King James Version

What Does Leviticus 24:22 Mean?

Leviticus 24:22 in the King James Version says “Ye shall have one manner of law, as well for the stranger, as for one of your own country: for I am the LORD your God.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Ye shall have one manner of law, as well for the stranger, as for one of your own country: for I am the LORD your God.”

Leviticus 24:22 · KJV

Context

20

Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth: as he hath caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be done to him again.

21

And he that killeth a beast, he shall restore it: and he that killeth a man, he shall be put to death.

22

Ye shall have one manner of law, as well for the stranger, as for one of your own country: for I am the LORD your God.

23

And Moses spake to the children of Israel, that they should bring forth him that had cursed out of the camp, and stone him with stones. And the children of Israel did as the LORD commanded Moses.

Read Leviticus 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ye shall have one manner of law, as well for the stranger, as for one of your own country: for I am the LORD your God.

This verse falls within the section on Oil, Bread, and Blasphemy. Instructions for tabernacle maintenance and the account of a blasphemer's punishment, showing reverence for God's name.


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

Instructions for tabernacle maintenance and the account of a blasphemer's punishment, showing reverence for God's name. 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 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 · 11 words
מִשְׁפַּ֤ט1 of 11

“manner of law”

H4941

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

אֶחָד֙2 of 11

“Ye shall have one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

יִֽהְיֶ֣ה3 of 11
H1961

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

לָכֶ֔ם4 of 11
H0
כַּגֵּ֥ר5 of 11

“as well for the stranger”

H1616

properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner

כָּֽאֶזְרָ֖ח6 of 11

“as for one of your own country”

H249

a spontaneous growth, i.e., native (tree or persons)

יִֽהְיֶ֑ה7 of 11
H1961

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

כִּ֛י8 of 11
H3588

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

אֲנִ֥י9 of 11
H589

i

יְהוָ֖ה10 of 11

“for I am the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם׃11 of 11

“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 24:22 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 24:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 12:49Numbers 15:15-16Numbers 9:14Numbers 15:29Leviticus 19:34Leviticus 17:10

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 24 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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