Leviticus 22 26

Leviticus 22:26 kjv

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Leviticus 22:26 nkjv

And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying:

Leviticus 22:26 niv

The LORD said to Moses,

Leviticus 22:26 esv

And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,

Leviticus 22:26 nlt

And the LORD said to Moses,

Leviticus 22 verses

Leviticus 22 26 Meaning

Leviticus 22:26 serves as an authoritative introductory statement. It declares that the subsequent instructions regarding acceptable sacrifices originate directly from the LORD (YHWH), spoken personally to Moses, thereby establishing the divine nature and unquestionable authority of the commands that follow concerning the sanctity and qualifications of offerings to God.

Leviticus 22 26 Context

Leviticus 22:26 is an introductory phrase marking the beginning of a new segment of divine instruction within the larger context of chapter 22. Chapter 22 itself details various regulations concerning the holiness of the priests and their households in relation to the sacred offerings. It outlines who may eat the holy things, what renders a priest or his family members ritually unclean, and thus prohibited from partaking, and sets strict rules for the preparation and offering of sacrifices to the LORD. This particular verse specifically introduces the criteria for acceptable animal sacrifices, emphasizing that no defective animal may be offered. The broader context of the book of Leviticus is the detailed revelation of God's laws given to Israel at Mount Sinai, concerning how a holy God could dwell among His people, who were unholy, primarily through sacrificial atonement, ritual purity, and priestly mediation. This formulaic opening reaffirms that every rule, every command, and every requirement for holiness presented in the book stems directly from the mouth of God, to be faithfully conveyed by Moses to the Israelites.

Leviticus 22 26 Word analysis

• And (וַיְדַבֵּר - wayyedabbēr): The initial "And" is a vav-consecutive, which often marks a new, sequential, or consequent action. Here, it signifies the commencement of a new divine utterance, seamlessly connecting it to the ongoing revelation and series of laws being delivered through Moses. It establishes continuity in God's communication with His people.
• the LORD (יְהוָה - YHWH): This is God's covenant name, often transliterated as "Yahweh" and rendered "LORD" in many English Bibles to show reverence, substituting Adonai (Lord) during reading. It identifies the speaker as the personal, relational God of Israel, the One who is sovereign, self-existent, and faithful to His covenant promises. His unique name underscores His supreme authority and distinguishes Him from all other gods.
• spake (דָּבַר - dabhar): This Hebrew verb means "to speak," "to say," "to command," or "to declare." It implies a direct, articulate, and intentional communication, indicating an authoritative pronouncement rather than a mere suggestion or quiet thought. It highlights the directness and clarity of God's revelation to Moses.
• unto Moses (אֶל־מֹשֶׁה - ʾel-mōšeh): "Unto" (אֶל - ʾel) denotes direction, indicating that Moses is the direct recipient of God's communication. This emphasizes Moses' unique and unparalleled role as the chosen mediator and prophet between God and the Israelites. He is the specific channel through whom God delivers His divine laws and decrees to His people, authenticating the legitimacy of his prophetic office.
• saying (לֵאמֹר - lēʾmōr): This is an infinitive construct meaning "to say" or "saying." Its function is to introduce the exact words that were spoken by the LORD, indicating that what follows is a direct quote. It acts as a verbal marker ensuring that the subsequent content is understood as the very utterance of God, reinforcing the authority and precision of the divine command.

Leviticus 22 26 Bonus section

The formula "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying" is highly prevalent throughout the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. Its frequent repetition serves as a consistent literary and theological marker, ensuring that the audience understands that the text is not a mere human compilation of laws or historical narratives, but an authoritative record of divine revelation. This repetition implicitly forms a polemic against any notion that Israelite worship or law could be based on human reasoning, priestly innovations, or borrowed pagan practices. Instead, every aspect, from the minute details of sacrifice to the overarching principles of holiness, is divinely ordained. This reiteration also underscores the consistency of God's character and His ongoing, active involvement in the lives of His covenant people. For the original audience, this formula would have imbued the spoken word of Moses with an unchallengeable, life-and-death authority, demanding full obedience as if God Himself were speaking directly to each individual.

Leviticus 22 26 Commentary

Leviticus 22:26, though a seemingly simple introductory formula, holds profound theological significance. It asserts the divine authorship of the laws detailed in the book of Leviticus and indeed the entire Pentateuch. By stating that "the LORD spake unto Moses, saying," the text fundamentally grounds the Israelite legal and religious system in the direct will and communication of God, YHWH. This declaration elevates these commands far above human customs or traditions, establishing them as non-negotiable divine mandates. It continually reminds the reader that every instruction, from grand theological pronouncements to meticulous ritual requirements (like those that follow concerning the acceptable age of sacrificial animals), stems from the omniscient and holy Creator of the universe. Moreover, it consistently reaffirms Moses' divinely appointed role as the sole prophet and mediator through whom God chooses to deliver His covenant instructions to Israel, lending absolute authority to his leadership and every word he conveys from God.