Leviticus 18:26
Leviticus 18:26 in Multiple Translations
But you are to keep My statutes and ordinances, and you must not commit any of these abominations—neither your native-born nor the foreigner who lives among you.
Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations; neither any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you:
Ye therefore shall keep my statutes and mine ordinances, and shall not do any of these abominations; neither the home-born, nor the stranger that sojourneth among you
So then keep my rules and my decisions, and do not do any of these disgusting things, those of you who are Israelites by birth, or any others who are living with you:
You, however, must do what I tell you and keep my rules. You must not do any of these disgusting acts, whether an Israelite or a foreigner living among you.
Ye shall keepe therefore mine ordinances, and my iudgements, and commit none of these abominations, aswell hee that is of the same countrey, as the straunger that soiourneth among you.
and ye — ye have kept My statutes and My judgments, and do not [any] of all these abominations, the native and the sojourner who is sojourning in your midst,
You therefore shall keep my statutes and my ordinances, and shall not do any of these abominations; neither the native-born, nor the stranger who lives as a foreigner among you
Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations; neither any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you.
Keep ye my ordinances and my judgments, and do not any of these abominations: neither any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you.
You must all obey my laws and decrees. That includes you people who were born here and the foreigners who live among you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 18:26
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Leviticus 18:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/שְׁמַרְתֶּ֣ם
אַתֶּ֗ם
אֶת
חֻקֹּתַ/י֙
וְ/אֶת
מִשְׁפָּטַ֔/י
וְ/לֹ֣א
תַעֲשׂ֔וּ
מִ/כֹּ֥ל
הַ/תּוֹעֵבֹ֖ת
הָ/אֵ֑לֶּה
הָֽ/אֶזְרָ֔ח
וְ/הַ/גֵּ֖ר
הַ/גָּ֥ר
בְּ/תוֹכְ/כֶֽם
וּ/שְׁמַרְתֶּ֣ם
shâmar
H8104
to keep
Conj | V-Qal-2mp
אַתֶּ֗ם
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
חֻקֹּתַ/י֙
chuqqâh
H2708
statute
N-cp | Suff
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
מִשְׁפָּטַ֔/י
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
N-mp | Suff
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
תַעֲשׂ֔וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
מִ/כֹּ֥ל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
הַ/תּוֹעֵבֹ֖ת
tôwʻêbah
H8441
abomination
Art | N-fp
הָ/אֵ֑לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Art | Pron
הָֽ/אֶזְרָ֔ח
ʼezrâch
H249
born
Art | N-ms
וְ/הַ/גֵּ֖ר
gêr
H1616
sojourner
Conj | Art | N-ms
הַ/גָּ֥ר
gûwr
H1481
to sojourn
Art | V-Qal
בְּ/תוֹכְ/כֶֽם
tâvek
H8432
midst
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 18:26
וּ/שְׁמַרְתֶּ֣ם
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
Conj | V-Qal-2mp
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
אַתֶּ֗ם
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
חֻקֹּתַ/י֙
chuqqâh
H2708
"statute"
N-cp | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a statute or ordinance, often given by God to the Israelites. It appears in books like Leviticus and Numbers, outlining rules for sacrifices and festivals. These statutes helped the Israelites understand God's requirements.
Definition: 1) statute, ordinance, limit, enactment, something prescribed 1a) statute
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: appointed, custom, manner, ordinance, site, statute. See also: Genesis 26:5; Deuteronomy 28:15; Psalms 18:23.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מִשְׁפָּטַ֔/י
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
N-mp | Suff
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תַעֲשׂ֔וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
מִ/כֹּ֥ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הַ/תּוֹעֵבֹ֖ת
tôwʻêbah
H8441
"abomination"
Art | N-fp
The Hebrew word for abomination refers to something disgusting, like idolatry or unclean food, and is often used to describe wickedness in the Bible.
Definition: 1) a disgusting thing, abomination, abominable 1a) in ritual sense (of unclean food, idols, mixed marriages) 1b) in ethical sense (of wickedness etc)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: abominable (custom, thing), abomination. See also: Genesis 43:32; Proverbs 26:25; Psalms 88:9.
הָ/אֵ֑לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
הָֽ/אֶזְרָ֔ח
ʼezrâch
H249
"born"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to something or someone that is native or born in a place, like a tree that grows naturally or a person born in a certain country, as seen in the Bible when describing native Israelites.
