King James Version

What Does Leviticus 18:4 Mean?

Leviticus 18:4 in the King James Version says “Ye shall do my judgments, and keep mine ordinances, to walk therein: I am the LORD your God.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 18:4 · KJV

Context

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.

6

None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to him, to uncover their nakedness: I am the LORD. near: Heb. remainder of his flesh

Read Leviticus 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ye shall do my judgments, and keep mine ordinances, to walk 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.


What Leviticus portrayed through types and shadows, Christ fulfilled in reality through His incarnation, perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection.

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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. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
אֶת1 of 11
H853

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

מִשְׁפָּטַ֧י2 of 11

“my judgments”

H4941

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

תַּֽעֲשׂ֛וּ3 of 11

“Ye shall do”

H6213

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

וְאֶת4 of 11
H853

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

חֻקֹּתַ֥י5 of 11

“mine ordinances”

H2708

a statute

תִּשְׁמְר֖וּ6 of 11

“and keep”

H8104

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

לָלֶ֣כֶת7 of 11
H1980

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

בָּהֶ֑ם8 of 11
H0
אֲנִ֖י9 of 11
H589

i

יְהוָ֥ה10 of 11

“therein I am the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם׃11 of 11

“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 18:4 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 18:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 18:2John 15:14Deuteronomy 6:1Ezekiel 20:19Leviticus 20:22Ezekiel 36:27

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