Leviticus 11:45

KJV

For I [am] the LORD that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I [am] holy.

KJV (with Strong's)

For I am the LORD {H3068} that bringeth {H5927} you up out of the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}, to be your God {H430}: ye shall therefore be holy {H6918}, for I am holy {H6918}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For I am ADONAI, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt to be your God. Therefore you are to be holy, because I am holy.

Berean Standard Bible

For I am the LORD, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt so that I would be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy.

American Standard Version

For I am Jehovah that brought you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 11:45 serves as the theological capstone for the preceding dietary laws, grounding Israel's call to holiness in the very character and redemptive acts of God. It emphatically declares that because the LORD, who sovereignly delivered them from the bondage of Egypt, is intrinsically holy, His covenant people are likewise commanded to live a life set apart for Him. This divine imperative transcends mere ritual regulations, establishing a foundational principle for Israel's entire existence as God's chosen nation, reflecting His moral purity and distinctness from the defiled nations of the world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 11 concludes a comprehensive exposition of dietary laws, meticulously distinguishing between clean and unclean animals, birds, fish, and creeping things. The preceding verses (Leviticus 11:1-44) provide detailed instructions regarding permissible consumption and protocols for contact with carcasses. This chapter, integral to the larger section on "Laws of Purity" (Leviticus 11-15), underscores the pervasive nature of holiness in daily life. Verse 45 functions as a climactic summary and profound theological rationale, elevating the specific regulations from mere ritual to a deep expression of Israel's covenant relationship with a holy God. It transitions seamlessly from the practical application of purity to its divine source and ultimate purpose, setting the stage for further laws concerning ritual impurity, childbirth, and skin diseases in subsequent chapters, all rooted in the same divine call to be set apart.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites, newly liberated from centuries of slavery in Egypt, were in the process of being established as a distinct nation under God's covenant at Mount Sinai. They were poised to enter the land of Canaan, which was inhabited by various peoples whose religious and cultural practices were often antithetical to the worship of YHWH. The dietary laws, along with other purity codes, served as a crucial mechanism to physically, ritually, and spiritually separate Israel from these surrounding nations, thereby preventing assimilation and syncretism. This separation was not merely for hygiene or social distinction but primarily for spiritual consecration, ensuring that Israel remained a people consecrated exclusively to the LORD. The constant reminder of their miraculous deliverance from [Egypt](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus") ("that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt") underscored God's unique claim on them, a claim established through His mighty acts of salvation. Their call to holiness was thus a direct and necessary response to this redemptive history, a tangible expression of their identity as God's treasured possession, as articulated in [Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5-6 "Exodus 19:5-6 - Israel, a Kingdom of Priests and Holy Nation").
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 11:45 encapsulates several overarching themes central to the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. The primary theme is **Holiness**, which is presented as both an attribute of God and a requirement for His people. This verse emphasizes that Israel's holiness is not self-generated but is a derivative holiness, mirroring God's own intrinsic purity and distinctness. Another crucial theme is **Redemption as the Basis for Obligation**. The Exodus from [Egypt](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus") is repeatedly invoked as the foundational act of salvation that establishes God's covenant claim on Israel and provides the historical impetus for their obedience and holiness. This ties into the theme of **Covenant Relationship**, where God's desire to "be your God" implies a reciprocal commitment from Israel to live as His consecrated people. Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of **Separation and Distinction**, highlighting that God's people are to be set apart from the common, the profane, and the defiling practices of the surrounding world, embodying their unique identity as a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (as foreshadowed in [Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - A Kingdom of Priests and Holy Nation")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the Tetragrammaton (H3068), the personal, covenant name of God, often rendered as "Yahweh" or "Jehovah." Its use here emphasizes that the command for holiness originates from the self-Existent, Eternal God who entered into a unique, redemptive relationship with Israel. It signifies His unchanging nature and His active, faithful involvement in the history of His people, particularly in their liberation from bondage. This name underscores the supreme authority and unwavering reliability of the divine imperative that follows, rooted in God's very being.
