King James Version

What Does Leviticus 19:37 Mean?

Leviticus 19:37 in the King James Version says “Therefore shall ye observe all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them: I am the LORD.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Therefore shall ye observe all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them: I am the LORD.”

Leviticus 19:37 · KJV

Context

35

Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in meteyard, in weight, or in measure.

36

Just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin, shall ye have: I am the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt. weights: Heb. stones

37

Therefore shall ye observe all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them: I am the LORD.

Read Leviticus 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Therefore shall ye observe all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them: 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 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 help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  3. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֤ם1 of 11

“Therefore shall ye observe”

H8104

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

אֶת2 of 11
H853

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

כָּל3 of 11
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

חֻקֹּתַי֙4 of 11

“all my statutes”

H2708

a statute

וְאֶת5 of 11
H853

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

כָּל6 of 11
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מִשְׁפָּטַ֔י7 of 11

“and all my judgments”

H4941

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

וַֽעֲשִׂיתֶ֖ם8 of 11

“and do”

H6213

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

אֹתָ֑ם9 of 11
H853

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

אֲנִ֖י10 of 11
H589

i

יְהוָֽה׃11 of 11

“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 19:37 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 19:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 8:1Leviticus 18:4-5Deuteronomy 5:11 John 3:22-23Psalms 119:4Deuteronomy 6:1-2

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