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I am the LORD your God.&#8217&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/leviticus/18.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So obey my instructions, and do not defile yourselves by committing any of these detestable practices that were committed by the people who lived in the land before you. I am the LORD your God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/leviticus/18.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />So keep my charge never to practice any of these abominable customs that were practiced before you, and never to make yourselves unclean by them: I am the LORD your God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/leviticus/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />You must keep My charge not to practice any of the abominable customs that were practiced before you, so that you do not defile yourselves by them. I am the LORD your God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/leviticus/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Therefore shall ye keep mine ordinance, that <i>ye</i> commit not <i>any one</i> of these abominable customs, which were committed before you, and that ye defile not yourselves therein: I <i>am</i> the LORD your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/leviticus/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />‘Therefore you shall keep My ordinance, so that <i>you</i> do not commit <i>any</i> of these abominable customs which were committed before you, and that you do not defile yourselves by them: I <i>am</i> the LORD your God.’ ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/leviticus/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So you are to keep your commitment to Me not to practice any of the abominable customs which have been practiced before you, so that you do not defile yourselves with them; I am the LORD your God.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/leviticus/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8216Thus you are to keep My charge, that you do not practice any of the abominable customs which have been practiced before you, so as not to defile yourselves with them; I am the LORD your God.&#8217&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/leviticus/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />‘Thus you are to keep My charge, that you do not practice any of the abominable customs which have been practiced before you, so as not to defile yourselves with them; I am the LORD your God.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/leviticus/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Thus you are to keep My charge, that you do not do any of the abominable statutes which have been done before you, so as not to defile yourselves with them; I am Yahweh your God.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/leviticus/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So keep My command: do not practice any of the repulsive customs which have been practiced before you, so as not to defile yourselves by them; I am the LORD your God.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/leviticus/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You must keep my instruction to not do any of the detestable customs that were practiced before you, so that you do not defile yourselves by them; I am the LORD your God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/leviticus/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You must keep My instruction to not do any of the detestable customs that were practiced before you, so that you do not defile yourselves by them; I am Yahweh your God.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/leviticus/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Therefore shall ye keep my charge, that ye practise not any of these abominable customs, which were practised before you, and that ye defile not yourselves therein: I am Jehovah your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/leviticus/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Therefore shall ye keep my charge, that ye do not any of these abominable customs, which were done before you, and that ye defile not yourselves therein: I am the LORD your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/leviticus/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />So you must follow my instructions. Don't live by the standards of the people who lived there before you. What they do is disgusting. Never become unclean that way. I am the LORD your God."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/leviticus/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />And the LORD said, "Obey the commands I give and do not follow the practices of the people who lived in the land before you, and do not make yourselves unclean by doing any of these things. I am the LORD your God." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/leviticus/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Therefore, keep my injunctions so that you won't practice these detestable things that have been done before you, and so that you won't be defiled in them. I am the LORD."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/leviticus/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />You must keep My charge not to practice any of the abominable customs that were practiced before you, so that you do not defile yourselves by them. I am the LORD your God.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/leviticus/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />You must obey my charge to not practice any of the abominable statutes that have been done before you, so that you do not defile yourselves by them. I am the LORD your God.'" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/leviticus/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Therefore you shall keep my requirements, that you do not practice any of these abominable customs, which were practiced before you, and that you do not defile yourselves with them: I am the LORD your God.'"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/leviticus/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Therefore shall ye keep my ordinance, that ye commit not any one of these abominable customs, which were committed before you, and that ye defile not yourselves in them; I am the LORD your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/leviticus/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Therefore you shall keep my requirements, that you do not practice any of these abominable customs which were practiced before you, and that you do not defile yourselves with them. I am Yahweh your God.’” