Leviticus 18:2

KJV

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, I am the LORD your God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Speak {H1696} unto the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, and say {H559} unto them, I am the LORD {H3068} your God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Speak to the people of Isra'el; tell them, 'I am ADONAI your God.

Berean Standard Bible

“Speak to the Israelites and tell them: I am the LORD your God.

American Standard Version

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, I am Jehovah your God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 18:2 serves as a foundational divine declaration, establishing the absolute authority and unique covenant relationship between Yahweh and the nation of Israel. This potent statement, "Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, I am the LORD your God," precedes a detailed code of moral and ethical purity, particularly concerning illicit sexual conduct. It underscores that the subsequent commands are not arbitrary human traditions but divine mandates rooted in God's holy character and His exclusive claim over His chosen people, setting the theological bedrock for Israel's distinct identity and their call to live in holiness as a reflection of their covenant Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 18:2 functions as the authoritative preamble to a critical section of moral law, specifically addressing illicit sexual relationships and abhorrent practices (Leviticus 18:3-23). This chapter is nestled within the larger framework of the Book of Leviticus, which meticulously outlines the requirements for holiness in the presence of a holy God, following the establishment of the tabernacle and the sacrificial system. The preceding chapters (Leviticus 11-17) deal with ritual purity, dietary laws, and atonement, setting the stage for the ethical and moral purity demanded in chapter 18. The declaration "I am the LORD your God" at the outset of these sensitive prohibitions elevates them from mere societal rules to divine imperatives, emphasizing that obedience is a direct response to God's identity and His covenant with Israel. This phrase is strategically placed to imbue the subsequent laws with ultimate divine weight, ensuring that Israel understands the source and reason for these strict moral boundaries, thereby linking ritual purity directly to ethical conduct.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Leviticus was given to the Israelites shortly after their exodus from Egypt and their encampment at Mount Sinai, as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. They were transitioning from a nomadic, enslaved people to a nation under God's direct governance. The surrounding nations, particularly Egypt (from which they had just departed) and Canaan (into which they were about to enter), practiced a wide array of behaviors explicitly forbidden by God, including various forms of sexual immorality, child sacrifice, and cultic prostitution (as detailed in [Leviticus 18:3](/leviticus/18-3 "Leviticus 18:3 - Customs of Egypt and Canaan")). God's declaration in [Leviticus 18:2](/leviticus/18-2 "Leviticus 18:2 - I am the LORD your God") served to distinguish Israel sharply from these pagan cultures. It was a call to radical counter-cultural living, emphasizing that their identity as God's people necessitated a complete separation from the defiling practices of the world around them. This verse provided the divine imperative for their distinctiveness, grounding their moral code not in human custom but in the unique, holy character of the God who had redeemed them from bondage and was leading them into a new land.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 18:2 is central to several overarching themes within the book and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it establishes the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Authority**, asserting God's absolute right to command His people because of His inherent nature as the self-existent LORD. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Covenant Relationship**, highlighting the exclusive bond between Yahweh and Israel, where God's identity ("your God") demands Israel's exclusive allegiance and obedience. Thirdly, it lays the groundwork for the pervasive theme of **Holiness**, emphasizing that Israel's moral purity is a direct reflection of God's holy character. The subsequent laws in [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Laws on Sexual Morality") are not arbitrary but are extensions of God's holiness, calling His people to be set apart from the defiling practices of the nations, as further articulated in [Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy, for I Am Holy"). This verse thus encapsulates the core theological premise that underpins all of Israel's distinct identity and their call to ethical living.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Speak (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** From H1696, this primitive root means "to arrange," but is primarily used figuratively "to speak." In this context, it signifies a direct, authoritative utterance from God to Moses, indicating that the following commands are not human inventions but divinely ordained instructions. It emphasizes the active communication of God's will.