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I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/leviticus/19.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Do not spread slanderous gossip among your people. “Do not stand idly by when your neighbor’s life is threatened. I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/leviticus/19.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not stand up against the life of your neighbor: I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/leviticus/19.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />You must not go about spreading slander among your people. You must not endanger the life of your neighbor. I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/leviticus/19.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Thou shalt not go up and down <i>as</i> a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I <i>am</i> the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/leviticus/19.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />You shall not go about <i>as</i> a talebearer among your people; nor shall you take a stand against the life of your neighbor: I <i>am</i> the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/leviticus/19.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />You shall not go about as a slanderer among your people; <i>and</i> you are not to jeopardize the life of your neighbor. I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/leviticus/19.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8216You shall not go about as a slanderer among your people, and you are not to act against the life of your neighbor; I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/leviticus/19.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />‘You shall not go about as a slanderer among your people, and you are not to act against the life of your neighbor; I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/leviticus/19.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />You shall not go about as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not stand against the life of your neighbor; I am Yahweh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/leviticus/19.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />You shall not go around as a gossip among your people, and you are not to act against the life of your neighbor [with slander or false testimony]; I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/leviticus/19.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not go about spreading slander among your people; do not jeopardize your neighbor’s life; I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/leviticus/19.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You must not go about spreading slander among your people; you must not jeopardize your neighbor&#8217s life; I am Yahweh.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/leviticus/19.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbor: I am Jehovah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/leviticus/19.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Don't be a gossip, but never hesitate to speak up in court, especially if your testimony can save someone's life. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/leviticus/19.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/leviticus/19.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Never gossip. Never endanger your neighbor's life. I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/leviticus/19.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Do not spread lies about anyone, and when someone is on trial for his life, speak out if your testimony can help him. I am the LORD. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/leviticus/19.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"You are not to go around slandering your people. "You are not to stand idle when your neighbor's life is at stake. I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/leviticus/19.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />You must not go about spreading slander among your people. You must not endanger the life of your neighbor. I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/leviticus/19.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />You must not go about as a slanderer among your people. You must not stand idly by when your neighbor's life is at stake. I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/leviticus/19.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"'You shall not go up and down as a slanderer among your people; neither shall you stand against the life of your neighbor. I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/leviticus/19.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Thou shalt not go up and down as a tale-bearer among thy people; neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbor; I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/leviticus/19.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“‘You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people. “‘You shall not endanger the life of your neighbor. I am Yahweh. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/leviticus/19.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />You do not go slandering among your people; you do not stand against the blood of your neighbor; I [am] YHWH.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/leviticus/19.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Thou dost not go slandering among thy people; thou dost not stand against the blood of thy neighbour; I am Jehovah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/leviticus/19.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Thou shalt not go a slanderer among thy people; thou shalt not stand upon the blood of thy neighbor: I Jehovah.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/leviticus/19.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Thou shalt not be a detractor nor a whisperer among the people. Thou shalt not stand against the blood of thy neighbour. I am the Lord. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/leviticus/19.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />You shall not be a detractor, nor a whisperer, among the people. You shall not stand against the blood of your neighbor. I am the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/leviticus/19.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />You shall not go about spreading slander among your people; nor shall you stand by idly when your neighbor’s life is at stake. I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/leviticus/19.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not profit by the blood of your neighbor: I am the LORD.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/leviticus/19.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />You shall not accuse your own people neither shall you stand against the blood of your neighbor; I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/leviticus/19.