Leviticus 24:16 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

Bible Comments

He that blasphemeth the name of the Lord: this some make a distinct sin from cursing his God, mentioned Leviticus 24:15, but the difference they make seems arbitrary, and without evidence from reason, or the use of the words. And therefore this may be a repetition of the same sin in other words, which is common. And as this law is laid down in more general terms, Leviticus 24:15, so both the sin and the punishment are more particularly expressed, Leviticus 24:16. Or the first part of Leviticus 24:16 be an application of the former rule to the present case. And as for him that blasphemeth, &c., or is blaspheming, &c. in the present tense, which is fitly used concerning words just now uttered, and scarce yet out of their ears, he shall, &c. And so the following words, as well the stranger, & c., may be a repetition and amplification of the former law. All the congregation shall stone him, to show their zeal for God, and to beget in them the greater dread and abhorrency of blasphemy.

Leviticus 24:16

16 And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of the LORD, shall be put to death.