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Leviticus 20:3 - Severe consequence for Molekh worship

Leviticus 20:3 - ויקרא 20:3

Hebrew Text

וַאֲנִי אֶתֵּן אֶת־פָּנַי בָּאִישׁ הַהוּא וְהִכְרַתִּי אֹתוֹ מִקֶּרֶב עַמּוֹ כִּי מִזַּרְעוֹ נָתַן לַמֹּלֶךְ לְמַעַן טַמֵּא אֶת־מִקְדָּשִׁי וּלְחַלֵּל אֶת־שֵׁם קָדְשִׁי׃

English Translation

And I will set my face against that man, and will cut him off from among his people; because he has given of his seed to Molekh, to defile my sanctuary, and to profane my holy name.

Transliteration

Va'ani eten et-panai ba'ish hahu vehichrati oto mikerev amo ki mizar'eo natan lamolech lema'an tame et-mikdashi ulchallel et-shem kodshi

Hebrew Leining Text

וַאֲנִ֞י אֶתֵּ֤ן אֶת־פָּנַי֙ בָּאִ֣ישׁ הַה֔וּא וְהִכְרַתִּ֥י אֹת֖וֹ מִקֶּ֣רֶב עַמּ֑וֹ כִּ֤י מִזַּרְעוֹ֙ נָתַ֣ן לַמֹּ֔לֶךְ לְמַ֗עַן טַמֵּא֙ אֶת־מִקְדָּשִׁ֔י וּלְחַלֵּ֖ל אֶת־שֵׁ֥ם קׇדְשִֽׁי׃
וַאֲנִ֞י אֶתֵּ֤ן אֶת־פָּנַי֙ בָּאִ֣ישׁ הַה֔וּא וְהִכְרַתִּ֥י אֹת֖וֹ מִקֶּ֣רֶב עַמּ֑וֹ כִּ֤י מִזַּרְעוֹ֙ נָתַ֣ן לַמֹּ֔לֶךְ לְמַ֗עַן טַמֵּא֙ אֶת־מִקְדָּשִׁ֔י וּלְחַלֵּ֖ל אֶת־שֵׁ֥ם קׇדְשִֽׁי׃

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Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Severity of the Sin

The verse (Vayikra 20:3) describes the severe punishment for one who gives their offspring to Molekh—a form of idolatry involving child sacrifice. Rashi explains that the phrase "וְהִכְרַתִּי אֹתוֹ מִקֶּרֶב עַמּוֹ" ("I will cut him off from among his people") refers to karet, a Divine punishment of spiritual excision, meaning the sinner's soul is severed from its connection to the Jewish people and the World to Come. The Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 6:3) emphasizes that this sin is among the gravest transgressions, as it combines idolatry with the destruction of human life.

Defilement of the Sanctuary and Profanation of Hashem's Name

The verse states that this act "טַמֵּא אֶת־מִקְדָּשִׁי וּלְחַלֵּל אֶת־שֵׁם קָדְשִׁי" ("defiles My sanctuary and profanes My holy name"). The Sifra (a halachic Midrash on Vayikra) explains that such a sin causes impurity to rest upon the Mishkan or Beit HaMikdash, even if performed in private. The Ibn Ezra adds that the desecration of Hashem's name occurs because this act represents a complete rejection of Divine authority, leading others to question the sanctity of Torah and mitzvot.

The Role of "Setting Hashem's Face" Against the Sinner

The phrase "וַאֲנִי אֶתֵּן אֶת־פָּנַי בָּאִישׁ הַהוּא" ("I will set My face against that man") is interpreted by the Ramban as an expression of Hashem's full attention to exact justice upon the transgressor. Unlike other sins where repentance may mitigate punishment, the Talmud (Sanhedrin 64a) teaches that certain idolatrous acts, like worshiping Molekh, are so severe that they are subject to harsher Divine scrutiny.

Halachic Implications and Historical Context

  • The Mishnah (Sanhedrin 7:7) rules that one who gives their child to Molekh is liable for capital punishment by stoning, highlighting the severity of this transgression.
  • The Midrash Tanchuma (Kedoshim 10) connects this sin to the moral decay of society, as it undermines the foundational sanctity of family and life itself.
  • Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:37) explains that Molekh worship was particularly abhorrent because it demanded the ultimate sacrifice—one's own child—demonstrating complete moral corruption.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 64b
The verse is discussed in the context of the prohibition against giving one's offspring to Molekh, emphasizing the severity of the sin and its consequences.
📖 Megillah 25a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the sanctity of God's name and the severe punishment for those who profane it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean to 'give of his seed to Molekh' in Leviticus 20:3?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Sanhedrin 64a), 'giving of his seed to Molekh' refers to the idolatrous practice of passing one's child through fire as part of worship to the pagan deity Molekh. This was a severe transgression strictly forbidden by the Torah.
Q: Why is the punishment so severe for worshiping Molekh?
A: The Rambam (Hilchos Avodah Zarah 6:3) explains that Molekh worship was particularly abhorrent because it involved child sacrifice, directly opposing the sanctity of life and family values central to Torah. Additionally, it defiled the sanctuary and profaned Hashem's name, making it one of the gravest sins.
Q: What does it mean that Hashem will 'set His face against that man'?
A: Rashi explains that 'setting His face' means Hashem will focus His attention on punishing this individual with strict justice, not showing any mercy for this intentional sin. The term implies direct divine judgment for this severe transgression.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: While we no longer face the temptation of Molekh worship, the Sages teach that this verse reminds us of the severity of abandoning Jewish values and embracing foreign ideologies that contradict Torah principles. It also emphasizes the sanctity of Jewish children and their proper upbringing in Torah traditions.
Q: What is the meaning of being 'cut off from among his people'?
A: The Talmud (Kerisos 2a) discusses that 'kareis' (being cut off) can refer to either premature death or spiritual excision from the Jewish people in the World to Come. This severe punishment reflects how seriously the Torah views sins that undermine the foundations of Jewish faith and practice.