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/leviticus/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and you have kept My charge, so as not to do [any] of the abominable statutes which have been done before you, and you do not defile yourselves with them; I [am] your God YHWH.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/leviticus/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and ye have kept My charge, so as not to do any of the abominable statutes which have been done before you, and ye do not defile yourselves with them; I am Jehovah your God.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/leviticus/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And they watched my watches so as not to do from the laws of abomination which were done before you, and ye shall not be defiled in them: I am Jehovah your God.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/leviticus/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Keep my commandments. Do not the things which they have done, that have been before you, and be not defiled therein. I am the Lord your God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/leviticus/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Keep my commandments. Do not be willing to do the things which have been done by those who were before you, and do not be polluted by these things. I am the Lord your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/leviticus/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Heed my charge, then, not to observe the abominable customs that have been observed before your time, and thus become impure by them. I, the LORD, am your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/leviticus/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So keep my charge not to commit any of these abominations that were done before you, and not to defile yourselves by them: I am the LORD your God.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/leviticus/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Therefore you shall keep my ordinance, and you shall not commit any of these abominable customs which were committed before you, and you shall not defile yourselves by them; I am the LORD your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/leviticus/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Keep my observances and you shall not practice according to one thing from the laws of sins that they who were before you had done, and you shall not be defiled in them; I AM LORD JEHOVAH your God.'" <div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/leviticus/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Therefore shall ye keep My charge, that ye do not any of these abominable customs, which were done before you, and that ye defile not yourselves therein: I am the LORD your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/leviticus/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And ye shall keep mine ordinances, that ye may not do any of the abominable practices, which have taken place before your time: and ye shall not be polluted in them; for I <i>am</i> the Lord your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/leviticus/18-30.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=4952" 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/18.htm">Unlawful Sexual Relations</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">29</span>Therefore anyone who commits any of these abominations must be cut off from among his people. <span class="reftext">30</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/8104.htm" title="8104: ū·šə·mar·tem (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2mp) -- To keep, watch, preserve. A primitive root; properly, to hedge about, i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.">You must keep</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4931.htm" title="4931: miš·mar·tî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Fem. Of mishmar; watch, i.e. The act, or The sentry, the post; obj. Preservation, or Safe; fig. Observance, i.e. Duty or A usage or party.">My charge</a> <a href="/hebrew/1115.htm" title="1115: lə·ḇil·tî (Prep-l) -- Constructive feminine of balah; properly, a failure of, i.e. not, except, without, unless, besides, because not, until, etc.">not</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ă·śō·wṯ (V-Qal-Inf) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">to practice</a> <a href="/hebrew/8441.htm" title="8441: hat·tō·w·‘ê·ḇōṯ (Art:: N-fp) -- Or tonebah; feminine active participle of ta'ab; properly, something disgusting, i.e. an abhorrence; especially idolatry or an idol.">any of the abominable</a> <a href="/hebrew/2708.htm" title="2708: mê·ḥuq·qō·wṯ (Prep-m:: N-fpc) -- Something prescribed, an enactment, statute. Feminine of choq, and meaning substantially the same.">customs</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: na·‘ă·śū (V-Nifal-Perf-3cp) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">were practiced</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lip̄·nê·ḵem (Prep-l:: N-mpc:: 2mp) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">before you,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">so that you do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/2930.htm" title="2930: ṯiṭ·ṭam·mə·’ū (V-Hitpael-Imperf-2mp) -- To be or become unclean. A primitive root; to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense.">defile yourselves</a> <a href="/hebrew/bā·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- ">by them.</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> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hê·ḵem (N-mpc:: 2mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">your God.”