King James Version

What Does Leviticus 18:26 Mean?

Leviticus 18:26 in the King James Version says “Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations; neither any of you... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations; neither any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you:

Leviticus 18:26 · KJV


Context

24

Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you:

25

And the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants.

26

Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations; neither any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you:

27

(For all these abominations have the men of the land done, which were before you, and the land is defiled;)

28

That the land spue not you out also, when ye defile it, as it spued out the nations that were before you.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations; neither any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you:

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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. The tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding the purpose behind God's laws help you obey Him from the heart rather than mere duty?
  2. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  3. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֣ם1 of 15

Ye shall therefore keep

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

אַתֶּ֗ם2 of 15
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

אֶת3 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

חֻקֹּתַי֙4 of 15

my statutes

H2708

a statute

וְאֶת5 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מִשְׁפָּטַ֔י6 of 15

and my judgments

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

וְלֹ֣א7 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תַֽעֲשׂ֔וּ8 of 15

and shall not commit

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

מִכֹּ֥ל9 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַתּֽוֹעֵבֹ֖ת10 of 15

any of these abominations

H8441

properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol

הָאֵ֑לֶּה11 of 15
H428

these or those

הָֽאֶזְרָ֔ח12 of 15

neither any of your own nation

H249

a spontaneous growth, i.e., native (tree or persons)

וְהַגֵּ֖ר13 of 15

nor any stranger

H1616

properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner

הַגָּ֥ר14 of 15

that sojourneth

H1481

properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);

בְּתֽוֹכְכֶֽם׃15 of 15

among

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Leviticus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Leviticus 18:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Leviticus 18:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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