Leviticus 18:4
Leviticus 18:4 in Multiple Translations
You are to practice My judgments and keep My statutes by walking in them. I am the LORD your God.
Ye shall do my judgments, and keep mine ordinances, to walk therein: I am the LORD your God.
Mine ordinances shall ye do, and my statutes shall ye keep, to walk therein: I am Jehovah your God.
But you are to be guided by my decisions and keep my rules, and be guided by them: I am the Lord your God.
Do what I tell you and keep my rules. I am the Lord your God.
But do after my iudgements, and keepe mine ordinances, to walke therein: I am the Lord your God.
'My judgments ye do, and My statutes ye keep, to walk in them; I [am] Jehovah your God;
You shall do my ordinances. You shall keep my statutes and walk in them. I am the LORD your God.
Ye shall perform my judgments, and keep my ordinances, to walk in them; I am the LORD your God.
You shall do my judgments, and shall observe my precepts, and shall walk in them. I am the Lord your God.
You must obey all of my laws [DOU], because it is I, Yahweh your God, who am commanding those laws.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 18:4
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 18:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֶת
מִשְׁפָּטַ֧/י
תַּעֲשׂ֛וּ
וְ/אֶת
חֻקֹּתַ֥/י
תִּשְׁמְר֖וּ
לָ/לֶ֣כֶת
בָּ/הֶ֑ם
אֲנִ֖י
יְהוָ֥ה
אֱלֹהֵי/כֶֽם
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מִשְׁפָּטַ֧/י
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
N-mp | Suff
תַּעֲשׂ֛וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
חֻקֹּתַ֥/י
chuqqâh
H2708
statute
N-cp | Suff
תִּשְׁמְר֖וּ
shâmar
H8104
to keep
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
לָ/לֶ֣כֶת
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
בָּ/הֶ֑ם
Prep | Suff
אֲנִ֖י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֱלֹהֵי/כֶֽם
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 18:4
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.
מִשְׁפָּטַ֧/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.
תַּעֲשׂ֛וּ
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.
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.
חֻקֹּתַ֥/י
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.
תִּשְׁמְר֖וּ
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
V-Qal-Imperf-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.
לָ/לֶ֣כֶת
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
בָּ/הֶ֑ם
""
Prep | Suff
אֲנִ֖י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהֵי/כֶֽם
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
Study Notes — Leviticus 18:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 18:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 18:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 18:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 18:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 18:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 18:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 18:4
- Sermons on Leviticus 18:4
Context — Unlawful Sexual Relations
2“Speak to the Israelites and tell them: I am the LORD your God.
3You must not follow the practices of the land of Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not follow the practices of the land of Canaan, into which I am bringing you. You must not walk in their customs.
4You are to practice My judgments and keep My statutes by walking in them. I am the LORD your God.
5Keep My statutes and My judgments, for the man who does these things will live by them. I am the LORD. 6None of you are to approach any close relative to have sexual relations. I am the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 18:2 | “Speak to the Israelites and tell them: I am the LORD your God. |
| 2 | Leviticus 18:26 | 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. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 20:19 | I am the LORD your God; walk in My statutes, keep My ordinances, and practice them. |
| 4 | Leviticus 20:22 | You are therefore to keep all My statutes and ordinances, so that the land where I am bringing you to live will not vomit you out. |
| 5 | John 15:14 | You are My friends if you do what I command you. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 6:1 | These are the commandments and statutes and ordinances that the LORD your God has instructed me to teach you to follow in the land that you are about to enter and possess, |
| 7 | Leviticus 19:37 | You must keep all My statutes and all My ordinances and follow them. I am the LORD.” |
| 8 | Ezekiel 36:27 | And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances. |
| 9 | Psalms 119:4 | You have ordained Your precepts, that we should keep them diligently. |
| 10 | Psalms 105:45 | that they might keep His statutes and obey His laws. Hallelujah! |
Leviticus 18:4 Summary
Leviticus 18:4 is a reminder that God wants us to obey and live by His rules and standards. This means we should try to follow His commands and principles in every area of our lives, as taught in Psalm 119:1-3. By doing so, we can show our love and obedience to God, and we can also experience a blessed life, as promised in Leviticus 18:5 and Deuteronomy 28:1-14. As we strive to practice God's judgments and keep His statutes, we can trust that He will guide and empower us, as promised in Psalm 32:8 and Proverbs 3:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'practice My judgments' in Leviticus 18:4?
