CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Leviticus 19:2 "Speak to the whole congregation of Israel and tell them: Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/leviticus/19-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/03_Lev_19_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Leviticus 19:2 - Idolatry Forbidden" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Speak to the whole congregation of Israel and tell them: Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/leviticus/19-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/leviticus/19-2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/leviticus/">Leviticus</a> > <a href="/leviticus/19.htm">Chapter 19</a> > Verse 2</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/leviticus/19-1.htm" title="Leviticus 19:1">◄</a> Leviticus 19:2 <a href="/leviticus/19-3.htm" title="Leviticus 19:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/leviticus/19.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/leviticus/19.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />&#8220Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: &#8216Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/leviticus/19.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Give the following instructions to the entire community of Israel. You must be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/leviticus/19.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them, You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/leviticus/19.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Speak to the whole congregation of Israel and tell them: Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/leviticus/19.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God <i>am</i> holy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/leviticus/19.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God <i>am</i> holy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/leviticus/19.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Speak to all the congregation of the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/leviticus/19.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Speak to all the congregation of the sons of Israel and say to them, &#8216You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/leviticus/19.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Speak to all the congregation of the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/leviticus/19.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“Speak to all the congregation of the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘You shall be holy, for I, Yahweh your God, am holy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/leviticus/19.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Say to all the congregation of the children of Israel, ‘You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/leviticus/19.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Speak to the entire Israelite community and tell them: Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/leviticus/19.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Speak to the entire Israelite community and tell them: Be holy because I, Yahweh your God, am holy.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/leviticus/19.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy; for I Jehovah your God am holy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/leviticus/19.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />to say to the community of Israel: I am the LORD your God. I am holy, and you must be holy too! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/leviticus/19.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/leviticus/19.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"Tell the whole congregation of Israel: Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/leviticus/19.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />to say to the community of Israel, "Be holy, because I, the LORD your God, am holy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/leviticus/19.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Tell the entire assembly of Israel that they are to be holy, since I, the LORD your God, am holy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/leviticus/19.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?Speak to the whole congregation of Israel and tell them: Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/leviticus/19.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"Speak to the whole congregation of the Israelites and tell them, 'You must be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/leviticus/19.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and tell them, 'You shall be holy; for I the LORD your God am holy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/leviticus/19.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/leviticus/19.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and tell them, ‘You shall be holy; for I, Yahweh your God, am holy. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/leviticus/19.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />“Speak to all the congregation of the sons of Israel, and you have said to them: You are holy, because I, your God YHWH, [am] holy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/leviticus/19.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Speak unto all the company of the sons of Israel, and thou hast said unto them, Ye are holy, for holy am I, Jehovah, your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/leviticus/19.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Speak to the assembly of the sons of Israel, and say to them, Ye shall be holy, for I Jehovah your God am holy.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/leviticus/19.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and thou shalt say to them: Be ye holy, because I the Lord your God am holy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/leviticus/19.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Speak to the entire assembly of the sons of Israel, and you shall say to them: Be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/leviticus/19.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Speak to the whole Israelite community and tell them: Be holy, for I, the LORD your God, am holy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/leviticus/19.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them: You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/leviticus/19.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel and say to them, You shall be holy; for I the LORD your God am holy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/leviticus/19.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />“Speak with all the assembly of the children of Israel and say to them: 'Be Holy Ones because I am holy; I AM LORD JEHOVAH your God.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/leviticus/19.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them: Ye shall be holy; for I the LORD your God am holy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/leviticus/19.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Speak to the congregation of the children of Israel, and thou shalt say to them, Ye shall be holy; for I the Lord your God <i>am</i> holy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/leviticus/19-2.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=4967" 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">Idolatry Forbidden</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>Then the LORD said to Moses, <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: dab·bêr (V-Piel-Imp-ms) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">“Speak</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">the whole</a> <a href="/hebrew/5712.htm" title="5712: ‘ă·ḏaṯ (N-fsc) -- Congregation. Feminine of ed in the original sense of fixture; a stated assemblage.">congregation</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nê- (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.)."