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Leviticus 24:16 - Sacred name's severe sanctity

Leviticus 24:16 - ויקרא 24:16

Hebrew Text

וְנֹקֵב שֵׁם־יְהוָה מוֹת יוּמָת רָגוֹם יִרְגְּמוּ־בוֹ כָּל־הָעֵדָה כַּגֵּר כָּאֶזְרָח בְּנָקְבוֹ־שֵׁם יוּמָת׃

English Translation

And he who blasphemes the name of the Lord, shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: both the stranger, and he that is born in the land, when he blasphemes the name of the Lord, shall be put to death.

Transliteration

Venokev shem-Adonai mot yumat ragom yirgemu-vo kol-ha'edah kager ka'ezrach benakvo-shem yumat.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְנֹקֵ֤ב שֵׁם־יְהֹוָה֙ מ֣וֹת יוּמָ֔ת רָג֥וֹם יִרְגְּמוּ־ב֖וֹ כׇּל־הָעֵדָ֑ה כַּגֵּר֙ כָּֽאֶזְרָ֔ח בְּנׇקְבוֹ־שֵׁ֖ם יוּמָֽת׃
וְנֹקֵ֤ב שֵׁם־יְהֹוָה֙ מ֣וֹת יוּמָ֔ת רָג֥וֹם יִרְגְּמוּ־ב֖וֹ כׇּל־הָעֵדָ֑ה כַּגֵּר֙ כָּֽאֶזְרָ֔ח בְּנׇקְבוֹ־שֵׁ֖ם יוּמָֽת׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Severity of Blasphemy

The verse (Leviticus 24:16) establishes the severe prohibition of nokev shem Hashem (blaspheming the Name of Hashem), which carries the penalty of death by stoning. According to Rashi, this refers specifically to cursing the Divine Name using the Tetragrammaton (the ineffable Name of Hashem). The Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 2:7) explains that this sin is among the most severe because it demonstrates a complete rejection of Hashem's sovereignty.

The Legal Process and Equal Accountability

The verse emphasizes that both ger (stranger) and ezrach (native-born) are subject to the same law. Rashi notes that this underscores the principle of equality before the law—no distinction is made based on lineage or social status when it comes to this grave transgression. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 56a) further elaborates that this law applies universally, even to non-Jews under the Noahide laws.

The Role of the Congregation

The phrase "kol ha'edah" (the entire congregation) must participate in the execution, as derived from the words "ragom yirgemu bo" (they shall stone him). The Mechilta explains that this communal involvement serves as a deterrent and reinforces the severity of the sin. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 231) adds that such public accountability preserves the sanctity of Hashem's Name among the people.

Conditions for Punishment

  • Intentionality: The blasphemer must have acted deliberately (mezid), as inferred from the language of the verse (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 2:10).
  • Witnesses and Warning: The death penalty requires two valid witnesses and a prior warning (hatra'ah), as with all capital cases (Sanhedrin 56b).
  • Uttering the Divine Name: The blasphemy must involve the explicit pronunciation of the Tetragrammaton (Rambam, Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 2:8).

Spiritual Implications

The Midrash Tanchuma (Emor 14) teaches that blasphemy is not merely a verbal sin but an attack on the foundation of faith, as it denies Hashem's presence and authority. The Kli Yakar emphasizes that the public nature of the punishment serves to sanctify Hashem's Name in response to its desecration, fulfilling the principle of kiddush Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 56a
The verse is discussed in the context of the Noahide laws, specifically regarding the prohibition of blasphemy.
📖 Sanhedrin 60a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the laws of blasphemy and the punishment for it.
📖 Makkot 7a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the method of execution by stoning for blasphemy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean to 'blaspheme the name of the Lord' in Leviticus 24:16?
A: According to traditional Jewish sources like Rashi and the Talmud (Sanhedrin 56a), blasphemy in this verse refers to cursing or reviling the sacred name of Hashem (God) with intent. This includes pronouncing the Divine Name (the Tetragrammaton) in a disrespectful manner or denying God's existence in a way that shows contempt for His holiness.
Q: Why is the punishment for blasphemy so severe in the Torah?
A: The Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 2:7) explains that blasphemy is a direct attack on the foundation of faith and the sanctity of God's name. Since the Jewish people's covenant with God is based on recognizing His sovereignty, blasphemy undermines the entire Torah system. The severity reflects how seriously Judaism takes the honor of God's name.
Q: Does this law about blasphemy apply today?
A: While the death penalty for blasphemy is not carried out today (as we lack the Sanhedrin and Temple), the Torah's prohibition remains eternally binding. The Chofetz Chaim (in his works on proper speech) teaches that we must still be extremely careful to avoid any form of disrespect toward God's name, including casual or careless speech about holy matters.
Q: Why does the verse mention both 'the stranger and the native-born' regarding blasphemy?
A: Rashi explains that this teaches the law applies equally to all - Jews and righteous converts alike. The Midrash (Sifra) adds that this emphasizes how fundamental respect for God's name is to Jewish society, regardless of one's background. Everyone who accepts the Torah's laws is equally responsible for maintaining the sanctity of God's name.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from Leviticus 24:16 today?
A: The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 231) derives from this verse that we must cultivate awe and respect for God's name in our daily lives. This includes being careful with our speech about holy matters, treating Torah texts with respect, and avoiding any behavior that could lead to desecration of God's name (chillul Hashem).