Leviticus 19 30

Leviticus 19:30 kjv

Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the LORD.

Leviticus 19:30 nkjv

'You shall keep My Sabbaths and reverence My sanctuary: I am the LORD.

Leviticus 19:30 niv

"?'Observe my Sabbaths and have reverence for my sanctuary. I am the LORD.

Leviticus 19:30 esv

You shall keep my Sabbaths and reverence my sanctuary: I am the LORD.

Leviticus 19:30 nlt

"Keep my Sabbath days of rest, and show reverence toward my sanctuary. I am the LORD.

Leviticus 19 verses

Leviticus 19 30 Meaning

Leviticus 19:30 calls God's people to observe His designated Sabbath days as sacred times and to treat His holy sanctuary with profound respect and awe. This dual command highlights the essential practice of showing reverence for God's holiness, encompassing both how they utilize their time and how they approach His dwelling place. The ultimate basis for these commands is God's self-declaration, "I am the LORD," emphasizing His supreme authority and the covenant relationship that binds Israel to Him.

Leviticus 19 30 Context

Leviticus 19 stands as the centerpiece of the "Holiness Code" (chapters 17-26), a section deeply emphasizing the theme, "You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy" (Lev 19:2). This chapter provides practical applications for the covenant people to manifest God's holiness in all aspects of their lives—from ethical treatment of others, sexual morality, and social justice to ritual practices. Verse 30, positioned within these diverse laws, directly addresses the sanctification of time and space, underscoring that holiness must pervade every dimension of life for God's chosen nation.

Historically, this instruction was given to Israel as they journeyed from Egyptian bondage, a land of idolatry and immorality, towards the Promised Land, which was steeped in pagan practices. God established clear boundaries and practices to differentiate His people from the surrounding cultures. Implicitly, this verse serves as a polemic against the polytheistic religions of the ancient Near East, where sacred times and places were often misused for self-indulgence, revelry, or idol worship, devoid of true reverence for a transcendent, holy God. The distinctness of Yahweh and His expectations of pure worship stood in stark contrast to the surrounding nations' beliefs and practices.

Leviticus 19 30 Word analysis

• You shall keep (תִשְׁמְרוּ, tishmᵉru): From the Hebrew verb שָׁמַר (shamar), meaning "to keep, guard, observe, watch over, protect." This implies an active, diligent, and careful adherence to the command. It signifies responsibility and intentional preservation, not just casual acknowledgment. It highlights an ongoing commitment.
• My Sabbaths (שַׁבְּתֹתַי, shabbĕtôtay): This is the plural form of שַׁבָּת (shabbat), referring not only to the weekly seventh-day Sabbath but also potentially to other holy days designated as "Sabbaths of the LORD" throughout the year (e.g., feasts of the LORD that also included rest). The possessive suffix "My" emphatically declares God's ownership and establishment of these sacred times, setting them apart from ordinary days. They are consecrated by Him for His purposes.
• and reverence (תִּירָאוּ, tirau): From the Hebrew verb יָרֵא (yare), meaning "to fear, reverence, be in awe of, stand in dread of." This term goes beyond simple respect; it conveys a deep sense of awe and profound respect arising from recognition of God's holy nature and power. It implies a trembling submission and care not to defile or displease.
• My sanctuary (מִקְדָּשִׁי, miqdashiy): From מִקְדָּשׁ (miqdash), meaning "a holy place, sanctuary, sacred precinct." This refers specifically to the Tabernacle in the wilderness (and later the Temple in Jerusalem) where God's special presence was manifested among His people. The possessive "My" indicates it is a place divinely consecrated by God Himself as His dwelling place, setting it apart as uniquely sacred.
• I am the LORD (אֲנִי יְהוָה, Ani Adonai): This profound self-declaration uses God's covenant name, Yahweh (YHWH), revealing His unchanging, faithful, and absolute nature. It is the divine ground and authority for all preceding commands, serving as a powerful call to obedience and a reminder of His unique sovereignty. It is a recurring divine ratification in the Holiness Code, emphasizing that these are not mere suggestions but divine decrees based on who He is.

Words-group analysis:

• "You shall keep My Sabbaths": This phrase mandates the active observance of sacred time, emphasizing that these days belong to God and are to be preserved as holy, dedicated for rest and devotion, distinguishing God's people from the common patterns of the world. It is about actively setting apart time for God.
• "and reverence My sanctuary": This phrase complements the first by focusing on sacred space, demanding an awe-filled respect for the physical manifestation of God's presence among His people. It connects how one uses time with where one worships, indicating that both spheres must be handled with utmost holiness. This reverence prevents defilement and ensures proper approach to God.
• "I am the LORD": This concluding phrase provides the ultimate theological anchor for the entire verse. It roots the commands firmly in the unchallengeable authority and covenant faithfulness of God Himself, declaring that His identity as Yahweh is the sole reason and power behind these expectations. Obedience to these commands is therefore an act of acknowledging God's identity.

Leviticus 19 30 Bonus section

• The deliberate pairing of "Sabbaths" (time) and "sanctuary" (space) underscores a holistic concept of holiness for God's people: God demands dedication and reverence across all aspects of their existence, demonstrating that holiness is pervasive.
• The repetitive "My" emphasizes divine ownership: these institutions are not human inventions but God's initiatives, to be used and regarded according to His specifications.
• The term yare ("reverence/fear") when applied to the sanctuary, often speaks to a careful conduct in a sacred space, warning against presumption or irreverence which can be perilous, as seen in Nadab and Abihu (Lev 10) or Uzzah (2 Sam 6).
• In the New Testament, while believers are no longer bound by the ritualistic specifics of the Mosaic Law's Sabbath or the physical temple, the principles of setting aside dedicated time for God (e.g., corporate worship, personal devotion) and treating the dwelling place of God's Spirit (our bodies and the church) with holiness remain central to Christian life (1 Cor 3:16-17; 1 Cor 6:19-20; Eph 2:20-22).

Leviticus 19 30 Commentary

Leviticus 19:30 presents a fundamental directive for holy living, encapsulating the dual importance of time and space in humanity's relationship with a holy God. "My Sabbaths" denotes time consecrated for divine rest, reflection, and worship, allowing humanity to participate in God's creative and redemptive work by ceasing from ordinary labor and focusing on Him. This rhythm of sacred time was vital for Israel to remember God's deliverance and their unique covenant relationship. Paired with this is the command to "reverence My sanctuary," the holy space where God's glorious presence dwelled among His people. This demands profound awe and respectful conduct, recognizing that such a place, consecrated by God, reflects His inherent purity and majesty. Violation of this reverence meant risking defilement and divine judgment. Both commandments are sealed by the recurring divine affirmation, "I am the LORD," establishing that these are not mere cultural traditions but immutable laws stemming from the very character and authority of Yahweh, who redeemed Israel and set them apart as His holy nation. Ultimately, this verse underscores that genuine holiness involves not just internal piety, but practical outward expressions of consecration, demonstrating reverence for God in all dimensions of life.