King James Version

What Does Leviticus 20:8 Mean?

Leviticus 20:8 in the King James Version says “And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am the LORD which sanctify you.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 20:8 · KJV

Context

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.

10

And the man that committeth adultery with another man's wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.

Read Leviticus 20 full chapter

Commentary

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

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.
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

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. 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. How does God's holiness, as revealed in this verse, shape your understanding of worship, obedience, and daily living?
  2. How does understanding the purpose behind God's laws help you obey Him from the heart rather than mere duty?
  3. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם֙1 of 8

“And ye shall keep”

H8104

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

אֶת2 of 8
H853

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

חֻקֹּתַ֔י3 of 8

“my statutes”

H2708

a statute

וַֽעֲשִׂיתֶ֖ם4 of 8

“and do”

H6213

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

אֹתָ֑ם5 of 8
H853

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

אֲנִ֥י6 of 8
H589

i

יְהוָ֖ה7 of 8

“them I am the LORD”

H3068

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

מְקַדִּשְׁכֶֽם׃8 of 8

“which sanctify”

H6942

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

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 20:8 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 20:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

James 1:22Exodus 31:131 Thessalonians 5:232 Thessalonians 2:13Leviticus 21:8Matthew 7:24

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Leviticus 20 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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