Leviticus 19:37

Authorized King James Version

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Therefore shall ye observe all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them: I am the LORD.

Original Language Analysis

וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֤ם Therefore shall ye observe H8104
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֤ם Therefore shall ye observe
Strong's: H8104
Word #: 1 of 11
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 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 3 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
חֻקֹּתַי֙ all my statutes H2708
חֻקֹּתַי֙ all my statutes
Strong's: H2708
Word #: 4 of 11
a statute
וְאֶת H853
וְאֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 5 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 6 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מִשְׁפָּטַ֔י and all my judgments H4941
מִשְׁפָּטַ֔י and all my judgments
Strong's: H4941
Word #: 7 of 11
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
וַֽעֲשִׂיתֶ֖ם and do H6213
וַֽעֲשִׂיתֶ֖ם and do
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 8 of 11
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֹתָ֑ם H853
אֹתָ֑ם
Strong's: H853
Word #: 9 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲנִ֖י H589
אֲנִ֖י
Strong's: H589
Word #: 10 of 11
i
יְהוָֽה׃ them I am the LORD H3068
יְהוָֽה׃ them I am the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 11 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis & Commentary

Therefore shall ye observe all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them: I am the LORD.

This verse falls within the section on Various Laws of Holiness. Wide-ranging ethical and ceremonial laws, including the command to 'love your neighbor as yourself' (19:18).


The holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

Historical Context

Wide-ranging ethical and ceremonial laws, including the command to 'love your neighbor as yourself' (19:18). 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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