Movatterモバイル変換

Leviticus 17:10
And whatsoever manthere be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, that eateth any manner of blood; I will even set my face against that soul that eateth blood, and will cut him off from among his people.

Leviticus 20:6
And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.

Exodus 12:15
Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.

must be cut off from among his people
Being "cut off" implies a severe form of punishment, which could mean excommunication, banishment, or even death, depending on the context and the specific transgression. This phrase underscores the importance of maintaining the purity and holiness of the community, as the presence of sin could bring judgment upon the entire nation. The idea of being cut off is also seen inGenesis 17:14 regarding the covenant of circumcision, where failure to comply results in being cut off from the covenant community. This reflects the broader biblical theme of separation from sin and the necessity of holiness among God's people. The ultimate fulfillment of this principle is found in the New Testament, where Jesus Christ provides a way for reconciliation and restoration for those who repent and turn away from their sins.

“Therefore” ties this verse to the whole chapter that precedes it. God’s standards for sexual purity inLeviticus 18 are not suggestions; they are divine mandates grounded in His holiness (Leviticus 18:1–5). Because Israel is called to be distinct from the nations (Leviticus 20:26), the Lord concludes, “Therefore…”—a logical outcome of who He is and who they are. Paul echoes this kind of moral logic when he says, “Therefore, come out from among them and be separate” (2 Corinthians 6:17).

• The warning applies universally—male or female, leader or layperson (Deuteronomy 17:2–5).

• Personal accountability is emphasized; no one can claim ignorance (Romans 2:1–2).

• God’s law exposes sin in every heart, demonstrating the need for obedience and, ultimately, redemption (Galatians 3:22–24).

• “Abominations” refers to the specific sexual sins listed inLeviticus 18:6–23.

• The same word describes idolatry and injustice elsewhere (Deuteronomy 12:31;Proverbs 6:16–19), underscoring how seriously God views all rebellion.

• These practices defiled Canaan; Israel is warned not to imitate them (Leviticus 18:24–25;Ephesians 5:3).

• In the New Testament, believers are told to “abstain from sexual immorality” (1 Thessalonians 4:3–5), showing continuity of God’s moral expectations.

• “Cut off” signals severe covenant discipline. At minimum it includes exclusion from community life (Numbers 15:30–31). In some cases it culminates in capital punishment (Leviticus 20:11–13).

• The penalty reflects God’s justice and His desire to protect the covenant community from contagion of sin (1 Corinthians 5:6–7).

• Church discipline in the New Testament mirrors this principle, aiming for restoration but maintaining purity (Matthew 18:15–17;1 Corinthians 5:11–13).

• Holiness is communal. Sin affects the entire body (Joshua 7:1;1 Corinthians 12:26).

• Israel’s identity as God’s people demanded clear boundaries (Exodus 19:5–6).

• Believers today are likewise called “a chosen people” and must “be holy in all your conduct” (1 Peter 1:15–16; 2:9).

• The ultimate separation is eternal: the unrepentant are excluded from the kingdom, while the redeemed enjoy unbroken fellowship with God (Revelation 21:7–8, 27).

Leviticus 18:29 plainly states that anyone in Israel who practiced the forbidden sexual sins had to be removed from the covenant community. The verse roots this judgment in God’s holiness, applies it to every individual, labels the acts as abominations, prescribes cutting off as the penalty, and safeguards the purity of God’s people. Scripture consistently affirms that God’s moral standards do not change; therefore, His people must pursue holiness, practicing obedience and, where necessary, godly discipline, so that the community reflects His character to the world.

Shall be cut off.--That is, in case the transgression escapes the ken of the tribunal, God himself will inflict the punishment upon the criminals, since some of the crimes specified in this chapter are, according to Leviticus 20, to be visited with death by the hand of man.

Parallel Commentaries ...