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the Tetragrammaton, God's personal, covenant name, often rendered "Yahweh" or "Jehovah." It signifies God's self-existence ("the self-Existent or Eternal") and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. Its use here emphasizes that the commands that follow are from the one true, living God who has uniquely bound Himself to Israel, not from a generic deity. It evokes the powerful revelation at the burning bush where God declared "I AM WHO I AM" ([Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God's Self-Declaration")).
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** From H430, this plural term for deity is used here specifically with the article and the possessive "your" to refer to the supreme God of Israel. While _Elohim_ can be a general term for gods, its pairing with _Yᵉhôvâh_ and the possessive "your" ("your God") transforms it into a specific reference to Israel's sovereign, personal, and covenant-keeping God. It highlights His supreme authority and power over all creation, but in this context, it underscores His unique relationship with Israel, making His commands uniquely binding upon them as His chosen people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Speak unto the children of Israel":** This opening phrase establishes the specific audience for the divine commands that follow. It signifies that these laws are not universal mandates for all humanity but are directed to the covenant community of Israel, emphasizing their unique status and responsibility before God. It also highlights the mediatorial role of Moses, who is tasked with relaying God's direct words to the people, underscoring the divine origin of the message.
* **"and say unto them":** This phrase further emphasizes the directness and authority of the divine communication. It indicates that the words are not Moses's own interpretations or wisdom, but a verbatim transmission of God's will, demanding careful attention and obedience from the recipients. This repetition ("Speak... and say") reinforces the imperative nature of the message and the clarity with which it is to be delivered and received.
* **"I am the LORD your God":** This is the core declaration, serving as the ultimate basis and motivation for all subsequent commands. "I am the LORD" (Yᵉhôvâh) asserts God's absolute sovereignty, self-existence, and covenant faithfulness. "your God" (ʼĕlôhîym) highlights the exclusive, intimate, and possessive relationship God has with Israel, implying both His protection and their obligation. This statement grounds all moral imperatives in God's identity and His unique claim over His people, demanding their exclusive worship and obedience as a response to His character and redemptive acts.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 18:2 employs several potent literary devices that amplify its significance. The most prominent is **Divine Self-Declaration**, where God directly identifies Himself ("I am the LORD your God"). This is a common rhetorical strategy throughout the Pentateuch, particularly in legal and covenant contexts, serving to establish immediate, unquestionable authority for the commands that follow. It is a form of **Apostrophe**, where the speaker (God) directly addresses the intended audience (Israel) through the mediator (Moses), creating a sense of personal address and direct divine communication. The phrase also functions as a powerful **Motive Clause**, providing the fundamental reason for Israel's obedience: because of *who* God is and *whose* they are. This declaration is also rich in **Symbolism**, where "the LORD your God" symbolizes the entire covenant relationship, encompassing God's power, faithfulness, and Israel's identity as His chosen people. The repetitive nature of this phrase throughout Leviticus and the Pentateuch creates a **Leitmotif**, reinforcing God's unwavering authority and Israel's perpetual obligation to Him, embedding this core theological truth into the very fabric of their national consciousness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 18:2 profoundly articulates the theological cornerstone of Israel's existence: their identity is inextricably linked to the identity of their God. The declaration "I am the LORD your God" is not merely an introduction but a foundational statement of divine sovereignty, covenant relationship, and the ultimate basis for all moral and ethical demands. It establishes that holiness is not an arbitrary set of rules but a direct reflection of God's character, to be embodied by His people. This verse sets the stage for the entire concept of a distinct, consecrated people, called to live in a way that honors their unique relationship with the Holy One of Israel, separating themselves from the defiling practices of the surrounding nations. It is a powerful reminder that true morality flows from a proper understanding of God's nature and His exclusive claim on His people.

