King James Version

What Does Leviticus 19:32 Mean?

Leviticus 19:32 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD.”

Leviticus 19:32 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

30

Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the LORD.

31

Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.

32

Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD.

33

And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him. vex: or, oppress

34

But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.

Read Leviticus 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD.

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 holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

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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. 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. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  2. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  3. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
פְּנֵ֣י1 of 10

“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

שֵׂיבָה֙2 of 10

“the hoary head”

H7872

old age

תָּק֔וּם3 of 10

“Thou shalt rise up”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

וְהָֽדַרְתָּ֖4 of 10

“and honour”

H1921

to swell up (literally or figuratively, active or passive); by implication, to favor or honor, be high or proud

פְּנֵ֣י5 of 10

“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

זָקֵ֑ן6 of 10

“of the old man”

H2205

old

וְיָרֵ֥אתָ7 of 10

“and fear”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

מֵּֽאֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ8 of 10

“thy 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

אֲנִ֥י9 of 10
H589

i

יְהוָֽה׃10 of 10

“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 19:32 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 19:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Timothy 5:1Lamentations 5:12Proverbs 16:31Proverbs 20:29Job 32:6Job 32:4

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 19 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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