Definition: 1) a native (one rising from the soil) 1a) of man, native Israelites 1b) of tree, native (to Israel)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: bay tree, (home-) born (in the land), of the (one's own) country (nation). See also: Exodus 12:19; Leviticus 24:16; Psalms 37:35.
וְ/הַ/גֵּ֖ר
gêr
H1616
"sojourner"
Conj | Art | N-ms
A sojourner is a foreigner or temporary resident, lacking inherited rights, but often given concessions in Israel. This term appears in the Bible to describe outsiders living among God's people.
Definition: 1) sojourner 1a) a temporary inhabitant, a newcomer lacking inherited rights 1b) of foreigners in Israel, though conceded rights
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: alien, sojourner, stranger. See also: Genesis 15:13; Deuteronomy 10:19; Psalms 39:13.
הַ/גָּ֥ר
gûwr
H1481
"to sojourn"
Art | V-Qal
This word means to fear or dread something, like the fear of God. It implies a sense of awe or reverence, like the fear that the disciples felt during the storm on the lake in Matthew 8:24. It can also mean to be a stranger or sojourner in a place.
Definition: 1) to sojourn, abide, dwell in, dwell with, remain, inhabit, be a stranger, be continuing, surely 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sojourn, dwell for a time 1a2) to abide, stay, temporarily dwell 1b) (Hithpolel) 1b1) to seek hospitality with 1b2) to assemble oneself
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: abide, assemble, be afraid, dwell, fear, gather (together), inhabitant, remain, sojourn, stand in awe, (be) stranger, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 12:10; 1 Kings 17:20; Psalms 5:5.
בְּ/תוֹכְ/כֶֽם
tâvek
H8432
"midst"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
Study Notes — Leviticus 18:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 18:26 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 18:26
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 18:26
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 18:26
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 18:26
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 18:26
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 18:26
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 18:26
- Sermons on Leviticus 18:26
Context — Unlawful Sexual Relations
24Do not defile yourselves by any of these practices, for by all these things the nations I am driving out before you have defiled themselves.
25Even the land has become defiled, so I am punishing it for its sin, and the land will vomit out its inhabitants.
26But you are to keep My statutes and ordinances, and you must not commit any of these abominations—neither your native-born nor the foreigner who lives among you.
27For the men who were in the land before you committed all these abominations, and the land has become defiled. 28So if you defile the land, it will vomit you out as it spewed out the nations before you.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 18:5 | Keep My statutes and My judgments, for the man who does these things will live by them. I am the LORD. |
| 2 | Leviticus 17:10 | If anyone from the house of Israel or a foreigner living among them eats any blood, I will set My face against that person and cut him off from among his people. |
| 3 | Leviticus 18:30 | You must keep My charge not to practice any of the abominable customs that were practiced before you, so that you do not defile yourselves by them. I am the LORD your God.” |
| 4 | Luke 11:28 | But He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 4:40 | Keep His statutes and commandments, which I am giving you today, so that you and your children after you may prosper, and that you may live long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you for all time. |
| 6 | Psalms 105:44–45 | He gave them the lands of the nations, that they might inherit the fruit of others’ labor, that they might keep His statutes and obey His laws. Hallelujah! |
| 7 | Luke 8:15 | But the seeds on good soil are those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, cling to it, and by persevering produce a crop. |
| 8 | Leviticus 17:8 | Tell them that if anyone from the house of Israel or any foreigner living among them offers a burnt offering or a sacrifice |
| 9 | John 14:15 | If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. |
| 10 | John 14:21–23 | Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him.” Judas (not Iscariot) asked Him, “Lord, why are You going to reveal Yourself to us and not to the world?” Jesus replied, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. |
Leviticus 18:26 Summary
Leviticus 18:26 is a reminder that God wants us to obey His commands and live a life that is pleasing to Him. This means avoiding sinful practices and living a life that is set apart for God, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 4:7. By keeping God's statutes and ordinances, we can avoid defiling ourselves and the land, and instead live a life that is holy and acceptable to Him, as taught in 2 Corinthians 7:1. As we strive to obey God's commands, we can also be a positive influence on those around us, including foreigners or outsiders, and help them to understand God's love and laws, as seen in Acts 10:34-35.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to keep God's statutes and ordinances in Leviticus 18:26?
