Leviticus 17:1 kjv
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
Leviticus 17:1 nkjv
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
Leviticus 17:1 niv
The LORD said to Moses,
Leviticus 17:1 esv
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
Leviticus 17:1 nlt
Then the LORD said to Moses,
Leviticus 17 1 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Exod 3:13-15 | God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." ... "Say this to the people of Israel: 'The LORD...'" | God reveals His covenant name (YHWH) and commands Moses. |
| Exod 6:10 | Then the LORD said to Moses, "Go in and tell Pharaoh king of Egypt to let the people of Israel go..." | The LORD's direct command initiates significant action. |
| Exod 25:1 | The LORD said to Moses, | Common introductory formula for tabernacle instructions. |
| Lev 1:1 | The LORD called Moses and spoke to him from the Tent of Meeting, saying, | Introduces laws on offerings, divine revelation location. |
| Lev 4:1 | And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, | Similar introduction to laws concerning sin offerings. |
| Num 1:1 | The LORD spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tent of meeting... saying, | Continues the pattern of divine census instruction. |
| Deut 32:48 | That very day the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, | Direct command to Moses before his ascent of Mount Nebo. |
| Josh 1:1 | After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD spoke to Joshua son of Nun... | Succession of leadership by divine word, continuation. |
| 1 Sam 3:21 | And the LORD appeared again at Shiloh, for there the LORD revealed himself to Samuel by the word... | God reveals His word to chosen servants. |
| Psa 33:9 | For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. | Emphasizes the creative and authoritative power of God's word. |
| Isa 55:11 | so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, | God's word accomplishes His purposes without fail. |
| Jer 1:7 | But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a youth'; for to all to whom I send you..." | Divine commissioning and authority given to a prophet. |
| Zech 1:1 | In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to Zechariah... | Prophetic word beginning with "word of the LORD came." |
| Mal 1:1 | The oracle of the word of the LORD to Israel through Malachi. | Final prophetic book opening with divine word to Israel. |
| Matt 5:17 | "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." | Jesus affirms the enduring purpose of the Law given via Moses. |
| John 1:1 | In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. | Jesus as the divine Word (Logos), active from creation. |
| John 1:17 | For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. | Highlights Moses' role as conduit for the Law from God. |
| Acts 7:38 | This is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him... | Stephen acknowledges Moses as the receiver of living oracles. |
| Rom 7:12 | So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good. | Paul affirms the divine and good nature of the Law. |
| 2 Tim 3:16 | All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, | Divine origin of all scripture, including the Law of Moses. |
| Heb 3:5 | Now Moses was faithful in all God's house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later, | Moses' faithfulness in conveying God's message. |
| Heb 12:19-21 | for they could not endure the command... so fearful was the sight that Moses said, | Sinai covenant emphasizing direct, fearful divine voice. |
| 2 Pet 1:21 | For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God... | Highlights that biblical revelation is divinely inspired, not human invention. |
Leviticus 17 verses
Leviticus 17 1 Meaning
Leviticus 17:1 introduces a new section of divine commands given by the LORD (YHWH) directly to Moses. This introductory formula, characteristic of the Pentateuch, emphasizes the authoritative, covenantal source of the laws that follow, confirming they are not human fabrications but divine instructions intended for Israel's conduct and worship. It sets the stage for a critical set of regulations primarily concerning the sanctity of blood, the proper place for sacrifices, and the prohibition of certain pagan practices.
Leviticus 17 1 Context
Leviticus chapter 17 marks a pivotal transition within the book. The preceding chapters (1-16) focus primarily on the laws of offerings, the role and consecration of the priesthood, and the solemn rites of the Day of Atonement. These chapters established how Israel was to approach and maintain their relationship with a holy God in His sanctuary.
Chapter 17, and indeed the subsequent chapters often termed the "Holiness Code" (Lev 17-27), shift the focus from ceremonial sacrifices to practical holiness in daily life, especially regarding forbidden actions. Specifically, Leviticus 17 directly addresses issues related to the proper place for sacrificing animals, the absolute prohibition of consuming blood, and strict warnings against idol worship, particularly sacrificing to "goat demons" (Lev 17:7).
