King James Version

What Does Leviticus 18:5 Mean?

Leviticus 18:5 in the King James Version says “Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the LORD.” — 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: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the LORD.”

Leviticus 18:5 · KJV

Context

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

7

The nakedness of thy father, or the nakedness of thy mother, shalt thou not uncover: she is thy mother; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.

Read Leviticus 18 full chapter

Commentary

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

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 texts like the Code of Hammurabi show that law codes were common in the ancient Near East, but biblical law uniquely grounded ethics in God's character rather than merely social convention.

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 · 13 words
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֤ם1 of 13

“Ye shall therefore keep”

H8104

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

אֶת2 of 13
H853

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

חֻקֹּתַי֙3 of 13

“my statutes”

H2708

a statute

וְאֶת4 of 13
H853

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

מִשְׁפָּטַ֔י5 of 13

“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

אֲשֶׁ֨ר6 of 13

“which”

H834

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

יַֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה7 of 13

“do”

H6213

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

אֹתָ֛ם8 of 13
H853

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

הָֽאָדָ֖ם9 of 13

“if a man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

וָחַ֣י10 of 13

“he shall live”

H2425

to live; causatively to revive

בָּהֶ֑ם11 of 13
H0
אֲנִ֖י12 of 13
H589

i

יְהוָֽה׃13 of 13

“in them I am the LORD”

H3068

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

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 18:5 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 18:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 3:12Ezekiel 20:11Romans 10:5Ezekiel 20:21Ezekiel 20:13Luke 10:28

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Leviticus 18 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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