</a> </span><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="/deuteronomy/18-9.htm">Deuteronomy 18:9-14</a></span><br />When you enter the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. / Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or conjury, interprets omens, practices sorcery, / casts spells, consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/12-29.htm">Deuteronomy 12:29-31</a></span><br />When the LORD your God cuts off before you the nations you are entering to dispossess, and you drive them out and live in their land, / be careful not to be ensnared by their ways after they have been destroyed before you. Do not inquire about their gods, asking, “How do these nations serve their gods? I will do likewise.” / You must not worship the LORD your God in this way, because they practice for their gods every abomination which the LORD hates. They even burn their sons and daughters in the fire as sacrifices to their gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/14-24.htm">1 Kings 14:24</a></span><br />There were even male shrine prostitutes in the land. They imitated all the abominations of the nations the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/16-3.htm">2 Kings 16:3</a></span><br />Instead, he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel and even sacrificed his son in the fire, according to the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/21-2.htm">2 Kings 21:2</a></span><br />And he did evil in the sight of the LORD by following the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/28-3.htm">2 Chronicles 28:3</a></span><br />Moreover, Ahaz burned incense in the Valley of Ben-hinnom and sacrificed his sons in the fire, according to the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/33-2.htm">2 Chronicles 33:2</a></span><br />And he did evil in the sight of the LORD by following the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/10-2.htm">Jeremiah 10:2-3</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: “Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by the signs in the heavens, though the nations themselves are terrified by them. / For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut down a tree from the forest; it is shaped with a chisel by the hands of a craftsman.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/20-7.htm">Ezekiel 20:7-8</a></span><br />And I said to them: ‘Each of you must throw away the abominations before his eyes, and you must not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.’ / But they rebelled against Me and refused to listen. None of them cast away the abominations before their eyes, and they did not forsake the idols of Egypt. So I resolved to pour out My wrath upon them and vent My anger against them in the land of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/20-18.htm">Ezekiel 20:18-19</a></span><br />In the wilderness I said to their children: ‘Do not walk in the statutes of your fathers or keep their ordinances or defile yourselves with their idols. / I am the LORD your God; walk in My statutes, keep My ordinances, and practice them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/20-30.htm">Ezekiel 20:30-31</a></span><br />Therefore tell the house of Israel that this is what the Lord GOD says: Will you defile yourselves the way your fathers did, prostituting yourselves with their abominations? / When you offer your gifts, sacrificing your sons in the fire, you continue to defile yourselves with all your idols to this day. So should I be consulted by you, O house of Israel? As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I will not be consulted by you!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/23-30.htm">Ezekiel 23:30</a></span><br />have brought these things upon you, because you have prostituted yourself with the nations and defiled yourself with their idols.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-24.htm">Romans 1:24-27</a></span><br />Therefore God gave them over in the desires of their hearts to impurity for the dishonoring of their bodies with one another. / They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is forever worthy of praise! Amen. / For this reason God gave them over to dishonorable passions. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/6-9.htm">1 Corinthians 6:9-11</a></span><br />Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, / nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. / And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/6-14.htm">2 Corinthians 6:14-17</a></span><br />Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? / What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? / What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Therefore shall you keep my ordinance, that you commit not any one of these abominable customs, which were committed before you, and that you defile not yourselves therein: I am the LORD your God.</p><p class="hdg">abominable</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/18-3.htm">Leviticus 18:3,26,27</a></b></br> After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you, shall ye not do: neither shall ye walk in their ordinances… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/20-23.htm">Leviticus 20:23</a></b></br> And ye shall not walk in the manners of the nation, which I cast out before you: for they committed all these things, and therefore I abhorred them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/18-9.htm">Deuteronomy 18:9-12</a></b></br> When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations… </p><p class="hdg">that ye defile</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/18-24.htm">Leviticus 18:24</a></b></br> Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you:</p><p class="hdg">I am</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/18-2.htm">Leviticus 18:2,4</a></b></br> Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, I am the LORD your God… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/leviticus/11-43.htm">Abominable</a> <a href="/leviticus/18-25.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/leviticus/18-29.htm">Commit</a> <a href="/leviticus/17-7.htm">Committed</a> <a href="/leviticus/18-3.htm">Customs</a> <a href="/leviticus/18-28.htm">Defile</a> <a href="/leviticus/18-29.htm">Detestable</a> <a href="/leviticus/18-29.htm">Disgusting</a> <a href="/leviticus/18-4.htm">Follow</a> <a href="/leviticus/18-5.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-34.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/leviticus/17-7.htm">Ordinance</a> <a href="/genesis/44-15.htm">Practice</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-21.htm">Practiced</a> <a href="/revelation/22-15.htm">Practise</a> <a href="/romans/10-5.htm">Practised</a> <a href="/genesis/26-5.htm">Requirements</a> <a href="/leviticus/18-26.htm">Statutes</a> <a href="/leviticus/18-4.htm">Therein</a> <a href="/leviticus/18-28.htm">Unclean</a> <a href="/leviticus/18-24.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/leviticus/19-7.htm">Abominable</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-9.