King James Version

What Does Leviticus 18:3 Mean?

Leviticus 18:3 in the King James Version says “After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, wh... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you, shall ye not do: neither shall ye walk in their ordinances.

Leviticus 18:3 · KJV


Context

1

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

2

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, I am the LORD your God.

3

After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you, shall ye not do: neither shall ye walk in their ordinances.

4

Ye shall do my judgments, and keep mine ordinances, to walk therein: I am the LORD your God.

5

Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the LORD.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you, shall ye not do: neither shall ye walk in their ordinances.

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


Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

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. 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.

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 point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  3. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וּכְמַֽעֲשֵׂ֣ה1 of 21

After the doings

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

אֶֽרֶץ2 of 21

of the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרַ֛יִם3 of 21

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

אֲשֶׁ֥ר4 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יְשַׁבְתֶּם5 of 21

wherein ye dwelt

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בָּ֖הּ6 of 21
H0
לֹ֣א7 of 21
H3808

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

תַֽעֲשׂ֔וּ8 of 21

shall ye not do

H6213

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

וּכְמַֽעֲשֵׂ֣ה9 of 21

After the doings

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

אֶֽרֶץ10 of 21

of the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

כְּנַ֡עַן11 of 21

of Canaan

H3667

kenaan, a son a ham; also the country inhabited by him

אֲשֶׁ֣ר12 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אֲנִי֩13 of 21
H589

i

מֵבִ֨יא14 of 21

whither I bring

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶתְכֶ֥ם15 of 21
H853

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

שָׁ֙מָּה֙16 of 21
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

לֹ֣א17 of 21
H3808

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

תַֽעֲשׂ֔וּ18 of 21

shall ye not do

H6213

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

וּבְחֻקֹּֽתֵיהֶ֖ם19 of 21

in their ordinances

H2708

a statute

לֹ֥א20 of 21
H3808

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

תֵלֵֽכוּ׃21 of 21
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)


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 18:3 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 18:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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