King James Version

What Does Leviticus 20:7 Mean?

Leviticus 20:7 in the King James Version says “Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God.”

Leviticus 20:7 · KJV

Context

5

Then I will set my face against that man, and against his family, and will cut him off, and all that go a whoring after him, to commit whoredom with Molech, from among their people.

6

And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.

7

Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God.

8

And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am the LORD which sanctify you.

9

For every one that curseth his father or his mother shall be surely put to death: he hath cursed his father or his mother; his blood shall be upon him.

Read Leviticus 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God.

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 central theme of Leviticus is God's holiness and the call for His people to be holy. The Hebrew word qadosh (קָדוֹשׁ) means 'set apart' or 'sacred,' emphasizing both separation from sin and consecration to God's purposes.
The New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with God.

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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. 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 God's holiness, as revealed in this verse, shape your understanding of worship, obedience, and daily living?
  2. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  3. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וְהִ֨תְקַדִּשְׁתֶּ֔ם1 of 7

“Sanctify”

H6942

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

וִֽהְיִיתֶ֖ם2 of 7
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

קְדֹשִׁ֑ים3 of 7

“yourselves therefore and be ye holy”

H6918

sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

כִּ֛י4 of 7
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֲנִ֥י5 of 7
H589

i

יְהוָ֖ה6 of 7

“for I am the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם׃7 of 7

“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 20:7 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 20:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 11:44Leviticus 19:21 Peter 1:15-16Ephesians 1:4Colossians 3:121 Thessalonians 4:7

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