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/leviticus/20-5.htm">Commit</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-22.htm">Committed</a> <a href="/leviticus/20-23.htm">Customs</a> <a href="/leviticus/20-3.htm">Defile</a> <a href="/leviticus/20-13.htm">Detestable</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-7.htm">Disgusting</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-37.htm">Follow</a> <a href="/leviticus/20-8.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-31.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-9.htm">Ordinance</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-26.htm">Practice</a> <a href="/joshua/13-22.htm">Practiced</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-26.htm">Practise</a> <a href="/2_kings/17-8.htm">Practised</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-9.htm">Requirements</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-19.htm">Statutes</a> <a href="/leviticus/20-22.htm">Therein</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-7.htm">Unclean</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-4.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Leviticus 18</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/leviticus/18-1.htm">Unlawful marriages and unlawful lusts</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/18.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/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>You must keep My charge</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the divine command and authority of God. The term "charge" implies a responsibility or duty given by God to His people. In the context of Leviticus, this charge is part of the Holiness Code, which outlines how the Israelites are to live in a manner distinct from surrounding nations. The charge is not merely a suggestion but a binding obligation, reflecting the covenant relationship between God and Israel.<p><b>not to practice any of the abominable customs</b><br>The "abominable customs" refer to the practices of the Canaanite nations, which included idolatry, sexual immorality, and other behaviors considered detestable by God. These customs are detailed earlier in <a href="/leviticus/18.htm">Leviticus 18</a> and are condemned because they violate the holiness and moral standards set by God. The term "abominable" indicates practices that are not only sinful but also repugnant to God, highlighting the severity of these actions.<p><b>that were practiced before you</b><br>This phrase provides historical context, indicating that these customs were prevalent among the nations inhabiting the land before the Israelites. The Canaanites, known for their pagan worship and immoral practices, serve as a warning to Israel. The historical backdrop underscores the need for Israel to remain separate and not adopt the ways of the nations they were displacing.<p><b>so that you do not defile yourselves by them</b><br>Defilement in this context refers to spiritual and moral corruption. Engaging in these customs would lead to a loss of purity and holiness, which are essential for maintaining a relationship with God. The concept of defilement is significant in Leviticus, as it affects one's ability to participate in worship and community life. This warning serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience.<p><b>I am the LORD your God.</b><br>This declaration reaffirms God's identity and authority. It serves as a reminder of the covenant relationship, where God is the sovereign ruler and Israel is His chosen people. The phrase underscores the reason for obedience: not merely to follow rules, but to honor the God who delivered them from Egypt and established them as a holy nation. This statement is a recurring motif in Leviticus, emphasizing God's unchanging nature and His rightful place as the object of worship and obedience.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The primary audience of Leviticus, the Israelites were God's chosen people, called to live according to His laws and separate from the surrounding nations.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/canaan.htm">Canaan</a></b><br>The land into which the Israelites were entering, inhabited by people practicing customs that God deemed abominable.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites and the mediator of God's laws, including the instructions found in Leviticus.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant God of Israel, who gave the laws and commandments to His people to guide them in holiness.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/a/abominable_customs.htm">Abominable Customs</a></b><br>Practices of the Canaanites and other nations that were detestable to God, often involving idolatry and immorality.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/h/holiness_as_separation.htm">Holiness as Separation</a></b><br>God calls His people to be distinct from the world, living according to His standards rather than cultural norms.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_assimilation.htm">The Danger of Assimilation</a></b><br>Engaging in practices contrary to God's commands leads to spiritual defilement and separation from God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_authority.htm">God's Authority</a></b><br>The phrase "I am the LORD your God" underscores God's authority and the importance of obedience to His commands.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/cultural_discernment.htm">Cultural Discernment</a></b><br>Believers today must discern which cultural practices align with God's Word and which do not.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_obedience.htm">The Call to Obedience</a></b><br>Obedience to God's commands is a demonstration of our love and commitment to Him.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_leviticus_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 18</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_hacking.htm">What does the Bible say about being defiled?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_the_main_trinitarian_heresies.htm">What is Topheth in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_maat's_42_precepts.htm">What are the Forty-Two Precepts of Maat?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_teachings_on_sexual_ethics.htm">What are the Bible's teachings on sexual ethics?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/leviticus/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(30) <span class= "bld">Therefore shall ye keep mine ordinance. </span>As God is no respecter of persons, and as He will assuredly visit His own people with the same punishment which He inflicted upon the former occupants of the laud, the Israelites are to take special care to keep inviolate His ordinances.