Leviticus 26 3

Leviticus 26:3 kjv

If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them;

Leviticus 26:3 nkjv

'If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments, and perform them,

Leviticus 26:3 niv

"?'If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands,

Leviticus 26:3 esv

"If you walk in my statutes and observe my commandments and do them,

Leviticus 26:3 nlt

"If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands,

Leviticus 26 verses

Leviticus 26 3 Meaning

Leviticus 26:3 sets the foundational condition for divine blessings within the Mosaic covenant. It articulates that if the people of Israel consistently align their way of life with God's divinely established decrees, diligently observe His specific commands, and actively put them into practice, then the promised blessings detailed in the following verses will follow. This verse establishes a direct cause-and-effect relationship between Israel's obedient conduct and God's provision and protection.

Leviticus 26 3 Context

Leviticus 26 serves as the climactic conclusion to the Holiness Code (chapters 17-26), which provides laws guiding Israel in their daily lives to maintain holiness as a distinct people set apart by God. This chapter presents a solemn reiteration of the covenant, outlining in clear, unambiguous terms the blessings that will result from national obedience to God's statutes and the dire curses that will befall them for disobedience. It was delivered to the Israelites at Mount Sinai, as they were poised to enter the Promised Land, serving as a powerful exhortation to uphold their covenant responsibilities. The "if...then" structure establishes the conditional nature of the covenant, underscoring Israel's responsibility in their relationship with Yahweh. This chapter contrasts starkly with the chaotic and morally bankrupt practices of the surrounding pagan nations, implicitly setting Israel's righteous living as a polemic against the idolatry, immorality, and injustice prevalent among them. Their obedience was not just for their own good, but a testimony to God's character among the nations.

Leviticus 26 3 Word analysis

• If you walk:

  • If (אִם - im): This conjunctive particle introduces a protasis, a conditional clause. It sets up a direct cause-and-effect relationship, highlighting the element of choice and accountability for Israel.
  • you walk (תֵּלֵכוּ - tēlēḵū, from הָלַךְ - halakh): The verb "to walk" is a profound biblical metaphor. It doesn't merely imply physical movement but signifies one's entire conduct, lifestyle, and spiritual orientation. To "walk in God's statutes" means to consistently align one's way of living and moral behavior with His prescribed ways. It suggests an ongoing, habitual practice rather than a one-time event.
  • in My statutes (בְּחֻקֹּתַי֙ - b'ḥuqotai):
    • בְּ (b'): The preposition "in" here denotes conformity to or being governed by.
    • חֻקֹּת (chuqqot): Refers to divine "statutes," "ordinances," or "decrees." These are generally the fixed, engraved, or prescribed rules, often encompassing the ceremonial and civil laws, or any divinely established norm. They represent God's unchangeable will, inherent to His character, and foundational to the covenant relationship. Their source is divine, not human.
    • י (-ai): The first-person singular possessive suffix, "My," strongly emphasizes the divine origin and authority of these statutes; they belong to God alone.

• and keep:

  • and (וְאֶת - w'et): Connects the clauses, indicating a continuation or addition of requirements.
  • keep (תִּשְׁמְר֔וּ - tishmeru, from שָׁמַר - shamar): This verb means "to guard, observe, watch over, heed, or preserve." It implies active, diligent attention, protection against violation or neglect, and faithful observance. It's not just intellectual assent, but a careful, protective adherence to God's commands.
  • My commandments (מִצְוֹתַי֙ - mitzvotai):
    • מִצְוָה (mitzvah): Refers to direct "commandments" or specific divine instructions. These are the more precise directives and moral precepts, such as those found in the Decalogue, but can encompass all specific divine injunctions.
    • י (-ai): Again, the possessive "My" underlines their divine origin and binding authority.

• and perform them:

  • and perform (וַעֲשִׂיתֶם - w'asitem, from עָשָׂה - asah): The verb "to do" or "to make" or "to perform" signifies putting into practice or executing the commands. This is the culmination of "walking" and "keeping." It moves beyond mere intention, understanding, or careful observance, to concrete action and lived reality. It implies completion and active obedience.
  • them (אֹתָֽם - otam): The pronominal suffix referring back to "My statutes and My commandments," ensuring that the doing encompasses all the divine instructions previously mentioned.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "If you walk in My statutes": This phrase establishes the broad scope of expected obedience, signifying a life entirely patterned and guided by God's established laws and decrees, demonstrating a lifestyle of constant conformity to divine will.
  • "and keep My commandments": This refines the broad "walking," adding a layer of deliberate care and diligent observation for specific, direct divine commands. It implies a mindful and intentional effort to adhere to each detailed instruction.
  • "and perform them": This phrase completes the action sequence. It is the practical culmination of "walking" and "keeping." It emphasizes that mere knowledge or intention is insufficient; the covenant demands tangible, consistent acts of obedience, bringing God's laws to full realization in daily life. This trinity of verbs ("walk," "keep," "perform") outlines a progression from lifestyle orientation to careful adherence, to concrete execution of God's revealed will.

Leviticus 26 3 Bonus section

• The tripartite expression "walk," "keep," and "perform" emphasizes a comprehensive obedience – mental, moral, and practical. It encompasses inward intention and outward action.
• The repeated possessive "My" before "statutes" and "commandments" consistently stresses the divine authorship and therefore the absolute authority of the law. These are not human traditions or suggestions, but the explicit will of the Sovereign Lord.
• This verse stands at the threshold of blessings, directly preceding a detailed list of prosperity (Lev 26:4-13). It highlights that divine favor within the covenant was always predicated upon faithful responsiveness from His people.
• While rooted in the Old Covenant law, the principle of obedience leading to life and blessing is echoed throughout Scripture. Even in the New Covenant, genuine faith is characterized by a desire to live according to God's will, enabled by the Holy Spirit (Ezek 36:27, Rom 8:4). This is a relational obedience, a fruit of a changed heart.

Leviticus 26 3 Commentary

Leviticus 26:3 lays the groundwork for God's covenant blessings upon Israel. It's not just about knowing God's law, but about a holistic, active, and persistent engagement with it. "Walking in My statutes" describes the overall direction of one's life, a consistent conduct according to divine principles. "Keeping My commandments" implies a vigilant observation and safeguarding of God's specific directives, much like treasuring something precious. Finally, "performing them" means actively doing, executing, and implementing these commands in daily life, moving from mental assent or careful guarding to practical application. This verse reveals that God values active obedience stemming from the heart, where external actions flow from an internal alignment with His will. It underscores the responsibility and freedom given to Israel: they could choose blessing through obedience, or curse through disobedience, setting the stage for the rest of their national history. For Christians, while under a new covenant of grace through faith in Christ, this verse resonates with the call for a life transformed by the Spirit, enabling us to truly "walk" and "perform" God's desires, not by legalistic effort, but as an outflow of a living relationship and love for God.