What was “Israelitish” in Leviticus 24?

The term Israelitish in Leviticus 24:10 refers to a woman of Israelite descent who was the mother of a man involved in a significant and sobering episode during Israel’s wilderness journey. This woman is described as “an Israelitish woman whose father was an Egyptian” (Leviticus 24:10, KJV). Though the term “Israelitish” is used in older English translations, it simply designates someone who belonged to or was associated with the people of Israel, particularly by blood or national identity.

In this case, the Israelitish woman had a son by an Egyptian man. The identity of her son is not given by name, but his actions prompted one of the clearest statements in Scripture regarding the sin of blasphemy and the seriousness with which God regards His name.

The Hebrew word translated as Israelitish is יִשְׂרְאֵלִית (Yisre’elit), the feminine form of Israelite, pointing to national belonging. Her son, though part-Israelite, became the central figure in a divine judgment that reinforced the holiness of God among His covenant people.

Biblical References and Cross-References

• Leviticus 24:10-23 – The primary narrative concerning the Israelitish woman and her son.

• Exodus 20:7 – The third commandment forbidding the misuse of the Lord’s name.

• Numbers 15:32-36 – A similar account involving capital punishment for violating the Sabbath.

• Deuteronomy 21:18-21 – The legal framework for dealing with rebellious individuals.

• 1 Kings 21:10-13 – The case of Naboth, involving false accusation of blasphemy.

• Acts 5:1-11 – Ananias and Sapphira’s sin and the immediate divine judgment in the New Testament.

What Happened in the Bible?

In Leviticus 24:10-23, the son of the Israelitish woman and an Egyptian father went out among the people of Israel and got into a fight with an Israelite man. During the altercation, he blasphemed the Name with a curse—a grave sin in ancient Israel, as God‘s name represented His very character and presence among His people.

The blasphemer was taken into custody while the will of the Lord was sought. God instructed Moses that the man should be taken outside the camp and stoned to death by the congregation. This command was carried out, establishing a clear precedent: “Whoever blasphemes the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death” (Leviticus 24:16).

What It Means for Today’s Christians

For modern believers, this passage emphasizes the holiness of God and the weight of our words, especially those that speak of or to God. It reminds us that God‘s name is not to be taken lightly, and that His presence among His people demands reverence. While the civil and ceremonial laws of ancient Israel are not binding on the church today, the moral principle of honoring God’s name still stands (Matthew 6:9).

This account also challenges the church to consider how seriously we regard sin, particularly the sin of speech, which is often underestimated (James 3:5–10). The passage warns against the casual or irreverent use of God‘s name and reflects the broader call for purity among God‘s people.

How This Story Points to Jesus and the Gospel

The blasphemer in Leviticus 24 received judgment without mercy—a reflection of God’s holy justice under the Law. But in Jesus Christ, we see mercy triumph over judgment (James 2:13). Christ bore the curse of the Law for us (Galatians 3:13), including the penalty for every careless word spoken.

At His trial, Jesus Himself was accused of blasphemy (Matthew 26:65) because He claimed equality with God—a claim that was, in His case, completely true. Yet He was treated as a blasphemer so that actual blasphemers might be forgiven. The contrast between the blasphemer in Leviticus and the blasphemy charges against Jesus highlights the gospel: Jesus died in the place of sinners, including those who have misused God’s name, so they might be restored and made holy.

Broader Biblical Themes

The Holiness of God

This account underscores God‘s demand for holiness among His people, particularly in how they speak of Him. The name of the Lord is holy (Psalm 111:9), and treating it with contempt is an affront to His character.

Covenant Identity and Outsiders

The mixed heritage of the blasphemer (Israelite mother, Egyptian father) brings to light questions about belonging in the covenant community. Scripture does not condemn his mixed parentage but highlights that regardless of background, all who dwell among God‘s people are called to the same standard of reverence and obedience (Leviticus 24:22).

The Weight of Words

Scripture consistently teaches that words are powerful and that judgment comes for every careless or defiant utterance (Matthew 12:36). Blasphemy is not merely profanity—it is a direct assault on the character of God.

Justice and Mercy

The account in Leviticus shows the strict justice of the Old Covenant. In contrast, the New Covenant offers grace through Jesus Christ. Yet the underlying truth remains: God is not mocked, and sin must be dealt with—either by judgment or by the atonement provided in Christ.

Reflection Questions

1. How seriously do I take the name and character of God in my daily life and speech?

2. In what ways might I be guilty of misusing God‘s name, even subtly?

3. What does this passage teach me about the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin?

4. How does Jesus fulfill and surpass the justice shown in this account?

5. How can I grow in reverence and fear of the Lord, especially in how I speak?

This story of the Israelitish woman’s son is more than a historical account—it is a mirror to the human heart, a reminder of God’s holiness, and a pointer to the grace offered in Jesus Christ.