King James Version

What Does Leviticus 19:17 Mean?

Leviticus 19:17 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him. and: or, that thou bear not sin for him”

Leviticus 19:17 · KJV

Context

15

Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.

16

Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the LORD.

17

Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him. and: or, that thou bear not sin for him

18

Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.

19

Ye shall keep my statutes. Thou shalt not let thy cattle gender with a diverse kind: thou shalt not sow thy field with mingled seed: neither shall a garment mingled of linen and woollen come upon thee.

Read Leviticus 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.

This verse falls within the section on Various Laws of Holiness. Wide-ranging ethical and ceremonial laws, including the command to 'love your neighbor as yourself' (19:18).


The access to God's presence that Leviticus carefully regulated is now freely available through Christ's blood, tearing the veil and opening the way to God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Wide-ranging ethical and ceremonial laws, including the command to 'love your neighbor as yourself' (19:18). 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. Archaeological discoveries at sites like Ugarit reveal Canaanite religious practices Israel's laws explicitly rejected, confirming the Bible's historical reliability and the distinctiveness of Israelite worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ's atoning sacrifice and the seriousness of sin?
  2. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  3. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
לֹֽא1 of 13
H3808

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

תִשְׂנָ֥א2 of 13

“Thou shalt not hate”

H8130

to hate (personally)

אֶת3 of 13
H853

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

אָחִ֖יךָ4 of 13

“thy brother”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

בִּלְבָבֶ֑ךָ5 of 13

“in thine heart”

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

תּוֹכִ֙יחַ֙6 of 13

“rebuke”

H3198

to be right (i.e., correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict

תּוֹכִ֙יחַ֙7 of 13

“rebuke”

H3198

to be right (i.e., correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict

אֶת8 of 13
H853

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

עֲמִיתֶ֔ךָ9 of 13

“thy neighbour”

H5997

companionship; hence (concretely) a comrade or kindred man

וְלֹֽא10 of 13
H3808

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

תִשָּׂ֥א11 of 13

“and not suffer”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

עָלָ֖יו12 of 13
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

חֵֽטְא׃13 of 13

“sin”

H2399

a crime or its penalty

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 19:17 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 19:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 John 2:91 John 2:11Luke 17:3Proverbs 27:5-61 John 3:12-15Galatians 6:1

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