King James Version

What Does Leviticus 20:22 Mean?

Leviticus 20:22 in the King James Version says “Ye shall therefore keep all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them: that the land, whither I bring you to dwell ... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Ye shall therefore keep all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them: that the land, whither I bring you to dwell therein, spue you not out.

Leviticus 20:22 · KJV


Context

20

And if a man shall lie with his uncle's wife, he hath uncovered his uncle's nakedness: they shall bear their sin; they shall die childless.

21

And if a man shall take his brother's wife, it is an unclean thing: he hath uncovered his brother's nakedness; they shall be childless. an: Heb. a separation

22

Ye shall therefore keep all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them: that the land, whither I bring you to dwell therein, spue you not out.

23

And ye shall not walk in the manners of the nation, which I cast out before you: for they committed all these things, and therefore I abhorred them.

24

But I have said unto you, Ye shall inherit their land, and I will give it unto you to possess it, a land that floweth with milk and honey: I am the LORD your God, which have separated you from other people.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ye shall therefore keep all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them: that the land, whither I bring you to dwell therein, spue you not out.

This verse falls within the section on Penalties for Disobedience. Punishments for violations of sexual and religious laws, emphasizing the seriousness of sin in God's holy community.


The New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Punishments for violations of sexual and religious laws, emphasizing the seriousness of sin in God's holy community. 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. How does understanding the purpose behind God's laws help you obey Him from the heart rather than mere duty?
  2. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
  3. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֤ם1 of 20

Ye shall therefore keep

H8104

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

אֶת2 of 20
H853

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

כָּל3 of 20
H3605

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

חֻקֹּתַי֙4 of 20

all my statutes

H2708

a statute

וְאֶת5 of 20
H853

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

כָּל6 of 20
H3605

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

מִשְׁפָּטַ֔י7 of 20

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 20

and do

H6213

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

אֹתָ֑ם9 of 20
H853

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

וְלֹֽא10 of 20
H3808

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

תָקִ֤יא11 of 20

therein spue you not out

H6958

to vomit

אֶתְכֶם֙12 of 20
H853

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

הָאָ֔רֶץ13 of 20

them that the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁ֨ר14 of 20
H834

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

אֲנִ֜י15 of 20
H589

i

מֵבִ֥יא16 of 20

whither I bring

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶתְכֶ֛ם17 of 20
H853

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

שָׁ֖מָּה18 of 20
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

לָשֶׁ֥בֶת19 of 20

you to dwell

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בָּֽהּ׃20 of 20
H0

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 20:22 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 20:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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