Answer
To be “cut off” is a form of relational separation in which a person is ostracized from a group or community. The concept of being “cut off” from one’s ethnic, social, political, or religious community has biblical roots and modern implications.
In the Old Testament, the concept of being “cut off” from Israel is a recurring theme, appearing as a divine sanction against those who are unfaithful to God. This punishment of being “cut off” is more than a matter of socioreligious ostracization; it also signifies being separated from the covenantal blessings promised to Israel. For instance, in Genesis 17:14, the Lord says, “Any uncircumcised male, who has not been circumcised in the flesh, will be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant.” Circumcision for the Hebrews, then, was not merely a physical act but a sign of active and willing participation in the Abrahamic Covenant.
The Law of Moses also touches on the concept of being “cut off” from one’s community. Israel was expected to maintain moral and spiritual purity before God and to obey Him. As Numbers 9:13 warns, “If anyone who is ceremonially clean and not on a journey fails to celebrate the Passover, they must be cut off from their people for not presenting the Lord’s offering at the appointed time. They will bear the consequences of their sin.” Other sinful actions leading to being “cut off” include worshiping other gods (Leviticus 20:3), consuming blood (Leviticus 17:10), breaking the Sabbath (Exodus 31:14), and disregarding the laws of ritual purity (Leviticus 7:21–21). In all, the law contained nineteen offenses that carried the penalty of being cut off. Obedience to God’s law was essential for remaining within the community of Israel.
Being cut off was a severe punishment for serious offenses against God. In some contexts, a person’s being cut off seems to have been synonymous with his death—as in the case of Molech-worship in Leviticus 20.
In the New Testament, the concept of being “cut off” evolves to reflect the New Covenant established by the finished work of Christ. While the Old Testament emphasized obedience to the law and the consequence of disobedience, the New Testament focuses on faith in Christ as the basis for inclusion in His church. The term cut off is not used, but a similar concept is found. Being “cut off” in the New Testament does not result in a removal from the covenant but entails being excommunicated or removed from the local church.
Paul addresses a situation in the church that required a member to be “cut off”: “It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you. . . . And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you. . . . But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or freed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. . . . Purge the evil person from among you” (1 Corinthians 5:1–2, 11–13, ESV). In this passage, the apostle urges the church to maintain the purity and integrity of their congregation. There is a need for self-discipline, repentance, and—when the repentance comes—restored fellowship.
