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Leviticus 19:2

Leviticus 19:2 in Multiple Translations

“Speak to the whole congregation of Israel and tell them: Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.

Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.

Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy; for I Jehovah your God am holy.

Say to all the people of Israel, You are to be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy.

“Tell all the Israelites: You must be holy because I am holy; I am the Lord your God.

Speake vnto all the Congregation of the children of Israel, and say vnto them, Ye shalbe holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.

'Speak unto all the company of the sons of Israel, and thou hast said unto them, Ye are holy, for holy [am] I, Jehovah, your God.

“Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and tell them, ‘You shall be holy; for I, the LORD your God, am holy.

Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.

Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and thou shalt say to them: Be ye holy, because I the Lord your God am holy.

“Speak to all the people of Israel and tell them this: You must be holy, because I, Yahweh your God, am holy, and I want you to be like me.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 19:2

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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 19:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB דַּבֵּ֞ר אֶל כָּל עֲדַ֧ת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל וְ/אָמַרְתָּ֥ אֲלֵ/הֶ֖ם קְדֹשִׁ֣ים תִּהְי֑וּ כִּ֣י קָד֔וֹשׁ אֲנִ֖י יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵי/כֶֽם
דַּבֵּ֞ר dâbar H1696 to speak V-Piel-Impv-2ms
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms
עֲדַ֧ת ʻêdâh H5712 congregation N-fs
בְּנֵי bên H1121 son N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper
וְ/אָמַרְתָּ֥ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-2ms
אֲלֵ/הֶ֖ם ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff
קְדֹשִׁ֣ים qâdôwsh H6918 holy Adj
תִּהְי֑וּ hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj
קָד֔וֹשׁ qâdôwsh H6918 holy Adj
אֲנִ֖י ʼănîy H589 I Pron
יְהוָ֥ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
אֱלֹהֵי/כֶֽם ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 19:2

דַּבֵּ֞ר dâbar H1696 "to speak" V-Piel-Impv-2ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
כָּל kôl H3605 "all" 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.
עֲדַ֧ת ʻêdâh H5712 "congregation" N-fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gathering of people, like a congregation or crowd, often referring to a group of Israelites. It is used in various books, including Exodus and Psalms. The word is about people coming together.
Definition: congregation, gathering
Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: assembly, company, congregation, multitude, people, swarm. Compare H5713 (עֵדָה). See also: Exodus 12:3; Numbers 20:1; Psalms 1:5.
בְּנֵי bên H1121 "son" N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
וְ/אָמַרְתָּ֥ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-2ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֲלֵ/הֶ֖ם ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
קְדֹשִׁ֣ים qâdôwsh H6918 "holy" Adj
Holy means set apart or sacred, used to describe God, angels, and saints. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things or people dedicated to God's service, like the Temple in Jerusalem or the prophets who spoke on God's behalf.
Definition: : holy sacred, holy, Holy One, saint, set apart
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: holy (One), saint. See also: Exodus 19:6; Psalms 89:19; Psalms 16:3.
תִּהְי֑וּ hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כִּ֣י kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
קָד֔וֹשׁ qâdôwsh H6918 "holy" Adj
Holy means set apart or sacred, used to describe God, angels, and saints. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things or people dedicated to God's service, like the Temple in Jerusalem or the prophets who spoke on God's behalf.
Definition: : holy sacred, holy, Holy One, saint, set apart
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: holy (One), saint. See also: Exodus 19:6; Psalms 89:19; Psalms 16:3.
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 19:2

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context — Commandments for Holiness

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Leviticus 11:44–45 For I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, because I am holy. You must not defile yourselves by any creature that crawls along the ground. For I am the LORD, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt so that I would be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy.
2 Leviticus 20:7 Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, because I am the LORD your God.
3 1 Peter 1:15–16 But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
4 2 Corinthians 6:14–16 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.”
5 Matthew 5:48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
6 Leviticus 20:26 You are to be holy to Me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be My own.
7 2 Corinthians 7:1 Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
8 Exodus 19:6 And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you are to speak to the Israelites.”
9 Leviticus 21:8 You are to regard him as holy, since he presents the food of your God. He shall be holy to you, because I the LORD am holy—I who set you apart.
10 Isaiah 6:3–4 And they were calling out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.” At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook, and the temple was filled with smoke.

Leviticus 19:2 Summary

[Leviticus 19:2 reminds us that God is holy, and He wants us to be holy too. This means living a life that is set apart for God's purposes and reflecting His character, as seen in 1 Peter 1:15-16. To be holy, we need to obey God's commands and strive to be like Him in our thoughts, words, and actions, just as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:48. By doing so, we can deepen our relationship with God and live a life that honors Him.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be holy as God is holy?

