Leviticus – Chapter 24

Old Testament23 Verses

Chapter Summary

Leviticus 24 opens with the words: "And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:" The chapter centers on Moses and Aaron. Across its 23 verses, two threads run through the text: family and covenant relationships and holiness. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:

2Command the children of Israel, that they bring unto thee the finest and clearest oil of olives, to furnish the lamps continually,

3Without the veil of the testimony in the tabernacle of the covenant. And Aaron shall set them from evening until morning before the Lord, by a perpetual service and rite in your generations.

4They shall be set upon the most pure candlestick before the Lord continually.

5Thou shalt take also fine flour, and shalt bake twelve loaves thereof, two tenths shall be in every loaf.

6And thou shalt set them six and six, one against another, upon the most clean table before the Lord.

7And thou shalt put upon them the clearest frankincense, that the bread may be for a memorial of the oblation of the Lord.

8Every sabbath they shall be changed before the Lord: being received of the children of Israel by an everlasting covenant.

9And they shall be Aaron's and his sons', that they may eat them in the holy place: because it is most holy of the sacrifices of the Lord by a perpetual right.

10And behold there went out the son of a woman of Israel, whom she had of an Egyptian, among the children of Israel: and fell at words in the camp with a man of Israel.

11And when he had blasphemed the name, and had cursed it, he was brought to Moses. (Now his mother was called Salumith, the daughter of Dabri, of the tribe of Dan.)

12And they put him into prison, till they might know what the Lord would command.

13And the Lord spoke to Moses,

14Saying: Bring forth the blasphemer without the camp: and let them that heard him, put their hands upon his head: and let all the people stone him.

15And thou shalt speak to the children of Israel: The man that curseth his God, shall bear his sin:

16And he that blasphemeth the name of the Lord, dying let him die. All the multitude shall stone him, whether he be a native or a stranger. He that blasphemeth the name of the Lord, dying let him die.

17He that striketh and killeth a man: dying let him die.

18He that killeth a beast, shall make it good that is to say, shall give beast for beast.

19He that giveth a blemish to any of his neighbours: as he hath done, so shall it be done to him:

20Breach for breach, eye for ere, tooth for tooth, shall he restore. What blemish he gave, the like shall he be compelled to suffer.

21He that striketh a beast, shall render another. He that striketh a man shall be punished.

22Let there be equal judgment among you, whether he be a stranger, or a native that offends: because I am the Lord your God.

23And Moses spoke to the children of Israel. And they brought forth him that had blasphemed, without the camp: and they stoned him. And the children of Israel did as the Lord had commanded Moses.

Important Verses in Leviticus 24

Without the veil of the testimony in the tabernacle of the covenant. And Aaron shall set them from evening until morning before the Lord, by a perpetual service and rite in your generations.

Leviticus 24:3

Every sabbath they shall be changed before the Lord: being received of the children of Israel by an everlasting covenant.

Leviticus 24:8

And they put him into prison, till they might know what the Lord would command.

Leviticus 24:12

Let there be equal judgment among you, whether he be a stranger, or a native that offends: because I am the Lord your God.

Leviticus 24:22

Historical Context

Leviticus belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for the priests (sons of Aaron) and the whole assembly of Israel. Chapter 24 of 27 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a legal and cultic instruction given to Israel regarding worship, holiness, and daily life with 23 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on Moses and Aaron, the principal figures named in this chapter. The chapter begins: "And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:" The final verse reads: "And Moses spoke to the children of Israel. And they brought forth him that had blasphemed, without the camp: and they…" The wider setting of Leviticus is this: Leviticus is the liturgical handbook of ancient Israel, given at Sinai to teach a newly freed people how to worship a holy God. Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of Leviticus around Core traditions from the wilderness period; final form by the 5th century BC.

Who Wrote It

Traditionally attributed to Moses; contains priestly legislation preserved by the Levitical priesthood

When It Was Written

Core traditions from the wilderness period; final form by the 5th century BC

Catholic Commentary

The text sets forth laws and observances that distinguished Israel as a people consecrated to the Lord. A pivotal line is verse 3: "Without the veil of the testimony in the tabernacle of the covenant. And Aaron shall set them from evening until morning before the Lord, by a perpetual…" The passage repeatedly touches on family and covenant relationships.

Catholic exegesis reads Leviticus 24 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. Catholic theology sees these sacrifices fulfilled in Christ's one perfect sacrifice (CIC 1539-1545). St. Augustine and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 1700).

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • 'Be holy, for I am holy': God calls His people to be set apart for Him in every area of life.
  • Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.

People in This Chapter

Moses5 mentionsAaron2 mentions

Reflection for Today

The late section of Leviticus—Chapter 24 of 27—opens a particular moment in the story of holiness, sacrifice, and priestly worship.

According to Catholic teaching, Catholic theology sees these sacrifices fulfilled in Christ's one perfect sacrifice (CIC 1539-1545). This chapter especially highlights care for the poor and vulnerable, a theme the Catechism develops in relation to the whole of revelation (CIC 302).

Let Leviticus Chapter 24 deepen your love for the Eucharist, where the Word made flesh continues to feed His people. The same Christ who speaks in Scripture offers Himself sacramentally on the altar.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Leviticus Chapter 24 about?

Leviticus 24 contains 23 verses. It opens with "And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:" and closes with "And Moses spoke to the children of Israel. And they brought forth him that had blasphemed, without the camp: and they…". The book as a whole is law and liturgical instruction.

What is a key verse in Leviticus 24?

One of the most significant verses is verse 3: "Without the veil of the testimony in the tabernacle of the covenant. And Aaron shall set them from evening until morning before the Lord, by a perpetual service and rite in your…" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Leviticus Chapter 24?

This chapter mentions Moses, Aaron.

Who wrote Leviticus and when?

Traditionally attributed to Moses; contains priestly legislation preserved by the Levitical priesthood. Core traditions from the wilderness period; final form by the 5th century BC.

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