To practice God's judgments means to obey and live by His rules and standards, as seen in Leviticus 18:4, which is similar to what is taught in Deuteronomy 5:1 and Psalm 119:4-6.
Why is it important to 'keep My statutes' as mentioned in Leviticus 18:4?
Keeping God's statutes is crucial because it shows our love and obedience to Him, as Jesus taught in John 14:15, and it also leads to a blessed life, as promised in Leviticus 18:5 and Deuteronomy 28:1-14.
What is the significance of God saying 'I am the LORD your God' in Leviticus 18:4?
When God says 'I am the LORD your God', He is reminding the Israelites of His covenant relationship with them, as established in Exodus 20:2 and Deuteronomy 5:6, and He is also emphasizing His authority and power as their God.
How can we 'walk in' God's statutes as mentioned in Leviticus 18:4?
To walk in God's statutes means to live a life that is guided by His commands and principles, as taught in Psalm 119:1-3 and Micah 6:8, and it requires a deliberate choice to follow God's ways and not our own desires or the world's standards.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to practice God's judgments and keep His statutes, as mentioned in Leviticus 18:4?
- How can I ensure that I am walking in God's statutes and not following my own ways or the world's standards?
- What are some ways that I can show my love and obedience to God by keeping His statutes, as taught in Leviticus 18:4 and John 14:15?
- What are some potential consequences of not practicing God's judgments and keeping His statutes, as warned in Leviticus 18:3 and Deuteronomy 28:15-68?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 18:4
Ye shall do my judgments,.... Which are just and right, and according to the rules of justice and equity; these are things, as Jarchi observes, which are said in the law with judgment, or are laws
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 18:4
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, I am the LORD your God. I am the Lord your God.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 18:4
My judgments and mine ordinances; mine universally, ; for though the words be indefinite, the matter is necessary; and mine solely, , compared with , and therefore those that here follow, though you do not see the particular reason of some of them, and though they be contrary to the laws and usages of the nations.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 18:4
Leviticus 18:4 Ye shall do my judgments, and keep mine ordinances, to walk therein: I [am] the LORD your God.Ver. 4. To walk therein.] Not to halt therein, nor to take a turn or two, or for a while, as Samson went with his parents till he met with a honeycomb; but indesinenter ambulabo, as David saith, "Walk, and not be weary; run, and not faint," as those in Isaiah 40:31. "So run, that ye may obtain," saith the apostle.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 18:4
(4) Ye shall do my judgments.—The expression “my judgments and mine ordinances” is here used emphatically, in opposition to “their ordinances,” and has here the force of Mine only; just as the phrase “Him shalt thou serve” (Deuteronomy 6:13) is explained by Christ “Him only shalt thou serve” (Matthew 4:10).
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 18:4
4. Judgments — Judicial utterances or legal precepts.
Sermons on Leviticus 18:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Through the Bible) Leviticus 16-20 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the moral decay and corruption in society, particularly in relation to the portrayal of sinful acts in movies. He emphasizes that God's peopl |
|
Baby Jesus by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the topic of baby Jesus and the growth of the baby. He emphasizes the importance of giving time to God and feeding our spirits through worshi |
|
The Way to Paradise by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of believing in the word of God and accepting Jesus as one's advocate. He encourages the listeners to come out on God's side |
|
(Genesis) 32 - the Sign of the Abrahamic Covenant by S. Lewis Johnson | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the marks of a true believer and the evidence of God's work in their heart and daily life. The sermon begins by discussing the structure of |
|
The Story of Esther by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker begins by asking the congregation what God has been arranging in their lives and what they are being set up for. He emphasizes the importance of being i |
|
Christ's Very Own - Part 2 by Ian Paisley | This sermon reflects on the tragic betrayal and rejection of Jesus by those who should have been His friends, drawing parallels to the story of Abraham being called the friend of G |
|
Bath Basin Bosom by James A. Stewart | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the challenges faced by believers during times of war and upheaval. He shares personal experiences of living through World War II and witnes |