King James Version

What Does Leviticus 26:2 Mean?

Leviticus 26:2 in the King James Version says “Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the LORD.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the LORD.”

Leviticus 26:2 · KJV

Context

1

Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the LORD your God. standing: or, pillar image of: or, figured stone: Heb. a stone of picture

2

Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the LORD.

3

If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them;

4

Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.

Read Leviticus 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the LORD.

This verse falls within the section on Blessings and Curses. Covenant blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, establishing consequences of Israel's covenant relationship.


The holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Covenant blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, establishing consequences of Israel's covenant relationship. 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. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  2. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
אֶת1 of 7
H853

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

שַׁבְּתֹתַ֣י2 of 7

“my sabbaths”

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

תִּשְׁמֹ֔רוּ3 of 7

“Ye shall keep”

H8104

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

וּמִקְדָּשִׁ֖י4 of 7

“my sanctuary”

H4720

a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum

תִּירָ֑אוּ5 of 7

“and reverence”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

אֲנִ֖י6 of 7
H589

i

יְהוָֽה׃7 of 7

“I am the LORD”

H3068

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

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 26:2 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 26:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 19:30

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 26 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Leviticus 26 with CommentaryAll Leviticus ChaptersComplete Leviticus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes