King James Version

What Does Leviticus 18:30 Mean?

Leviticus 18:30 in the King James Version says “Therefore shall ye keep mine ordinance, that ye commit not any one of these abominable customs, which were committed bef... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Leviticus 18:30 · KJV


Context

28

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

29

For whosoever shall commit any of these abominations, even the souls that commit them shall be cut off from among their people.

30

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.


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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 help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  3. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֣ם1 of 16

Therefore shall ye keep

H8104

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

אֶת2 of 16
H853

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

מִשְׁמַרְתִּ֗י3 of 16

mine ordinance

H4931

watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (

לְבִלְתִּ֨י4 of 16
H1115

properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n

נַֽעֲשׂ֣וּ5 of 16

that ye commit

H6213

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

מֵֽחֻקּ֤וֹת6 of 16

customs

H2708

a statute

הַתּֽוֹעֵבֹת֙7 of 16

not any one of these abominable

H8441

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר8 of 16
H834

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

נַֽעֲשׂ֣וּ9 of 16

that ye commit

H6213

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

לִפְנֵיכֶ֔ם10 of 16

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וְלֹ֥א11 of 16
H3808

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

תִֽטַּמְּא֖וּ12 of 16

you and that ye defile

H2930

to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)

בָּהֶ֑ם13 of 16
H0
אֲנִ֖י14 of 16
H589

i

יְהוָ֥ה15 of 16

not yourselves therein I am the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם׃16 of 16

your God

H430

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


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 18:30 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 18:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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