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />You shall not devour the ridicule of your people and you shall not stand against the blood of your fellow man, because I AM LORD JEHOVAH.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/leviticus/19.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people; neither shalt thou stand idly by the blood of thy neighbour: I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/leviticus/19.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Thou shalt not walk deceitfully among thy people; thou shalt not rise up against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the Lord your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/leviticus/19-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NWs_V1RyMFo?start=5077" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/leviticus/19.htm">Love Your Neighbor</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">15</span>You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly. <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">You must not</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: ṯê·lêḵ (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">go</a> <a href="/hebrew/7400.htm" title="7400: rā·ḵîl (N-ms) -- Slander. From rakal a scandal-monger.">about spreading slander</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: bə·‘am·me·ḵā (Prep-b:: N-mpc:: 2ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">among your people.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">You must not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5975.htm" title="5975: ṯa·‘ă·mōḏ (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To take one's stand, stand. A primitive root; to stand, in various relations.">endanger</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1818.htm" title="1818: dam (N-msc) -- Blood. From damam; blood of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively bloodshed.">the life</a> <a href="/hebrew/7453.htm" title="7453: rê·‘e·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Friend, companion, fellow. Or reya2; from ra'ah; an associate.">of your neighbor.</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">I</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">am the LORD.</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>You must not harbor hatred against your brother in your heart. Directly rebuke your neighbor, so that you will not incur guilt on account of him.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/11-13.htm">Proverbs 11:13</a></span><br />A gossip reveals a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/20-19.htm">Proverbs 20:19</a></span><br />He who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid the one who babbles with his lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/23-1.htm">Exodus 23:1</a></span><br />“You shall not spread a false report. Do not join the wicked by being a malicious witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/15-3.htm">Psalm 15:3</a></span><br />who has no slander on his tongue, who does no harm to his neighbor, who casts no scorn on his friend,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-11.htm">James 4:11</a></span><br />Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. And if you judge the law, you are not a practitioner of the law, but a judge of it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-12.htm">Matthew 7:12</a></span><br />In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-29.htm">Romans 1:29-30</a></span><br />They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, / slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful. They invent new forms of evil; they disobey their parents.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-1.htm">1 Peter 2:1</a></span><br />Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-31.htm">Ephesians 4:31</a></span><br />Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/5-13.htm">1 Timothy 5:13</a></span><br />At the same time they will also learn to be idle, going from house to house and being not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, discussing things they should not mention.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/3-2.htm">Titus 3:2</a></span><br />to malign no one, and to be peaceable and gentle, showing full consideration to everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/6-16.htm">Proverbs 6:16-19</a></span><br />There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him: / haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, / a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/6-28.htm">Jeremiah 6:28</a></span><br />All are hardened rebels, walking around as slanderers. They are bronze and iron; all of them are corrupt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/9-4.htm">Jeremiah 9:4</a></span><br />“Let everyone guard against his neighbor; do not trust any brother, for every brother deals craftily, and every friend spreads slander.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/8-17.htm">Zechariah 8:17</a></span><br />do not plot evil in your hearts against your neighbor, and do not love to swear falsely, for I hate all these things,” declares the LORD.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">You shall not go up and down as a talebearer among your people: neither shall you stand against the blood of your neighbor; I am the LORD.</p><p class="hdg">tale-bearer</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/23-1.htm">Exodus 23:1</a></b></br> Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/15-3.htm">Psalm 15:3</a></b></br> <i>He that</i> backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/11-13.htm">Proverbs 11:13</a></b></br> A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.</p><p class="hdg">stand</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/20-16.htm">Exodus 20:16</a></b></br> Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/23-1.htm">Exodus 23:1,7</a></b></br> Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/21-10.htm">1 Kings 21:10-13</a></b></br> And set two men, sons of Belial, before him, to bear witness against him, saying, Thou didst blaspheme God and the king. And <i>then</i> carry him out, and stone him, that he may die… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/leviticus/19-11.htm">Act</a> <a href="/leviticus/18-17.htm">Blood</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-11.htm">False.</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-27.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/exodus/20-7.htm">Idly</a> <a href="/leviticus/18-18.htm">Life</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-15.htm">Neighbor</a> <a href="/leviticus/18-20.htm">Neighbor's</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-15.htm">Neighbour</a> <a href="/revelation/13-6.htm">Slander</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/5-11.htm">Slanderer</a> <a href="/james/2-7.htm">Slandering</a> <a href="/leviticus/14-34.htm">Spreading</a> <a href="/leviticus/18-23.