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Leviticus 20:5 - Divine rejection of Molekh worshipers

Leviticus 20:5 - ויקרא 20:5

Hebrew Text

וְשַׂמְתִּי אֲנִי אֶת־פָּנַי בָּאִישׁ הַהוּא וּבְמִשְׁפַּחְתּוֹ וְהִכְרַתִּי אֹתוֹ וְאֵת כָּל־הַזֹּנִים אַחֲרָיו לִזְנוֹת אַחֲרֵי הַמֹּלֶךְ מִקֶּרֶב עַמָּם׃

English Translation

then I will set my face against that man, and against his family, and will cut him off, and all that go astray after him, going astray after Molekh, from among their people.

Transliteration

Vesamti ani et-panay ba'ish hahu uvemishpachto vehichrati oto ve'et kol-hazonim acharev liznot acharei hamolekh mikerev amam.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְשַׂמְתִּ֨י אֲנִ֧י אֶת־פָּנַ֛י בָּאִ֥ישׁ הַה֖וּא וּבְמִשְׁפַּחְתּ֑וֹ וְהִכְרַתִּ֨י אֹת֜וֹ וְאֵ֣ת <b>׀</b> כׇּל־הַזֹּנִ֣ים אַחֲרָ֗יו לִזְנ֛וֹת אַחֲרֵ֥י הַמֹּ֖לֶךְ מִקֶּ֥רֶב עַמָּֽם׃
וְשַׂמְתִּ֨י אֲנִ֧י אֶת־פָּנַ֛י בָּאִ֥ישׁ הַה֖וּא וּבְמִשְׁפַּחְתּ֑וֹ וְהִכְרַתִּ֨י אֹת֜וֹ וְאֵ֣ת ׀ כׇּל־הַזֹּנִ֣ים אַחֲרָ֗יו לִזְנ֛וֹת אַחֲרֵ֥י הַמֹּ֖לֶךְ מִקֶּ֥רֶב עַמָּֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context and Meaning of the Verse

The verse (Vayikra 20:5) addresses the severe prohibition of worshiping Molekh, a pagan deity associated with child sacrifice. The Torah warns that Hashem will "set His face" against the individual and his family, cutting them off from the nation for this grave transgression. The term "cutting off" (כרת) implies both divine punishment and potential excision from the World to Come (Olam Haba), as discussed in Rambam's Hilchot Teshuvah (8:1).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi clarifies that "setting His face" means Hashem will direct His full attention to punish the offender, leaving no room for mercy. The inclusion of the family suggests that if they were complicit or failed to protest the sin, they share in the punishment. Rashi also notes that "all that go astray after him" refers to those who follow his example in idolatry, emphasizing the communal danger of spiritual corruption (Rashi on Vayikra 20:5).

Severity of Worshiping Molekh

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 64a) elaborates that Molekh worship was particularly abhorrent due to its association with child sacrifice, a practice utterly contrary to Jewish values. The Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Avodah Zarah 6:3) rules that this sin is punishable by karet (excision) and, in certain cases, the death penalty by the court.

Collective Responsibility

The mention of the family underscores the Torah's emphasis on communal accountability. The Midrash (Sifra Kedoshim 9:12) explains that a family's silence in the face of such a sin makes them accomplices. This aligns with the principle that "all of Israel are responsible for one another" (Shevuot 39a).

Spiritual Implications of "Karet"

  • Karet signifies a rupture in the soul's connection to Hashem and the Jewish people (Rambam, Hilchot Teshuvah 8:1).
  • The Zohar (III:57b) describes it as the soul being "cut off" from its divine root, losing its share in the World to Come.
  • Repentance (teshuvah) can avert this punishment, as taught in the Talmud (Yoma 85b).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 64b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the severity of idolatry, particularly the worship of Molekh, and the consequences for those who engage in such practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'setting My face against that man' mean in Leviticus 20:5?
A: When the verse says 'I will set My face against that man,' it means that Hashem will actively oppose and punish the person who worships Molekh. Rashi explains that this phrase indicates Hashem's full attention and strict judgment against such a severe sin.
Q: Why is worshiping Molekh such a serious sin in Judaism?
A: Worshiping Molekh was particularly severe because it involved child sacrifice, a complete rejection of Hashem's sanctity of life. The Rambam (Hilchos Avodah Zarah 6:3) teaches that this was one of the most abominable forms of idolatry, directly opposing the fundamental Jewish belief in the sanctity of human life.
Q: What does 'cutting off' mean in this verse?
A: The term 'cutting off' (karet) refers to a severe Divine punishment where the sinner loses their share in the World to Come (Olam Haba). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 64b) discusses how this applies to those who worship Molekh, emphasizing the gravity of this transgression.
Q: Why does the punishment extend to the family in Leviticus 20:5?
A: The punishment extends to the family because idolatry often became a family practice, with parents influencing children to sin. The Midrash (Sifra Kedoshim) explains that when a person leads others astray, especially family members, the consequences are more severe as it spreads corruption.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today if we don't worship Molekh?
A: While we don't face the temptation of Molekh worship today, the principle remains relevant: we must avoid any form of idolatry or beliefs that contradict Torah values. The Rambam teaches that putting anything (like money, fame, or desires) before serving Hashem is a modern form of idolatry we must guard against.