To be holy means to be set apart for God's purposes and to reflect His character, as seen in Leviticus 19:2 and 1 Peter 1:15-16. This is a call to live a life that is pleasing to God and distinct from the world.

Is it possible for humans to be as holy as God?

While humans can never achieve God's level of holiness, we are called to strive for holiness in our thoughts, words, and actions, as stated in Leviticus 19:2 and reinforced in Matthew 5:48. This is a lifelong process of surrender and obedience to God.

How does God's holiness impact our relationship with Him?

God's holiness reminds us of His majesty, power, and righteousness, and it should inspire reverence, worship, and a desire to obey Him, as seen in Isaiah 6:1-5 and Psalm 111:9. This, in turn, deepens our relationship with Him and motivates us to live a life that honors Him.

What role does obedience play in being holy?

Obedience to God's commands is essential to living a holy life, as stated in Leviticus 19:2 and emphasized in John 14:15 and 1 John 2:3-6. By obeying God's commands, we demonstrate our love for Him and our commitment to living a life that is pleasing to Him.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I need to be set apart for God's purposes, and how can I take steps to make that happen?
  2. How can I cultivate a deeper understanding of God's holiness and its implications for my daily life?
  3. In what ways can I reflect God's character in my relationships, work, and community, and what changes do I need to make to be more like Him?
  4. What are some practical ways I can obey God's commands and live a life that is pleasing to Him, and how can I stay accountable to this calling?

Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 19:2

Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel,.... They could not be all spoke to together, but tribe after tribe, or family after family; or rather the heads of the tribes, and at most

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 19:2

Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy. Speak unto all the congregation.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 19:2

Ye shall be holy, separated from all the forementioned defilements, and entirely consecrated to God, and obedient to all his laws and statutes. I the Lord your God am holy, both in my essence, and in all my laws, which are holy and just and good, and in all my actions; whereas the gods of the heathens are unholy both in their laws and institutions, whereby they allow and require filthy and abominable actions; and in their practices, some of them having given wicked examples to their worshippers.

Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 19:2

Leviticus 19:2 Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God [am] holy.Ver. 2. Ye shall be holy.] Ritually and really.

Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 19:2

(2) Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel.—The importance which the Lawgiver Himself attaches to this epitome of the whole Law, as this section is called, may be seen from the fact that God commands Moses to address these precepts “to all the congregation of the children of Israel—a phrase which occurs nowhere else in Leviticus in this formula, and which is only to be found once more in the whole Pentateuch (Exodus 12:3), at the institution of the Passover, the great national festival which commemorates the redemption of the Israelites from Egypt. I the Lord your God.—Around this solemn declaration, which is repeated no less than sixteen times, both in its full and shorter form (see Leviticus 19:1), cluster the different precepts of this section. It is this solemn formula which links together the various injunctions in the chapter before us. As the Lord who is their God is Himself holy, they who are His people must also be holy, or as the saying which obtained during the second Temple expresses it, “the surroundings of the king must bear the moral impress of the sovereign;” or, in other words, your nearness to God not only demands. that your conduct should not be in contradiction to His holy nature, but that your life should bear the impress and reflect the image of God. (See Leviticus 11:44; Matthew 5:48; 1 Peter 1:15.)

Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 19:2

Ye shall be holy ... - These words express the keynote to the whole book of Leviticus, being addressed to the whole nation. There does not appear to be any systematic arrangement in the laws which follow.

Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 19:2

2. Ye shall be holy — Inward and outward holiness is the aim of all the laws of God. He seeks to cleanse the heart, the fountain of action, and the very seat of character.

Sermons on Leviticus 19:2

SermonDescription
Chuck Smith (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
J. Glyn Owen The Holiness of God by J. Glyn Owen In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of the holiness of God. He emphasizes that holiness is not just a characteristic of God, but it also represents His will for His cre
Steve Gallagher I Saw the Lord! by Steve Gallagher In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preparing one's heart to receive the word of God. He encourages listeners to consecrate themselves and not evade the reali
William MacDonald Attributes of God - Holiness Righteousness and Soveriegnty by William MacDonald In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of beauty and how it is often used to judge people's worth. He emphasizes that Jesus, despite not having physical beauty, came in
William MacDonald The Attributes of God - Part 2 by William MacDonald In this sermon, the preacher begins by leading the congregation in singing a hymn that praises God and emphasizes peace, love, honor, and joy. The sermon then focuses on the holine
Michael Flowers Sermon on the Mount Iv - the Reign of Abba's Love by Michael Flowers In this sermon, Bishop Stuart shares about the importance of deep conversion and being fully alive in Christ. He references a story shared by his wife, Catherine, about her mother
John Owen Conformity Unto Christ, and Following His Example by John Owen John Owen emphasizes the necessity of conformity to Christ as the ultimate goal of a believer's life, highlighting that true faith and love manifest in a desire to emulate Christ's

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