King James Version

What Does Leviticus 22:32 Mean?

Leviticus 22:32 in the King James Version says “Neither shall ye profane my holy name; but I will be hallowed among the children of Israel: I am the LORD which hallow y...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Neither shall ye profane my holy name; but I will be hallowed among the children of Israel: I am the LORD which hallow you,”

Leviticus 22:32 · KJV

Context

30

On the same day it shall be eaten up; ye shall leave none of it until the morrow: I am the LORD.

31

Therefore shall ye keep my commandments, and do them: I am the LORD.

32

Neither shall ye profane my holy name; but I will be hallowed among the children of Israel: I am the LORD which hallow you,

33

That brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am the LORD.

Read Leviticus 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Neither shall ye profane my holy name; but I will be hallowed among the children of Israel: I am the LORD which hallow you,

This verse falls within the section on Acceptable Sacrifices. Requirements for acceptable sacrifices and those who may eat sacred offerings, maintaining sacrifice quality.

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 access to God's presence that Leviticus carefully regulated is now freely available through Christ's blood, tearing the veil and opening the way to God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Requirements for acceptable sacrifices and those who may eat sacred offerings, maintaining sacrifice quality. 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 Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

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 this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  3. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְלֹ֤א1 of 12
H3808

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

תְחַלְּלוּ֙2 of 12

“Neither shall ye profane”

H2490

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

אֶת3 of 12
H853

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

שֵׁ֣ם4 of 12

“name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

קָדְשִׁ֔י5 of 12

“my holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

מְקַדִּשְׁכֶֽם׃6 of 12

“but I will be hallowed”

H6942

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

בְּת֖וֹךְ7 of 12

“among”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

בְּנֵ֣י8 of 12

“the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל9 of 12

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אֲנִ֥י10 of 12
H589

i

יְהוָ֖ה11 of 12

“I am the LORD”

H3068

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

מְקַדִּשְׁכֶֽם׃12 of 12

“but I will be hallowed”

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 22:32 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 22:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 11:2Leviticus 18:21Matthew 6:9Leviticus 22:2John 17:17Leviticus 10:3

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Leviticus 22 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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