* **bringeth you up (Hebrew, _ʻâlâh'_):** This verb (H5927) signifies "to ascend," "to go up," or "to cause to come up." In the context of the Exodus, it powerfully conveys God's active, deliberate, and sovereign act of liberation. It is not merely a passive "taking out" but an active "bringing up" from a lower, enslaved state to a higher, liberated state, into a covenant relationship and eventually into the Promised Land. This verb highlights the divine initiative and omnipotent power behind Israel's redemption, making their subsequent call to holiness a direct, logical, and grateful response to God's prior grace and mighty work.
* **holy (Hebrew, _qâdôwsh'_):** This term (H6918) is the central theological concept of Leviticus. When applied to God, _qâdôwsh_ denotes His absolute distinctness, moral purity, and transcendence from all creation, sin, and commonness. He is utterly set apart and unique in His perfections. When applied to people or things, it means to be "set apart" or "consecrated" *for* God's exclusive use and purposes, and *from* the common, profane, or defiling elements of the world. Israel's call to be holy is thus a call to reflect God's character, to live a life of moral integrity and ritual purity that distinguishes them as His dedicated people, enabling them to remain in fellowship with Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I am the LORD":** This opening clause unequivocally establishes the divine speaker's identity and supreme authority. It is YHWH, the personal, covenant God of Israel, who issues this profound command, thereby imbuing it with ultimate weight, significance, and an unchallengeable foundation.
* **"that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt":** This phrase serves as a powerful, concise reminder of God's foundational redemptive act—the Exodus. This act of salvation is presented as the historical and theological basis for God's unique claim on Israel and their subsequent obligations. Their liberation was not random but purposeful, establishing their exclusive relationship with Him and demonstrating His power and faithfulness.
* **"to be your God":** This clause articulates the ultimate purpose of the Exodus and the covenant established at Sinai. God delivered Israel from bondage specifically to enter into an exclusive, intimate, and reciprocal relationship with them, where He would be uniquely their God, and they would be uniquely His people. This profound covenant relationship inherently necessitates a certain conduct and character on their part.
* **"ye shall therefore be holy":** This is the direct divine imperative, the core command of the verse. The conjunction "therefore" (לָכֵן, _lakhen_) creates a clear logical consequence: because of who God is (the LORD), what He has done (delivered them from Egypt), and the relationship He desires (to be your God), Israel is morally and ritually obligated to be holy. This is a command for both moral integrity and ritual distinctiveness.
* **"for I am holy":** This final clause provides the ultimate theological ground for the command. Israel's call to holiness is not arbitrary or based on human merit but is rooted in the very essence of God's being. They are to reflect the character of the One who has chosen, redeemed, and consecrated them. God's intrinsic, absolute holiness demands a corresponding, derivative holiness from His people, enabling them to dwell in His presence and remain in fellowship with Him.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 11:45 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound and enduring message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, with the word "holy" (_qâdôwsh_) appearing twice, emphasizing its paramount importance both as God's inherent nature and as the required characteristic of His people. This repetition creates a powerful echo, reinforcing the idea that Israel's holiness is a direct reflection or imitation of God's own. The verse also utilizes potent **Causal Conjunctions** ("For" and "therefore") to establish a clear logical progression and theological argument. The initial "For I am the LORD... for I am holy" provides the divine basis and motivation, while "ye shall therefore be holy" presents the necessary human response, creating a tight cause-and-effect relationship between God's character/action and human obligation. This structure highlights the **Divine Declaration** or **Self-Attestation** ("I am the LORD"), asserting God's supreme authority and identity as the ultimate source of the command. Furthermore, the verse is steeped in **Covenantal Language**, recalling the foundational Exodus event ("that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt") and the "I will be your God" formula, which is central to the covenant relationship established at Sinai. This dense use of theological and rhetorical elements makes Leviticus 11:45 a concise yet comprehensive summary of the book's core message regarding God's character and Israel's consecrated calling.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 11:45 encapsulates a foundational theological truth: the call to holiness for God's people is inextricably linked to the intrinsic holiness of God Himself and His prior redemptive acts. It establishes that holiness is not merely a set of rules or rituals, but a relational imperative flowing directly from God's character and His covenant relationship with humanity. Israel's distinctiveness was to be a mirror of God's own distinctness from all that is common, defiled, or profane. This profound principle transcends the specific dietary laws of the Old Covenant, becoming a universal truth for all who enter into covenant with the LORD, emphasizing that our conduct and character must reflect the nature of the God we serve, who has graciously delivered us from bondage and called us into His marvelous light.