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/jeremiah/6-28.htm">Talebearer</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-22.htm">Tale-Bearer</a> <a href="/leviticus/6-2.htm">Untrue</a> <a href="/leviticus/5-1.htm">Witness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/leviticus/20-13.htm">Act</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-26.htm">Blood</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-35.htm">False.</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-27.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-11.htm">Idly</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-33.htm">Life</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-17.htm">Neighbor</a> <a href="/leviticus/20-10.htm">Neighbor's</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-17.htm">Neighbour</a> <a href="/numbers/14-36.htm">Slander</a> <a href="/psalms/140-11.htm">Slanderer</a> <a href="/james/2-7.htm">Slandering</a> <a href="/numbers/14-36.htm">Spreading</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-37.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-13.htm">Talebearer</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-13.htm">Tale-Bearer</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-40.htm">Untrue</a> <a href="/numbers/4-5.htm">Witness</a><div class="vheading2">Leviticus 19</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/leviticus/19-1.htm">A repetition of various laws</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/leviticus/19.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/leviticus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/leviticus/19.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>You must not go about spreading slander among your people.</b><br>This command emphasizes the importance of maintaining integrity and truthfulness within the community. In ancient Israel, the community was tightly knit, and slander could easily disrupt social harmony and trust. The Hebrew word for "slander" can also mean "to go about as a talebearer," indicating the destructive nature of gossip. <a href="/proverbs/11-13.htm">Proverbs 11:13 and 20</a>:19 warn against the dangers of gossip, highlighting its potential to ruin relationships and reputations. The New Testament echoes this sentiment in <a href="/james/4-11.htm">James 4:11</a>, where believers are instructed not to speak evil against one another. This command reflects God's desire for His people to live in truth and love, fostering unity and peace.<p><b>You must not endanger the life of your neighbor.</b><br>This phrase underscores the value of human life and the responsibility to protect and preserve it. In the context of ancient Israel, this could refer to various actions that might put others at risk, whether through negligence, malice, or indifference. The principle of loving one's neighbor as oneself, found in <a href="/leviticus/19-18.htm">Leviticus 19:18</a>, is foundational here, and Jesus reiterates this command in <a href="/matthew/22-39.htm">Matthew 22:39</a> as the second greatest commandment. The sanctity of life is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, as seen in the commandment "You shall not murder" (<a href="/exodus/20-13.htm">Exodus 20:13</a>). This directive calls for proactive care and concern for the well-being of others, reflecting God's character as a protector and sustainer of life.<p><b>I am the LORD.</b><br>This declaration serves as a divine seal of authority and a reminder of God's sovereignty. The phrase "I am the LORD" appears frequently in Leviticus, emphasizing that the laws given are not merely human constructs but divine mandates. It reminds the Israelites of their covenant relationship with God, who delivered them from Egypt and called them to be a holy nation (<a href="/exodus/19-5.htm">Exodus 19:5-6</a>). This statement reinforces the seriousness of the command and the expectation of obedience. It also points to God's unchanging nature and His ultimate authority over moral and ethical standards. In the New Testament, Jesus affirms His divine authority in similar ways, such as in <a href="/john/8-58.htm">John 8:58</a>, where He declares, "Before Abraham was born, I am," linking Himself to the eternal "I AM" of the Old Testament.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The original audience of the book of Leviticus, who were given these laws as part of their covenant relationship with God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The prophet and leader through whom God delivered the laws to the Israelites.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant God of Israel, who establishes these laws to guide His people in holiness and righteousness.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_neighbor.htm">The Neighbor</a></b><br>Represents fellow members of the Israelite community, emphasizing the importance of community relationships.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_promised_land.htm">The Promised Land</a></b><br>The context in which these laws were to be lived out, as the Israelites prepared to enter and settle in the land God promised them.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/guard_your_speech.htm">Guard Your Speech</a></b><br>The command against slander highlights the power of words. As believers, we must be vigilant in ensuring our speech builds up rather than tears down.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/v/value_of_community.htm">Value of Community</a></b><br>The prohibition against endangering a neighbor underscores the importance of community and the responsibility we have to protect and care for one another.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/holiness_in_daily_life.htm">Holiness in Daily Life</a></b><br>This verse is part of the broader call to holiness in Leviticus. Our daily interactions should reflect God's character, including how we speak about and treat others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/fear_of_the_lord.htm">Fear of the LORD</a></b><br>The phrase "I am the LORD" serves as a reminder that our obedience is rooted in reverence for God, who sees and judges all actions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_love.htm">Practical Love</a></b><br>Loving our neighbor is not just a feeling but involves concrete actions, such as refraining from harmful speech and protecting their well-being.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_leviticus_19.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 19</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_widows.htm">What is the Bible's stance on snitching?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/main_themes_of_bible's_books.htm">What are the main themes of the Bible's books?