Keeping God's statutes and ordinances means obeying His commands and laws as outlined in the Bible, such as those found in the book of Leviticus, and living a life that is pleasing to Him, as seen in Deuteronomy 5:33 and Psalm 119:1-2.
Why is it important to not commit the abominations mentioned in this verse?
Not committing these abominations is crucial because they defile both the individual and the land, as stated in Leviticus 18:24-25, and can lead to severe consequences, such as being vomited out of the land, as warned in Leviticus 18:28.
Who is included in the command to not commit these abominations in Leviticus 18:26?
The command to not commit these abominations includes both the native-born and the foreigner who lives among the people of God, emphasizing that all are equal before God and are expected to obey His laws, as also seen in Exodus 12:49 and Numbers 15:16.
How does this verse relate to the concept of holiness in the Bible?
This verse relates to the concept of holiness by emphasizing the importance of separating oneself from sinful practices and living a life that is set apart for God, as taught in Leviticus 20:26 and 1 Peter 1:15-16.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can keep God's statutes and ordinances in my daily life, and how can I ensure that I am not committing any abominations?
- How can I balance the command to not commit these abominations with the command to love and accept others, as seen in Matthew 22:37-40?
- In what ways can I, as a follower of God, be a positive influence on those around me, including foreigners or outsiders, and help them to understand God's laws and commands?
- What are some potential consequences of not obeying God's commands, and how can I avoid these consequences in my own life, as warned in Proverbs 1:24-31?
- How can I cultivate a heart of obedience and a desire to please God, rather than simply following rules and regulations, as encouraged in Romans 12:1-2?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 18:26
Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments,.... Before observed to them, whether of a ceremonial nature, and enjoined them according to his sovereign will and pleasure; or of a moral
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 18:26
Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you: In all these the nations are defiled ... Ancient history gives many appalling
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 18:26
Nor any stranger, in nation or religion, of what kind soever. For though they might not force them to submit to their religion, yet they might restrain them from the public contempt of the Jewish laws, and from the violation of natural laws, which besides the offence against God and nature, were matters of evil example and consequence to the Israelites themselves.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 18:26
Leviticus 18:26 Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit [any] of these abominations; [neither] any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you:Ver. 26. Ye shall therefore keep.] Unless ye be ambitious of a like destruction. Ye shall therefore keep my statutes.] Or else, it will be a horrible shame to you to live in my good land, and not to live by my good laws.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 18:26
(26) Ye shall therefore keep my statutes.—As the perpetration of the above named abominations entailed such disastrous consequences both to the land and to its inhabitants, the strict observance of the Divine statutes is enjoined upon all alike, whether they be Israelites by race or strangers who took up their abode amongst them and joined the Jewish community. (See Leviticus 17:9.)
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 18:26
24–30. See general note at the beginning of the ch. These vv. are probably expanded from earlier materials. After the warning in Leviticus 18:24 the standpoint changes, and the remainder of the passage is a reflection on the past, the verbs being really in the past tense, were defiled, was defiled, I visited, (the land) vomited.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 18:26
26. The stranger in all his moral conduct must be coerced into obedience. In his speculative religious beliefs he was left free. This was three thousand years before Roger Williams.
Sermons on Leviticus 18:26
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Daniel) ch.1:8-2:35 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of obeying God's commandments, even the seemingly minor ones. He references four passages of scripture that forbid certain act |
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Doing Something About It by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the seriousness of being in church and attending Bible conferences. He acknowledges the importance of fun, humor, and relaxation, but warns a |
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Evils of Postponed Living by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a heart that is willing to give and be generous. He shares a story of a man who withheld his money from a missionar |
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Experiencing Pentecost by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preparing oneself for Sunday service by getting enough rest on Saturday nights. He warns against engaging in long discussi |
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(Easter Convention 2008) Prayer in the New Testament - Part 1 by Gerhard Du Toit | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of preaching and teaching the word of God. He shares that sometimes he feels physically sick when speaking to large crowds, but |
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Storm-Proof Life by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:24-27. He emphasizes the importance of not only hearing the words of Jesus, but also putting them into pract |
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He That Being Often Reproved by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of spreading the message of God without hesitation or explanation. He references a story from the Bible where Jesus sends out |