7:20 uncleanness. See note on chs. 11–16.

be cut off. This language is a general expression for coming under God’s curse, the exact meaning of which is determined by the context of Scripture. It may mean the penalty of execution (e.g., Ex. 31:14–15) or of death without children (18:14, 29; cf. 20:20). In any event, God put the offender to death, with or without human agency.