Leviticus 19:16

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible:

"'Do not go around spreading slander among your people, but also don't stand idly by when your neighbor's life is at stake; I am ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible:

You must not go about spreading slander among your people. You must not endanger the life of your neighbor. I am the LORD.

American Standard Version:

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.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Thou shalt not go^{H3212} up and down as a talebearer^{H7400} among thy people^{H5971}: neither shalt thou stand^{H5975} against the blood^{H1818} of thy neighbour^{H7453}: I am the LORD^{H3068}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Leviticus 19:16

Leviticus 19:16 is part of the Holiness Code in the book of Leviticus, which contains a series of laws given to the Israelites by God through Moses. The verse addresses two distinct ethical imperatives that were particularly relevant in the context of ancient Israelite society, but which also have enduring moral relevance.

Firstly, the command "Thou shalt not go up and down [as] a talebearer among thy people" speaks against gossip and slander. In a close-knit community, such as that of the Israelites, maintaining harmony and trust was crucial for social cohesion. The prohibition against being a "talebearer" or gossipmonger underscores the importance of truthful and edifying speech, discouraging behaviors that could lead to division and strife within the community.

Secondly, the injunction "neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour" can be interpreted in various ways, including a prohibition against bearing false witness, which is a theme also found in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:16). It may also imply a duty to prevent harm to one's neighbor, potentially extending to the responsibility to intervene or speak up when another's life is in danger, thus fostering a culture of mutual protection and justice.

The concluding phrase, "I [am] the LORD," serves as a theological anchor for these commands, reminding the people that these ethical directives are rooted in the very character and authority of God. It emphasizes that the moral conduct of the Israelites is not just a matter of social convention but is integral to their relationship with God. This verse, therefore, encapsulates the intertwining of ethical behavior with spiritual identity, a concept that has profound implications for how individuals within a community relate to one another and to the divine.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H3212
   There are 938 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יָלַךְ
   Transliteration: yâlak
   Pronunciation: yaw-lak'
   Description: a primitive root (compare הָלַךְ); to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses); [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak.
   
2. Strong's Number: H7400
   There are 6 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רָכִיל
   Transliteration: râkîyl
   Pronunciation: raw-keel'
   Description: from רָכַל; a scandal-monger (as travelling about); slander, carry tales, talebearer.
   
3. Strong's Number: H5971
   There are 1654 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עַם
   Transliteration: ʻam
   Pronunciation: am
   Description: from עָמַם; a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock; folk, men, nation, people.
   
4. Strong's Number: H5975
   There are 495 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עָמַד
   Transliteration: ʻâmad
   Pronunciation: aw-mad'
   Description: a primitive root; to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive); abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry.
   
5. Strong's Number: H1818
   There are 295 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: דָּם
   Transliteration: dâm
   Pronunciation: dawm
   Description: from דָּמַם (compare אָדַם); blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshed (i.e. drops of blood); blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent.
   
6. Strong's Number: H7453
   There are 173 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רֵעַ
   Transliteration: rêaʻ
   Pronunciation: ray'-ah
   Description: or רֵיעַ; from רָעָה; an associate (more or less close); brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other.
   
7. Strong's Number: H3068
   There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יְהֹוָה
   Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
   Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
   Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה.