King James Version

What Does Leviticus 19:3 Mean?

Leviticus 19:3 in the King James Version says “Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I am the LORD your God.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I am the LORD your God.”

Leviticus 19:3 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

1

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

2

Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.

3

Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I am the LORD your God.

4

Turn ye not unto idols, nor make to yourselves molten gods: I am the LORD your God.

5

And if ye offer a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD, ye shall offer it at your own will.

Read Leviticus 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I am the LORD your God.

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).


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

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. The tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  2. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
אִ֣ישׁ1 of 10

“every man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אִמּ֤וֹ2 of 10

“his mother”

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

וְאָבִיו֙3 of 10

“and his father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

תִּירָ֔אוּ4 of 10

“Ye shall fear”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

וְאֶת5 of 10
H853

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

שַׁבְּתֹתַ֖י6 of 10

“my sabbaths”

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

תִּשְׁמֹ֑רוּ7 of 10

“and keep”

H8104

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

אֲנִ֖י8 of 10
H589

i

יְהוָ֥ה9 of 10

“I am the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם׃10 of 10

“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 19:3 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 19:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 20:12Exodus 20:8Ephesians 6:1-3Hebrews 12:9Ezekiel 22:7-8Leviticus 11:44

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