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'speak_evil_of_no_man'_mean.htm">What does "Speak Evil of No Man" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_gossip.htm">What does the Bible say about church gossip?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/leviticus/19.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) <span class= "bld">Thou shalt not go up and down as a tale-bearer.</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">Thou shalt not go about slandering, </span>as the Authorised Version has it in <a href="/jeremiah/6-28.htm" title="They are all grievous rebels, walking with slanders: they are brass and iron; they are all corrupters.">Jeremiah 6:28</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/9-4.htm" title="Take you heed every one of his neighbor, and trust you not in any brother: for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbor will walk with slanders.">Jeremiah 9:4</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/22-9.htm" title="In you are men that carry tales to shed blood: and in you they eat on the mountains: in the middle of you they commit lewdness.">Ezekiel 22:9</a>, Margin. Whilst giving just evidence in a court of justice is demanded by the law, it prohibits the circulation of slanderous reports about our neighbours. This dangerous habit, which has ruined the character and destroyed the life of many an innocent person (<a href="/1_samuel/22-9.htm" title="Then answered Doeg the Edomite, which was set over the servants of Saul, and said, I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub.">1Samuel 22:9</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/22-18.htm" title="And the king said to Doeg, Turn you, and fall on the priests. And Doeg the Edomite turned, and he fell on the priests, and slew on that day fourscore and five persons that did wear a linen ephod.">1Samuel 22:18</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/22-9.htm" title="In you are men that carry tales to shed blood: and in you they eat on the mountains: in the middle of you they commit lewdness.">Ezekiel 22:9</a>, &c.), was denounced by the spiritual authorities in the time of Christ as the greatest sin. Three things they declared remove a man from this world, and deprive him of happiness in the world to come--idolatry, incest, and murder, but slander surpasses them all. It kills three persons with one act, the person who slanders, the person who is slandered, and the person who listens to the slander. Hence the ancient Chaldee Version of Jonathan translates this clause: "Thou shalt not follow the thrice accursed tongue, for it is more fatal than the double-edged devouring sword." (Comp. also <a href="//apocrypha.org/ecclesiasticus/28-14.htm" title="A backbiting tongue hath disquieted many, and driven them from nation to nation: strong cities hath it pulled down, and overthrown the houses of great men.">Ecclesiasticus 28:14</a>) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/leviticus/19.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people.</span> For the evil done by mere idle talebearing, see Bishop Butler's sermon, 'Upon the Government of the Tongue,' and four sermons by Bishop Jeremy Taylor, on 'The Good and Evil Tongue; Slander and Flattery; the Duties of the Tongue.' <span class="cmt_word">Neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour;</span> that is, thou shalt not endanger his life, which is the result of the worst kind of talebearing, namely, bearing false witness against him. Thus the effect of the false witness of the two men of Belial against Naboth was that "they carried him forth out of the city, and stoned him with stones, that he died" (<a href="/1_kings/21-13.htm">1 Kings 21:13</a>; cf. <a href="/matthew/26-60.htm">Matthew 26:60</a>; <a href="/matthew/27-4.htm">Matthew 27:4</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/leviticus/19-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">You must not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">go</span><br /><span class="heb">תֵלֵ֤ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ṯê·lêḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">about spreading slander</span><br /><span class="heb">רָכִיל֙</span> <span class="translit">(rā·ḵîl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7400.htm">Strong's 7400: </a> </span><span class="str2">A scandal-monger</span><br /><br /><span class="word">among your people.</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּעַמֶּ֔יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·‘am·me·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">You must not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">endanger</span><br /><span class="heb">תַעֲמֹ֖ד</span> <span class="translit">(ṯa·‘ă·mōḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5975.htm">Strong's 5975: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stand, in various relations</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the life</span><br /><span class="heb">דַּ֣ם</span> <span class="translit">(dam)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1818.htm">Strong's 1818: </a> </span><span class="str2">Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of your neighbor.</span><br /><span class="heb">רֵעֶ֑ךָ</span> <span class="translit">(rê·‘e·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7453.htm">Strong's 7453: </a> </span><span class="str2">Friend, companion, fellow</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲנִ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> </span><span class="str2">I</span><br /><br /><span class="word">am the LORD.</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/leviticus/19-16.htm">Leviticus 19:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/leviticus/19-16.htm">Leviticus 19:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/leviticus/19-16.htm">Leviticus 19:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/leviticus/19-16.htm">Leviticus 19:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/leviticus/19-16.htm">Leviticus 19:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/leviticus/19-16.htm">Leviticus 19:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/leviticus/19-16.htm">Leviticus 19:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/leviticus/19-16.htm">Leviticus 19:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/leviticus/19-16.htm">Leviticus 19:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/leviticus/19-16.htm">Leviticus 19:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/leviticus/19-16.htm">OT Law: Leviticus 19:16 You shall not go up and down (Le Lv Lev.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/leviticus/19-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Leviticus 19:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Leviticus 19:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/leviticus/19-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Leviticus 19:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Leviticus 19:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>