Leviticus 20:26
Leviticus 20:26 in Multiple Translations
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.
And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the LORD am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine.
And ye shall be holy unto me: for I, Jehovah, am holy, and have set you apart from the peoples, that ye should be mine.
And you are to be holy to me; for I the Lord am holy and have made you separate from the nations, so that you may be my people.
You shall be holy to me because I am holy. I am the Lord, and I have made you a distinctive people different from all other nations. You belong to me.
Therefore shall ye be holie vnto me: for I the Lord am holy, and I haue separated you from other people, that ye shoulde be mine.
and ye have been holy to Me; for holy [am] I, Jehovah; and I separate you from the peoples to become Mine.
You shall be holy to me, for I, the LORD, am holy, and have set you apart from the peoples, that you should be mine.
And ye shall be holy to me: for I the LORD am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine.
You shall be holy unto me, because I the Lord am holy, and I have separated you from other people, that you should be mine.
You must behave in ways that I consider to be holy, because I, Yahweh, am holy, and I have set you apart from the ungodly people of other nations to belong to me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 20:26
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 20:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וִ/הְיִ֤יתֶם
לִ/י֙
קְדֹשִׁ֔ים
כִּ֥י
קָד֖וֹשׁ
אֲנִ֣י
יְהוָ֑ה
וָ/אַבְדִּ֥ל
אֶתְ/כֶ֛ם
מִן
הָֽ/עַמִּ֖ים
לִ/הְי֥וֹת
לִֽ/י
וִ/הְיִ֤יתֶם
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-2mp
לִ/י֙
Prep | Suff
קְדֹשִׁ֔ים
qâdôwsh
H6918
holy
Adj
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
קָד֖וֹשׁ
qâdôwsh
H6918
holy
Adj
אֲנִ֣י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וָ/אַבְדִּ֥ל
bâdal
H914
to separate
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-1cs
אֶתְ/כֶ֛ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
מִן
min
H4480
from
Prep
הָֽ/עַמִּ֖ים
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-mp
לִ/הְי֥וֹת
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לִֽ/י
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 20:26
וִ/הְיִ֤יתֶם
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-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.
לִ/י֙
""
Prep | Suff
קְדֹשִׁ֔ים
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.
כִּ֥י
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.
קָד֖וֹשׁ
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.
אֲנִ֣י
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.
יְהוָ֑ה
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.
וָ/אַבְדִּ֥ל
bâdal
H914
"to separate"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-1cs
This verb means to separate or divide, and is used in various contexts, including to set apart or make a distinction. It is translated as divide, separate, or difference in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to divide, separate 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to divide, separate, sever 1a2) to separate, set apart 1a3) to make a distinction, difference 1a4) to divide into parts 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to separate oneself from (reflexive of 1a2) 1b2) to withdraw from 1b3) to separate oneself unto 1b4) to be separated 1b5) to be excluded 1b6) to be set apart
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: (make, put) difference, divide (asunder), (make) separate (self, -ation), sever (out), [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 1:4; Deuteronomy 29:20; Isaiah 56:3.
אֶתְ/כֶ֛ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
מִן
min
H4480
"from"
Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
הָֽ/עַמִּ֖ים
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-mp
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
לִ/הְי֥וֹת
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
לִֽ/י
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Leviticus 20:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Distinguish between Clean and Unclean
24But I have told you that you will inherit their land, since I will give it to you as an inheritance—a land flowing with milk and honey. I am the LORD your God, who has set you apart from the peoples.
25You are therefore to distinguish between clean and unclean animals and birds. Do not become contaminated by any animal or bird, or by anything that crawls on the ground; I have set these apart as unclean for you.
26You 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.
27A man or a woman who is a medium or spiritist must surely be put to death. They shall be stoned; their blood is upon them.’”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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.” |
| 2 | Leviticus 20:7 | Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, because I am the LORD your God. |
| 3 | Leviticus 20:24 | But I have told you that you will inherit their land, since I will give it to you as an inheritance—a land flowing with milk and honey. I am the LORD your God, who has set you apart from the peoples. |
| 4 | Leviticus 19:2 | “Speak to the whole congregation of Israel and tell them: Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy. |
| 5 | Titus 2:14 | He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 7:6 | For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession out of all peoples on the face of the earth. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 26:18–19 | And today the LORD has proclaimed that you are His people and treasured possession as He promised, that you are to keep all His commandments, that He will set you high in praise and name and honor above all the nations He has made, and that you will be a holy people to the LORD your God, as He has promised. |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 14:2 | for you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession out of all the peoples on the face of the earth. |
| 9 | Isaiah 6:3 | And they were calling out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.” |
| 10 | Revelation 4:8 | And each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around and within. Day and night they never stop saying: “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” |
Leviticus 20:26 Summary
This verse is saying that God wants us to be special and different from the world because He is special and holy. He wants us to live in a way that honors Him and shows others what He is like, as seen in Matthew 5:48. To do this, we need to follow His commands and live according to His will, as stated in Leviticus 20:24-25. By being set apart for God's purposes, we can experience a deeper relationship with Him and be a blessing to those around us, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be holy to God?
