis for rejecting all forms of idolatry.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 64a
The verse is discussed in the context of the prohibition against passing children through fire to Molekh, emphasizing the severity of the transgression.
📖 Megillah 25a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the sanctity of God's name and the prohibition against profaning it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean to 'pass through (the fire) to Molekh' in Leviticus 18:21?
A: This verse prohibits the ancient pagan practice of child sacrifice to the idol Molekh (or Moloch). Rashi explains that this involved passing children through fire as part of idol worship, which was strictly forbidden by the Torah. The Rambam (Maimonides) in Mishneh Torah (Laws of Idolatry 6:3) describes this as one of the most severe forms of idolatry.
Q: Why does the verse mention both Molekh worship and profaning God's name?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 64a) connects these two prohibitions because worshipping Molekh was considered an extreme form of chillul Hashem (profaning God's name). By associating with such immoral pagan practices, a Jew would bring disgrace to God's reputation in the world. The verse concludes with 'I am the Lord' to emphasize that these sins directly oppose our relationship with God.
Q: How does this prohibition apply to Jews today?
A: While the specific practice of Molekh worship no longer exists, the principles remain relevant. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 208) explains this teaches us to avoid any form of child endangerment or neglect. Additionally, the prohibition against profaning God's name applies always - we must ensure our actions bring honor to God rather than disgrace.
Q: What is the significance of the phrase 'any of thy seed' in this verse?
A: The term 'thy seed' (zarcha in Hebrew) refers to one's children or descendants. The Midrash (Torat Kohanim) emphasizes that this prohibition applies to all of one's offspring, not just the firstborn. This teaches that every Jewish child is precious and must be protected from harm and raised in proper Torah values.
Q: Why is this prohibition listed among the laws of forbidden relationships in Leviticus 18?
A: Rashi explains that this prohibition is included here because Molekh worship often involved immoral sexual practices as part of its rituals. The Torah groups it with other forbidden relationships to show that just as we must sanctify our physical relationships, we must also sanctify how we treat our children and maintain pure worship of God.