* [Exodus 20:2](/exodus/20-2 "Exodus 20:2 - The First Commandment and God's Identity")
* [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4-5 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema and Love for God")
* [Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy, for I Am Holy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 18:2 serves as a timeless reminder that all true morality and ethical living flow from the character and authority of God. For believers today, this verse challenges us to ground our understanding of right and wrong not in societal norms, personal preference, or fleeting cultural trends, but in the unchanging nature of the God who has revealed Himself as "the LORD our God." Our obedience is not a burden but a joyful response to the One who has redeemed us and called us into a covenant relationship through Christ. Just as Israel was called to be distinct from the pagan nations, we are called to live a counter-cultural life, demonstrating the holiness and love of our God in a world that often rejects His standards. This verse compels us to ask: Does my life consistently reflect the reality that the LORD is truly *my* God, the ultimate authority and source of all truth and goodness? It calls us to examine our loyalties and ensure that our ultimate allegiance is to the God who has claimed us as His own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the declaration "I am the LORD your God" impact your understanding of the authority behind God's commands in Scripture?**
* **In what specific areas of your life are you called to be distinct from the surrounding culture, reflecting the holiness of God?**
* **How does your personal relationship with God (as "the LORD your God") motivate your obedience and pursuit of holiness, rather than legalism?**

### FAQ
**Why is the phrase "I am the LORD your God" so frequently repeated in the Old Testament?**

Answer: The phrase "I am the LORD your God" (or similar variations like "I am the LORD") is a recurring motif throughout the Pentateuch and prophetic literature because it serves as the foundational theological and legal premise for God's commands and covenant relationship with Israel. Its repetition emphasizes several critical points: God's absolute sovereignty and authority, His unique and exclusive covenant relationship with Israel, and the ultimate basis for their obedience and distinctiveness. It constantly reminds Israel of *who* is speaking and *whose* they are, grounding all moral, ritual, and civil laws in the divine identity. This declaration often precedes or follows significant commands, reinforcing their divine origin and imperative nature, as seen in the Ten Commandments, where God introduces Himself before giving the law ([Exodus 20:2](/exodus/20-2 "Exodus 20:2 - God's Introduction to the Ten Commandments")). This repetition ensured that Israel never forgot the source of their laws and the reason for their unique identity among the nations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Leviticus 18:2 directly addresses ancient Israel, its profound declaration, "I am the LORD your God," finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. In the Old Covenant, God revealed Himself to a specific nation, establishing a covenant of law and demanding holiness as a response to His identity. However, through Christ, the "I AM" of the Old Testament ([John 8:58](/john/8-58 "John 8:58 - Jesus' Divine Claim")) has come in the flesh, bringing a new and better covenant ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant")). No longer is God exclusively "the LORD your God" for one ethnic nation, but through faith in Jesus, He becomes "our God" for all who believe, uniting Jew and Gentile into one new humanity ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Breaks Down Barriers")). The holiness demanded in Leviticus, rooted in God's character, is perfectly embodied in Christ, who lived a sinless life ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Christ's Sinless Life")) and offers His righteousness to us. Our obedience now flows not from a legalistic adherence to the Law, but from a transformed heart, empowered by the Holy Spirit, in response to the grace and love of God revealed in Christ Jesus, our Lord ([Romans 6:1-4](/romans/6-1-4 "Romans 6:1-4 - New Life in Christ")). Thus, the call to live distinctly and holy is now a call to live "in Christ," reflecting His character to a lost world and participating in the divine nature ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ"); [2 Peter 1:3-4](/2_peter/1-3-4 "2 Peter 1:3-4 - Partakers of the Divine Nature")).

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

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.

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.

Ezekiel 20:5

¶ And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; In the day when I chose Israel, and lifted up mine hand unto the seed of the house of Jacob, and made myself known unto them in the land of Egypt, when I lifted up mine hand unto them, saying, I [am] the LORD your God;

Leviticus 20:7

Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I [am] the LORD your God.

Psalms 33:12

¶ Blessed [is] the nation whose God [is] the LORD; [and] the people [whom] he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

Genesis 17:7

¶ And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.

Leviticus 19:3

Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I [am] the LORD your God.