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">of Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wə·’ā·mar·tā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">and tell</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ă·lê·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- To, into, towards. ">them:</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: tih·yū (V-Qal-Imperf-2mp) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">Be</a> <a href="/hebrew/6918.htm" title="6918: qə·ḏō·šîm (Adj-mp) -- Sacred, holy. Or qadosh; from qadash; sacred; God, an angel, a saint, a sanctuary.">holy</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because</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.">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> <a href="/hebrew/6918.htm" title="6918: qā·ḏō·wōš (Adj-ms) -- Sacred, holy. Or qadosh; from qadash; sacred; God, an angel, a saint, a sanctuary.">am holy.</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>Each of you must respect his mother and father, and you must keep My Sabbaths. I am the LORD your God.…<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="/1_peter/1-15.htm">1 Peter 1:15-16</a></span><br />But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, / for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-48.htm">Matthew 5:48</a></span><br />Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-7.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:7</a></span><br />For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-14.htm">Hebrews 12:14</a></span><br />Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-3.htm">1 John 3:3</a></span><br />And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as Christ is pure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/1-4.htm">Ephesians 1:4</a></span><br />For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/7-1.htm">2 Corinthians 7:1</a></span><br />Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-1.htm">Romans 12:1-2</a></span><br />Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. / Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-12.htm">Colossians 3:12</a></span><br />Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-2.htm">1 Corinthians 1:2</a></span><br />To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/6-3.htm">Isaiah 6:3</a></span><br />And they were calling out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/19-6.htm">Exodus 19:6</a></span><br />And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you are to speak to the Israelites.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/7-6.htm">Deuteronomy 7:6</a></span><br />For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession out of all peoples on the face of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/99-9.htm">Psalm 99:9</a></span><br />Exalt the LORD our God and worship at His holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/57-15.htm">Isaiah 57:15</a></span><br />For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and humble in spirit, to restore the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the contrite.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them, You shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.</p><p class="hdg">Ye shall</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/11-44.htm">Leviticus 11:44,45</a></b></br> For I <i>am</i> the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I <i>am</i> holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/20-7.htm">Leviticus 20:7,26</a></b></br> Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I <i>am</i> the LORD your God… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/21-8.htm">Leviticus 21:8</a></b></br> Thou shalt sanctify him therefore; for he offereth the bread of thy God: he shall be holy unto thee: for I the LORD, which sanctify you, <i>am</i> holy.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/leviticus/16-33.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/leviticus/18-21.htm">Children</a> <a href="/leviticus/9-5.htm">Company</a> <a href="/leviticus/17-9.htm">Congregation</a> <a href="/leviticus/9-5.htm">Entire</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-33.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/leviticus/18-2.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/leviticus/17-2.htm">Speak</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/leviticus/23-3.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-18.htm">Children</a> <a href="/leviticus/24-14.htm">Company</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-21.htm">Congregation</a> <a href="/leviticus/24-14.htm">Entire</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-8.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/leviticus/20-2.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-1.htm">Speak</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>Speak to the whole congregation of Israel</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the communal aspect of the message. The entire nation of Israel is addressed, highlighting the collective responsibility of the people. In the context of the ancient Near East, Israel was a theocratic society where religious and civil laws were intertwined. The term "congregation" suggests a gathering for worship or instruction, indicating that this message is not just for individuals but for the entire community. This communal approach is seen throughout the Pentateuch, where the covenant is made with the people as a whole (<a href="/exodus/19-6.htm">Exodus 19:6</a>).<p><b>and tell them:</b><br>The directive to "tell them" underscores the role of Moses as a mediator between God and the people. This reflects the prophetic tradition where God's messages are delivered through chosen individuals. The act of speaking is significant in biblical tradition, as it is through the spoken word that God often reveals His will (<a href="/deuteronomy/18-18.htm">Deuteronomy 18:18</a>).<p><b>Be holy</b><br>The call to holiness is central to the identity of Israel as God's chosen people. Holiness in this context means being set apart for God's purposes, reflecting His character in their lives. This concept is foundational in the Torah and is reiterated in the New Testament (<a href="/1_peter/1-15.htm">1 Peter 1:15-16</a>). Holiness involves moral and ritual purity, distinguishing Israel from surrounding nations.<p><b>because I, the LORD your God,</b><br>This phrase establishes the authority and reason for the command. The use of "I, the LORD" (YHWH) invokes the covenant name of God, reminding Israel of their unique relationship with Him. The phrase "your God" personalizes this relationship, emphasizing that the command to be holy is rooted in their identity as God's people. This covenant relationship is a recurring theme in the Old Testament (<a href="/exodus/6-7.htm">Exodus 6:7</a>).<p><b>am holy.</b><br>God's holiness is the ultimate standard for Israel's conduct. Unlike the gods of surrounding nations, the God of Israel is morally perfect and wholly other. This holiness is not just an abstract attribute but is demonstrated in God's actions and character. The call for Israel to be holy as God is holy is a call to imitate God's character, which is fully revealed in Jesus Christ in the New Testament (<a href="/hebrews/12-14.htm">Hebrews 12:14</a>). This phrase also points to the eschatological hope of a holy people in a restored creation.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The prophet and leader of the Israelites, who received the laws from God and communicated them to the people.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The chosen people of God, who were delivered from Egypt and were being prepared to enter the Promised Land.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is holy and calls His people to reflect His holiness.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/mount_sinai.htm">Mount Sinai</a></b><br>The place where God gave the Law to Moses, including the instructions found in Leviticus.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_tabernacle.htm">The Tabernacle</a></b><br>The dwelling place of God among His people, symbolizing His presence and holiness.