Leviticus 19:2
“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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse commands holiness because God is holy, framing it not as an arbitrary rule, but as a direct invitation to reflect God's character. This call to be like God isn't just about avoiding sin, but about actively embodying His distinctness and goodness in every aspect of life.
After detailing the strict rules about forbidden sexual relationships and idolatry in the previous chapter, God instructs Moses to address the entire Israelite community. This section introduces a foundational principle for their entire way of life: holiness, directly linked to God's own holy nature.
Understand the original words
qadosh · Hebrew Adjective
A term describing being set apart or consecrated for God's use. It signifies moral purity, divine perfection, and separation from sin and commonness.
edah · Hebrew Noun
In this context, it refers to the assembly of Israel as a covenant community chosen by God to be His people. It emphasizes the collective identity of the nation.
This passage directly echoes Leviticus 19:2, urging believers to 'be holy because I am holy,' emphasizing that our calling is to reflect God's own character in our lives.
Matthew 5:48Jesus expands on the concept of holiness, calling his followers to be 'perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect,' showing that this command to be holy is a core principle in his teachings.
Leviticus 11:44This verse in the same book of Leviticus provides an earlier instance of God stating 'You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy,' linking the command to the dietary laws and underscoring a consistent theme of holiness throughout the Law.
Exodus 12:3The instruction to speak to 'all the congregation of the children of Israel' is a unique and significant phrase also used at the institution of the Passover, highlighting the foundational importance of this command for the entire nation.
Romans 12:1Paul calls believers to offer their bodies as 'living sacrifices,' a spiritual act of worship that mirrors the consecration required by the command to be holy, showing how this ancient call finds new expression in the New Testament.
bensonLeviticus 19:2: "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."
Leviticus 19:2 . Ye shall be holy — Separated from all the forementioned defilements, and entirely consecrated to God, and obedient to all his laws. I am holy — Both in my essence, and in all my laws, which are holy, and just, and good.
gillLeviticus 19:2: "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."
Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel,.... They could not be all spoke to together, but tribe after tribe, or family after family; or rather the heads of the tribes, and at most the heads of families were convened, and the following instructions were given, to be communicated to their respective tribes and families. Jarchi says th…
The verse commands holiness because God is holy, framing it not as an arbitrary rule, but as a direct invitation to reflect God's character. This call to be like God isn't just about avoiding sin, but about actively embodying His distinctness and goodness in every aspect of life.
After detailing the strict rules about forbidden sexual relationships and idolatry in the previous chapter, God instructs Moses to address the entire Israelite community. This section introduces a foundational principle for their entire way of life: holiness, directly linked to God's own holy nature.
After detailing the strict rules about forbidden sexual relationships and idolatry in the previous chapter, God instructs Moses to address the entire Israelite community. This section introduces a foundational principle for their entire way of life: holiness, directly linked to God's own holy nature.
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"“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." — The verse commands holiness because God is holy, framing it not as an arbitrary rule, but as a direct invitation to reflect God's character. This call to be like God isn't just about avoiding sin,…
