Leviticus 22 31

Leviticus 22:31 kjv

Therefore shall ye keep my commandments, and do them: I am the LORD.

Leviticus 22:31 nkjv

"Therefore you shall keep My commandments, and perform them: I am the LORD.

Leviticus 22:31 niv

"Keep my commands and follow them. I am the LORD.

Leviticus 22:31 esv

"So you shall keep my commandments and do them: I am the LORD.

Leviticus 22:31 nlt

"You must faithfully keep all my commands by putting them into practice, for I am the LORD.

Leviticus 22 verses

Leviticus 22 31 Meaning

Leviticus 22:31 provides a concise yet profound command: God's people are to diligently observe and actively carry out His instructions. This imperative is firmly grounded in His self-identification, "I am the LORD," a declaration that establishes His supreme authority as the Lawgiver and the rightful Object of Israel's obedient devotion, particularly concerning the holiness required in sacred service and offerings. It emphasizes that divine commands require both thoughtful internalization and practical execution.

Leviticus 22 31 Context

Leviticus 22 is part of the extensive Mosaic Law, specifically focusing on the meticulous requirements for priests and the sanctity of offerings brought to the tabernacle. The chapter details prohibitions against priests serving while ceremonially unclean, defines who may partake of holy gifts, and sets stringent standards for the integrity and blamelessness of animals presented as sacrifices. These laws underscore the profound holiness of God and the reverence due to His sacred provisions. Verse 31 acts as a culminating theological summary, extending the principles of the chapter beyond mere ritualistic adherence to a fundamental call for holistic obedience rooted in God's supreme authority. This emphasis distinguished Israel’s worship from surrounding pagan cultures, which often offered inferior or defiled sacrifices to their gods.

Leviticus 22 31 Word analysis

• So you shall keep (וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם, u'shmartem): This comes from the Hebrew root shamar, which signifies "to guard," "to observe," "to heed," "to diligently watch over," or "to preserve." It conveys more than passive acknowledgement; it implies active, careful attention and retention. In a covenant relationship, shamar suggests a deep-seated loyalty and commitment, protecting God's words from neglect, compromise, or corruption.

• My commandments (אֶת־מִצְוֹתַ֔י, et-mitzvotai): Mitzvot (plural of mitzvah) refers to divine directives, ordinances, or precepts given by God. The possessive suffix "-ai" emphasizes that these laws originate from God Himself; they are not human traditions but direct expressions of His will and character. These commands lay out the framework for a life set apart to God and for proper worship, revealing His holy nature.

• and perform them (וַעֲשִׂיתֶ֖ם אֹתָ֑ם, va'asitem otam): Derived from the root asah, meaning "to do," "to make," "to carry out," or "to execute." This word complements shamar. While shamar suggests internal observance and safeguarding, asah demands active, tangible implementation. It highlights the practical application of the commandments, requiring that understanding and intention translate into concrete actions. The pronoun otam ("them") ensures direct reference back to "My commandments," confirming that it is God's specific instructions that are to be carried out.

• I am the LORD (אֲנִ֖י יְהוָֽה, Ani Yahweh): This is a pivotal divine declaration found throughout Leviticus and other books.

  • Ani (אֲנִ֖י): The emphatic personal pronoun "I," which underscores the speaker's personal identity and absolute sovereignty. It signifies that the source of the commands is the Almighty God Himself, making His words undeniably authoritative.
  • Yahweh (יְהוָֽה): The covenant name of God, often transliterated as "LORD" in English Bibles. It signifies God's self-existence (echoing Ex 3:14, "I AM WHO I AM"), His faithfulness to His covenant promises, and His active presence among His people. This declaration is more than an identification; it is a validation of His right to command and His power to enforce. It differentiates Him sharply from all pagan deities and grounds all Israel’s obligations in His unique, unchanging, and holy character.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "So you shall keep My commandments, and perform them": This phrase presents a Hebrew parallelism where "keeping" and "performing" are complementary aspects of complete obedience. "Keeping" speaks to the internal diligence of remembering and guarding the laws in one's heart and mind, while "performing" speaks to the external acts of obedience. Together, they require a holistic response: to understand, honor, and then practically live out God's will. This ensures that obedience is both a matter of internal disposition and external manifestation.
  • "I am the LORD": This declaration consistently appears as the divine seal and ultimate authority for God's laws, especially following commands that necessitate moral or ritual distinction for Israel. It underscores that these specific requirements are not arbitrary human rules but are rooted in God's eternal character and His covenant relationship with Israel. It serves as both a guarantee of His nature and a solemn, binding command.

Leviticus 22 31 Bonus section

• Polemic against Paganism: This verse, and indeed the entire Law, implicitly critiques the syncretistic and often debased worship practices of nations surrounding Israel. While other cultures might offer flawed sacrifices to arbitrary gods, the command in Leviticus 22:31 insists on holy, unblemished offerings and faithful adherence to God's precise instructions. This underscored a direct polemic against chaotic or human-devised worship, proclaiming the unique and demanding nature of the one true God, Yahweh.
• Intertwining of Faith and Works: While appearing in an Old Covenant ritual context, the principle of "keeping" (internalizing/believing) and "performing" (doing/acting) God’s commands has enduring ethical implications. It illustrates that genuine faith is never merely intellectual assent but must be expressed through practical obedience. This foundational understanding finds its fulfillment and deeper meaning in the New Covenant's emphasis on faith manifested through love and good works.
• Divine Grace and Human Responsibility: The recurring phrase "I am the LORD" highlights God's gracious initiative in revealing His perfect will to His people. In response, "you shall keep My commandments, and perform them" stresses humanity's commanded responsibility to actively respond in obedience. This dynamic interplay underscores the essence of the covenant relationship: God reveals and demands, and His people are called to respond in faithful submission, which is made possible by His enabling grace.

Leviticus 22 31 Commentary

Leviticus 22:31 serves as a fundamental principle concerning obedience within God’s covenant with Israel, transcending the specific ritualistic details of the chapter. It powerfully communicates that the elaborate regulations regarding priestly conduct and sacred offerings are not merely suggestions but divine imperatives. These imperatives demand both diligent internal observation (shamar) and active, practical execution (asah). The concluding divine authentication, "I am the LORD," imbues these commands with ultimate theological weight, establishing them as non-negotiable mandates directly from the Sovereign God. This declaration repeatedly emphasizes that true obedience flows from a foundational recognition of God’s unique identity, His authority as Creator and Redeemer, and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant. It fundamentally asserts that genuine worship is inseparable from practical, wholehearted obedience, implying that any deviation from these commands constitutes a direct rejection of God Himself and His holiness. This principle lays the groundwork for understanding the depth of God's expectations for His people to live set apart for Him.