To be holy to God means to be set apart for His purposes and to live a life that reflects His character, as seen in Leviticus 20:26 and supported by 1 Peter 1:15-16, which says we are to be holy because God is holy.
How can we be set apart from the nations?
We can be set apart from the nations by following God's commands and living according to His will, as stated in Leviticus 20:24-25, and by being a light to the world, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:14-16.
What is the significance of God saying 'I have set you apart from the nations to be My own'?
This statement signifies God's special relationship with His people, making them His own possession, as also seen in Exodus 19:5 and Deuteronomy 7:6, where God declares His people to be a treasured possession and a holy people.
How can we apply the concept of holiness in our daily lives?
We can apply the concept of holiness by living a life of obedience to God's commands, as seen in Leviticus 20:26, and by separating ourselves from worldly desires and behaviors, as taught in 2 Corinthians 6:17-18, and instead, seeking to be conformed to the image of Christ, as stated in Romans 8:29.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to be set apart for God's purposes?
- How can I reflect God's character in my daily interactions with others?
- What does it mean for me to be 'holy to God' in my thoughts, words, and actions?
- In what ways can I be a light to the world and demonstrate God's love and holiness to those around me?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 20:26
And ye shall be holy unto me,.... Separated from all unclean persons and things, and devoted to his service, and obedient to all his commands, and so live holy lives and conversations, according to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 20:26
Ye shall therefore put difference between clean beasts and unclean, and between unclean fowls and clean: and ye shall not make your souls abominable by beast, or by fowl, or by any manner of living
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 20:26
Leviticus 20:26 And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the LORD [am] holy, and have severed you from [other] people, that ye should be mine. Ver. 26. See Leviticus 19:2; Leviticus 20:7.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 20:26
(26) And ye shall be holy unto me.—Rather, And ye shall be my holy ones, in harmony with the remark in the last clause of this verse, where God says that He had separated them for the purpose that “ye should be mine” The phrase only occurs here, and is different from the one which has been used in Leviticus 11:44-45; Leviticus 20:17. And have severed you from other people.—Better, and have separated you from other people, as the Authorised Version renders this phrase in Leviticus 20:24. That is, God has separated them from the rest of the nations to be His holy people, and to be an example to them. The spiritual guides during the second Temple have explained this separation of Israel as not implying the rejection of the other nations, but simply as the first installment. They maintained that it implies that all other nations are gradually to follow, and that the Divine choice is to go on from people to people, till “many nations shall be joined to the Lord . . . and shall be my people” (Zechariah 2:11), where the same phrase, “shall be mine,” is used as in the passage before us. The Divine plan of the redemption of mankind they set forth in the text before us as follows :—“If the Scripture had said, I have separated all the nations from you, there would be no future for the Gentiles; but since it is said, I have separated you from the nations, it is as one who first of all separates the best from the less good, and then goes on continually to separate the better ones. But he who separates the bad from the good, by this very process rejects the bad, and does not return to them.” The Mosaic doctrine of the separation of Israel, therefore, so far from tending to produce and harbour in the Jews contracted views of God’s mercy, and a contempt for all other nations, has taught them to look upon themselves as simply having gone first to the mountain of the Lord, and that all other nations are to follow, and to become with them children of God.
Sermons on Leviticus 20:26
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Practical Problems in Christianity by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the consistency of a spiritual life and what it means to truly commit to the Lord. He refers to the book of Hebrews, particularly chapter 11, |
|
Passionate for God's Holiness - Part 2 by John Piper | This sermon emphasizes the transformative power of understanding and embracing the holiness of God in our lives. It explores how the vision of God's holiness can be a rock and sour |
|
Kingdom Righteousness by Wingrove Taylor | In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing a scene where a little girl desperately wants a bag, highlighting the human tendency towards self-deification and the need for san |
|
(Radical Jesus) 18 Radical Holiness by Glenn Meldrum | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the radical nature of the transformation that occurs when a person becomes a follower of Christ. He explains that this transformation is not |
|
Our Daily Homily - Leviticus by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the significance of offerings in Leviticus, particularly how Christ's sacrifice is a sweet-smelling savor to God, reflecting His complete devotion and obedien |
|
Holiness -- Objective and Foundation by Lewis T. Corlett | Lewis T. Corlett preaches about the importance of holiness as the foundation for a solid and enduring life, emphasizing the need for young people to seek God's ideal for their live |
|
Chosen to Be Holy by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of holiness and the responsibility that believers have to strive for it. He highlights that this convention is of utmost impor |