<p><span class= "bld">Commit not any one of these abominable customs, which were committed before you. </span>Better, <span class= "ital">Do not any one of these abominable statutes which were done, </span>as the Authorised Version translates the word in <a href="/deuteronomy/6-24.htm" title="And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day.">Deuteronomy 6:24</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/16-12.htm" title="And you shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt: and you shall observe and do these statutes.">Deuteronomy 16:12</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/26-16.htm" title="This day the LORD your God has commanded you to do these statutes and judgments: you shall therefore keep and do them with all your heart, and with all your soul.">Deuteronomy 26:16</a>. These abominations were not practised simply as customs, but were legally enacted as statutes of the land, and formed part of their religious institutions (see <a href="/leviticus/18-3.htm" title="After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein you dwelled, shall you not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, where I bring you, shall you not do: neither shall you walk in their ordinances.">Leviticus 18:3</a>). A similar state of degeneracy is described by Isaiah, who tells us that the Divine statutes, which is the same word used in the passage before us, were changed. By deviating here from the usual rendering of this phrase the Authorised Version mars the import of the passage.<p><span class= "bld">I am the Lord your God.</span>--This is the declaration with which this group of laws was introduced. Its repetition at the end imparts peculiar solemnity to these enactments. (See <a href="/leviticus/18-1.htm" title="And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,">Leviticus 18:1</a>.) . . . <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/leviticus/18-30.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 keep</span><br /><span class="heb">וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֣ם</span> <span class="translit">(ū·šə·mar·tem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8104.htm">Strong's 8104: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">My charge</span><br /><span class="heb">מִשְׁמַרְתִּ֗י</span> <span class="translit">(miš·mar·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4931.htm">Strong's 4931: </a> </span><span class="str2">A guard, watch, charge, function</span><br /><br /><span class="word">not</span><br /><span class="heb">לְבִלְתִּ֨י</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḇil·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1115.htm">Strong's 1115: </a> </span><span class="str2">A failure of, not, except, without, unless, besides, because not, until</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to practice</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲשׂ֜וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·śō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[any] of the abominable</span><br /><span class="heb">הַתּֽוֹעֵבֹת֙</span> <span class="translit">(hat·tō·w·‘ê·ḇōṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8441.htm">Strong's 8441: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something disgusting, an abhorrence, idolatry, an idol</span><br /><br /><span class="word">customs</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵחֻקּ֤וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(mê·ḥuq·qō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - feminine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2708.htm">Strong's 2708: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something prescribed, an enactment, statute</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">were practiced</span><br /><span class="heb">נַעֲשׂ֣וּ</span> <span class="translit">(na·‘ă·śū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">before you,</span><br /><span class="heb">לִפְנֵיכֶ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(lip̄·nê·ḵem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so that you do not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | 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">defile yourselves</span><br /><span class="heb">תִֽטַּמְּא֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(ṯiṭ·ṭam·mə·’ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2930.htm">Strong's 2930: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be or become unclean</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by them.</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּהֶ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(bā·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></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">יְהוָ֥ה</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 /><br /><span class="word">your God.”</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hê·ḵem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/leviticus/18-30.htm">Leviticus 18:30 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/leviticus/18-30.htm">Leviticus 18:30 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/leviticus/18-30.htm">Leviticus 18:30 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/leviticus/18-30.htm">Leviticus 18:30 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/leviticus/18-30.htm">Leviticus 18:30 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/leviticus/18-30.htm">Leviticus 18:30 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/leviticus/18-30.htm">Leviticus 18:30 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/leviticus/18-30.htm">Leviticus 18:30 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/leviticus/18-30.htm">Leviticus 18:30 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/leviticus/18-30.htm">Leviticus 18:30 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/leviticus/18-30.htm">OT Law: Leviticus 18:30 Therefore you shall keep my requirements that (Le Lv Lev.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/leviticus/18-29.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Leviticus 18:29"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Leviticus 18:29" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/leviticus/19-1.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Leviticus 19:1"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Leviticus 19:1" /></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>