Leviticus 18:30

Authorized King James Version

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Therefore shall ye keep mine ordinance, that ye commit not any one of these abominable customs, which were committed before you, and that ye defile not yourselves therein: I am the LORD your God.

Original Language Analysis

וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֣ם Therefore shall ye keep H8104
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֣ם Therefore shall ye keep
Strong's: H8104
Word #: 1 of 16
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 2 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִשְׁמַרְתִּ֗י mine ordinance H4931
מִשְׁמַרְתִּ֗י mine ordinance
Strong's: H4931
Word #: 3 of 16
watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (
לְבִלְתִּ֨י H1115
לְבִלְתִּ֨י
Strong's: H1115
Word #: 4 of 16
properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n
נַֽעֲשׂ֣וּ that ye commit H6213
נַֽעֲשׂ֣וּ that ye commit
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 5 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
מֵֽחֻקּ֤וֹת customs H2708
מֵֽחֻקּ֤וֹת customs
Strong's: H2708
Word #: 6 of 16
a statute
הַתּֽוֹעֵבֹת֙ not any one of these abominable H8441
הַתּֽוֹעֵבֹת֙ not any one of these abominable
Strong's: H8441
Word #: 7 of 16
properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol
אֲשֶׁ֣ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 8 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נַֽעֲשׂ֣וּ that ye commit H6213
נַֽעֲשׂ֣וּ that ye commit
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 9 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
לִפְנֵיכֶ֔ם before H6440
לִפְנֵיכֶ֔ם before
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 10 of 16
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וְלֹ֥א H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 11 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִֽטַּמְּא֖וּ you and that ye defile H2930
תִֽטַּמְּא֖וּ you and that ye defile
Strong's: H2930
Word #: 12 of 16
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
בָּהֶ֑ם H0
בָּהֶ֑ם
Strong's: H0
Word #: 13 of 16
אֲנִ֖י H589
אֲנִ֖י
Strong's: H589
Word #: 14 of 16
i
יְהוָ֥ה not yourselves therein I am the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֥ה not yourselves therein I am the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 15 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם׃ your God H430
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם׃ your God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 16 of 16
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

Analysis & Commentary

Therefore shall ye keep mine ordinance, that ye commit not any one of these abominable customs, which were committed before you, and that ye defile not yourselves therein: I am the LORD your God.

This verse falls within the section on Unlawful Sexual Relations. Prohibitions against various sexual sins, distinguishing Israel from Canaanite practices and protecting family sanctity.


The New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with God.

Historical Context

Prohibitions against various sexual sins, distinguishing Israel from Canaanite practices and protecting family sanctity. Chapters 17-27, often called the 'Holiness Code,' expand covenant obligations beyond ritual to encompass all of life—sexuality, economics, justice, and relationships. The repeated refrain 'I am the LORD' grounds these laws in God's character and covenant relationship with Israel. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

Questions for Reflection

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