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_holiness.htm">Understanding Holiness</a></b><br>Holiness means being set apart for God’s purposes. It involves moral purity and dedication to God’s will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_god's_character.htm">Reflecting God’s Character</a></b><br>As God’s people, we are called to reflect His character in our daily lives. This involves living according to His standards and values.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/holiness_in_community.htm">Holiness in Community</a></b><br>The call to holiness is not just individual but communal. The entire congregation of Israel was addressed, indicating that holiness should permeate the community of believers.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_source_of_holiness.htm">The Source of Holiness</a></b><br>Our holiness is rooted in God’s holiness. We are called to be holy because He is holy, and He empowers us to live holy lives through His Spirit.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_holiness.htm">Practical Holiness</a></b><br>Holiness should be evident in our actions, thoughts, and relationships. It involves making choices that honor God and align with His Word.<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_defines_the_holiness_of_christ.htm">What defines the holiness of Christ?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_christian_ethics.htm">What is Christian Ethics?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_holiness.htm">What does the Bible say about holiness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/are_you_aware_of_your_actions.htm">Are you paying attention to your own actions?</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>(2) <span class= "bld">Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel.</span>--The importance which the Lawgiver Himself attaches to this epitome of the whole Law, as this section is called, may be seen from the fact that God commands Moses to address these precepts "to all <span class= "ital">the congregation </span>of the children of Israel--a phrase which occurs nowhere else in Leviticus in this formula, and which is only to be found once more in the whole Pentateuch (<a href="/exodus/12-3.htm" title="Speak you to all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house:">Exodus 12:3</a>), at the institution of the Passover, the great national festival which commemorates the redemption of the Israelites from Egypt.<p><span class= "bld">I the Lord your God.</span>--Around this solemn declaration, which is repeated no less than sixteen times, both in its full and shorter form (see <a href="/leviticus/19-1.htm" title="And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,">Leviticus 19:1</a>), cluster the different precepts of this section. It is this solemn formula which links together the various injunctions in the chapter before us. As the Lord who is their God is Himself holy, they who are His people must also be holy, or as the saying which obtained during the second Temple expresses it, "the surroundings of the king must bear the moral impress of the sovereign;" or, in other words, your nearness to God not only demands. that your conduct should not be in contradiction to His holy nature, but that your life should bear the impress and reflect the image of God. (See <a href="/leviticus/11-44.htm" title="For I am the LORD your God: you shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and you shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall you defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creeps on the earth.">Leviticus 11:44</a>; <a href="/matthew/5-48.htm" title="Be you therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.">Matthew 5:48</a>; <a href="/1_peter/1-15.htm" title="But as he which has called you is holy, so be you holy in all manner of conversation;">1Peter 1:15</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/leviticus/19.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy.</span> The religious motive is put forward here, as in the previous chapter, as the foundation of all morality. It is God's will that we should be holy, and by being holy we. are like God, who is to be our model so far as is possible to the creature. So in the new dispensation, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect" (<a href="/matthew/5-48.htm">Matthew 5:48</a>). "As he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation" (<a href="/1_peter/1-15.htm">1 Peter 1:15</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/leviticus/19-2.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">“Speak</span><br /><span class="heb">דַּבֵּ֞ר</span> <span class="translit">(dab·bêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arrange, to speak, to subdue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the entire</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">congregation</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲדַ֧ת</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·ḏaṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5712.htm">Strong's 5712: </a> </span><span class="str2">A stated assemblage</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the Israelites</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּנֵי־</span> <span class="translit">(bə·nê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and tell</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאָמַרְתָּ֥</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’ā·mar·tā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">them:</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲלֵהֶ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·lê·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">‘Be</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּהְי֑וּ</span> <span class="translit">(tih·yū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">holy</span><br /><span class="heb">קְדֹשִׁ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(qə·ḏō·šîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6918.htm">Strong's 6918: </a> </span><span class="str2">Sacred, God, an angel, a saint, a sanctuary</span><br /><br /><span class="word">because</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</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">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 /><br /><span class="word">am holy.</span><br /><span class="heb">קָד֔וֹשׁ</span> <span class="translit">(qā·ḏō·wōš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6918.htm">Strong's 6918: </a> </span><span class="str2">Sacred, God, an angel, a saint, a sanctuary</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/leviticus/19-2.htm">Leviticus 19:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/leviticus/19-2.htm">Leviticus 19:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/leviticus/19-2.htm">Leviticus 19:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/leviticus/19-2.htm">Leviticus 19:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/leviticus/19-2.htm">Leviticus 19:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/leviticus/19-2.htm">Leviticus 19:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/leviticus/19-2.htm">Leviticus 19:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/leviticus/19-2.htm">Leviticus 19:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/leviticus/19-2.htm">Leviticus 19:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/leviticus/19-2.htm">Leviticus 19:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/leviticus/19-2.htm">OT Law: Leviticus 19:2 Speak to all the congregation (Le Lv Lev.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/leviticus/19-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Leviticus 19:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Leviticus 19:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/leviticus/19-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Leviticus 19:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Leviticus 19:3" /></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>