Leviticus 18:30

Authorized King James Version

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.

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

Within the broader context of Leviticus, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Leviticus.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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