The historical context is Israel camped at Mount Sinai or shortly thereafter, preparing to move into the promised land. God, having delivered His people from Egypt and made a covenant with them, is now providing detailed instructions on how they are to live as His holy nation, distinct from the pagan practices of surrounding nations (e.g., Egyptians, Canaanites) who engaged in various forms of idol worship, unholy sacrifices (including child sacrifice), and ritual consumption of blood. The emphasis on offering all sacrifices at the designated Tent of Meeting was a central measure to prevent unauthorized worship and idolatry, maintaining the purity and distinctiveness of their faith.
Leviticus 17 1 Word analysis
- And (וַ): The Hebrew waw conjunction, functioning here as a simple conjunction, indicates a continuation of the narrative flow of divine instruction, linking this new section to the preceding commands.
- the LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the sacred personal covenant name of God, often rendered "Yahweh." Its use here signifies that the laws are from the immutable, self-existent God who has revealed Himself to Israel and made a covenant with them. This is not an anonymous deity, but the specific God of Israel, personally involved in their lives and meticulous about their purity.
- spoke (וַיְדַבֵּר, wayyəḏabber): This is a verb from the root dabar (דָּבַר), meaning "to speak," but carrying the connotation of authoritative and intentional pronouncement, not casual conversation. It signifies an act of divine revelation, the purposeful communication of His will and law. The verb form (Waw-consecutive imperfect or Vayyiqtol) indicates a specific, completed past action in a sequence.
- to Moses (אֶל־מֹשֶׁה, ʾel-Mōšeh): Moses is identified as the divinely appointed mediator of the covenant. God chose him uniquely to receive and convey His laws to the Israelites. This highlights Moses' exceptional role and underscores the divine authority carried by his words, as they are a direct relay from God. It emphasizes that these laws are not Moses' inventions.
- saying (לֵּאמֹר, lēʾmōr): This is the infinitive construct of the verb amar (אָמַר), meaning "to say." Functioning here adverbially, it signifies that the following content (the rest of the chapter) is the direct quotation or substance of what the LORD spoke to Moses. It cues the reader to pay attention to the exact words or message that follows.
- "And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying": This entire phrase is a recurring introductory formula throughout the Pentateuch, especially in Leviticus and Numbers. Its repeated use firmly establishes the divine origin and authority of the commands that follow. It reinforces the idea that Israel's laws and worship are based entirely on direct divine revelation, not on human reasoning or cultural norms. This constant reiteration strengthens the authority of the law and Moses' unique mediatory role.
Leviticus 17 1 Bonus section
The repetitive nature of "And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying" throughout the Pentateuch, particularly in Leviticus, demonstrates the systematic and complete nature of God's revelation. It suggests an unfolding of divine law that addresses various aspects of life – worship, daily conduct, moral standards, and the maintenance of holiness in a covenant relationship. This consistent introductory phrase underscores the direct, personal nature of God's communication with His people through His chosen representative, Moses. It signifies an active God who engages with His creation, establishes clear boundaries, and provides the framework for His people to live righteously in His presence. The immediate follow-up in Leviticus 17 will begin to delineate strict rules regarding where sacrifices can be offered, establishing a theological and practical boundary against localized idolatry ("field offerings") and ensuring all offerings flow through the single, authorized cultic center (the Tent of Meeting).
Leviticus 17 1 Commentary
Leviticus 17:1 is a formulaic introduction that carries profound theological weight. It serves as a declarative statement, stamping the entire ensuing chapter with divine authority. By stating "The LORD spoke to Moses, saying," the text immediately sets the stage for a divine edict, signaling that the forthcoming instructions are not suggestions or mere ethical guidelines, but direct commandments from the Creator God, YHWH. This declaration elevates the content of the chapter to an unchallengeable standard for the Israelites, demanding their full obedience as part of their covenant relationship.
The significance of Moses as the recipient and intermediary cannot be overstated. He is portrayed not as the author of these laws, but as the faithful conduit through whom God communicates His holy will to His chosen people. This direct, unambiguous transmission from God to Moses emphasizes that all the intricacies of Israel's sacrificial system, dietary laws, and moral code (like those relating to blood) stem directly from divine instruction. This structure leaves no room for human alteration or interpretation of God's perfect design for worship and living. The holiness prescribed is not human-derived, but divine in origin.