King James Version

What Does Leviticus 26:3 Mean?

Leviticus 26:3 in the King James Version says “If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them;” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 26:3 · 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.

5

And your threshing shall reach unto the vintage, and the vintage shall reach unto the sowing time: and ye shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely.

Read Leviticus 26 full chapter

Commentary

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

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.

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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. 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 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. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
אִם1 of 8
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

בְּחֻקֹּתַ֖י2 of 8

“in my statutes”

H2708

a statute

תֵּלֵ֑כוּ3 of 8
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וְאֶת4 of 8
H853

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

מִצְוֹתַ֣י5 of 8

“my commandments”

H4687

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

תִּשְׁמְר֔וּ6 of 8

“and keep”

H8104

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

וַֽעֲשִׂיתֶ֖ם7 of 8

“and do”

H6213

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

אֹתָֽם׃8 of 8
H853

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

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 26:3 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 26:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 1:19Deuteronomy 28:1-14Deuteronomy 11:13-15Psalms 81:12-16Isaiah 48:18-19Judges 2:1-2

Test Your Knowledge

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

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