* [Isaiah 6:3](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - The Seraphim's Proclamation of God's Holiness")
* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [Deuteronomy 6:20-25](/deuteronomy/6-20 "Deuteronomy 6:20-25 - The Purpose of God's Commands")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 11:45, though rooted in ancient dietary laws and the specific context of Old Covenant Israel, resonates deeply with timeless truths about God's character and our response to His grace. It profoundly reminds us that our call to holiness is not a self-generated endeavor or a means to earn God's favor, but is a direct and grateful consequence of God's prior action in our lives—His bringing us "up out of the land of Egypt," which for believers today symbolizes our deliverance from the bondage of sin and death through the finished work of Christ. Our pursuit of holiness is therefore an obedient and loving response to His saving work and His desire for an intimate, transformative relationship with us. To be "holy" means to be set apart for God's exclusive purposes, distinguished from the values, practices, and defilements of a world alienated from Him. This requires intentional choices in our daily lives—what we consume (not just food, but media, thoughts, influences), how we speak, how we act, and how we interact with others. Our lives are to be a living, breathing testimony to the One who is perfectly holy and has called us into His marvelous light, reflecting His character in every sphere.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's past redemptive acts (like the Exodus or Christ's sacrifice) profoundly motivate and shape your pursuit of holiness today?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you feel a particular calling to be more "set apart" for God, consciously reflecting His holiness in your choices and conduct?**
* **How does the understanding that God is intrinsically and absolutely holy impact your view of His commands and your desire to obey them, not out of duty, but out of devotion?**
* **What practical steps can you commit to taking this week to live a life that more clearly distinguishes you as God's consecrated child, set apart for His glory?**

### FAQ
**Does Leviticus 11:45 mean Christians must follow Old Testament dietary laws?**

Answer: No, Leviticus 11:45 does not mean Christians must follow Old Testament dietary laws. While this verse provides the profound theological basis for the Old Testament dietary laws—that Israel was to be holy because God is holy—the specific regulations themselves are not binding on New Testament believers. The New Testament clarifies that all foods are clean (as taught by Jesus in [Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean") and through Peter's vision in [Acts 10:15](/acts/10-15 "Acts 10:15 - Peter's Vision and Clean Foods")). The underlying principle of holiness, however, remains profoundly relevant and binding for Christians. Believers are indeed called to be holy, not through adherence to external dietary codes, but through moral and spiritual purity, reflecting God's character in all aspects of life (see [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")). The focus shifts from external ritual purity to internal transformation and ethical living, empowered by the Holy Spirit who indwells believers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 11:45, with its emphatic declaration of God's holiness and the resultant call for Israel to be holy, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the perfectly holy One, "set apart from sinners" and "exalted above the heavens" ([Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Christ, a Holy High Priest")), who fully embodies the divine nature that Israel was commanded to reflect but consistently failed to achieve. The Old Covenant's elaborate system of purity laws, including dietary restrictions, served as a pedagogical shadow, pointing to the profound need for a radical, internal cleansing and a perfect mediator that only Christ could provide. Through His sinless life, His sacrificial death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection, Jesus "brought us up" from the spiritual bondage of sin and death, fulfilling the Exodus motif in a spiritual and eternal sense ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness and Transferred to the Kingdom of His Son")). By His atoning work, believers are not merely declared righteous but are genuinely made "holy and blameless before him in love" ([Ephesians 1:4](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4 - Chosen in Christ Before the Foundation of the World")). The New Covenant call to holiness, powerfully reiterated in passages like [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy"), is no longer based on external rituals or human effort, but on an internal transformation wrought by the indwelling Holy Spirit, enabling us to live lives that genuinely reflect the character of God, who is now our God in Christ Jesus, as we are progressively "being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another" ([2 Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformed into Christ's Image")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 11:44

For I [am] the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I [am] holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

Exodus 20:2

I [am] the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

Exodus 6:7

And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.

1 Peter 1:16

Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

1 Thessalonians 4:7

For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

Psalms 105:43

And he brought forth his people with joy, [and] his chosen with gladness:

Psalms 105:45

That they might observe his statutes, and keep his laws. Praise ye the LORD.