Leviticus 18:24

KJV

Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you:

KJV (with Strong's)

Defile {H2930} not ye yourselves in any of these things {H428}: for in all these the nations {H1471} are defiled {H2930} which I cast out {H7971} before {H6440} you:

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Do not make yourselves unclean by any of these things, because all the nations which I am expelling ahead of you are defiled with them.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not defile yourselves by any of these practices, for by all these things the nations I am driving out before you have defiled themselves.

American Standard Version

Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out from before you;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 18:24 serves as a stern warning and a concluding summary to the preceding list of forbidden sexual practices and moral abominations. It unequivocally declares that engaging in "any of these things" defiles both the individual and the land, linking such defilement directly to the practices of the nations whom God was dispossessing from Canaan. This verse underscores the profound spiritual and physical consequences of moral corruption, highlighting God's demand for holiness from His covenant people and the severe judgment that awaits those who persist in ungodly ways.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 18:24 functions as the climactic warning within a chapter primarily dedicated to outlining an exhaustive list of prohibited sexual relationships and cultic abominations. Beginning in [Leviticus 18:6](/leviticus/18-6 "Leviticus 18:6 - Prohibited Sexual Relations"), the chapter meticulously details various forms of incest, adultery, child sacrifice to Molech, homosexuality, and bestiality. Each of these practices is declared an "abomination" (תּוֹעֵבָה, _to'evah_), an act utterly detestable to God. Verse 24 acts as a comprehensive summary and a solemn pronouncement, gathering all the previously mentioned prohibitions under the umbrella of "these things," emphasizing that any engagement with them leads to profound defilement. It sets the stage for the subsequent warnings in [Leviticus 18:25-30](/leviticus/18-25 "Leviticus 18:25-30 - Consequences of Defilement"), which describe the land's reaction to such defilement, culminating in its "vomiting out" its inhabitants.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** As the Israelites stood on the threshold of the Promised Land, they were about to enter a region saturated with the pagan practices of the Canaanites. These nations, including the Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, were deeply entrenched in idolatry, which often manifested in morally depraved rituals. Their worship frequently involved fertility cults that sanctioned various forms of sexual immorality, including ritual prostitution and orgiastic rites, as well as the horrific practice of [child sacrifice](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Child Sacrifice to Molech"). God's command in [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Laws on Sexual Immorality") was therefore crucial for establishing Israel's distinct identity as a holy nation, set apart from the surrounding cultures. The reference to God "casting out" these nations serves as a stark historical precedent and a severe warning: their expulsion was a direct consequence of their moral defilement, and Israel would face a similar fate if they adopted these detestable ways, as explicitly stated in [Leviticus 18:28](/leviticus/18-28 "Leviticus 18:28 - The Land Vomits Out Its Inhabitants").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Defile (Hebrew, _ṭāmē'_):** This verb signifies becoming unclean, impure, or polluted. While _ṭāmē'_ can refer to ritual uncleanness (e.g., touching a dead body or a leper), in the context of Leviticus 18, it carries a profound moral and spiritual connotation. It describes a state of moral corruption that renders an individual unfit for fellowship with a holy God and pollutes the very land they inhabit. This defilement is not merely external but deeply internal, affecting one's spiritual state and relationship with the divine, leading to a separation from God's presence and blessing.
* **Nations (Hebrew, _goyim'_):** In this context, _goyim_ specifically refers to the non-Israelite, pagan inhabitants of Canaan. The use of this term here emphasizes a stark contrast between the covenant people of Israel and the surrounding peoples. The practices listed in Leviticus 18 are explicitly identified as characteristic of these _goyim_, underscoring that Israel's adherence to God's laws was meant to distinguish them morally and ethically, reflecting the character of their holy God, in direct opposition to the depravity of the pagan world.
* **Cast out (Hebrew, _yarash'_ or _garash'_):** While the KJV uses "cast out," the underlying Hebrew verbs often convey the idea of dispossessing, driving out, or expelling. This term highlights God's active, sovereign judgment against the Canaanite nations. Their expulsion from the land was not arbitrary but a just consequence of their persistent and profound moral defilement. This divine act served as both a demonstration of God's holiness and a powerful object lesson for Israel, warning them that similar disobedience would lead to similar judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things:"** This is a direct, emphatic prohibition issued to the Israelites. The phrase "these things" refers comprehensively to the entire catalogue of sexual and cultic abominations detailed in [Leviticus 18:6-23](/leviticus/18-6 "Leviticus 18:6-23 - Prohibited Sexual Relations and Abominations"). The command "defile not yourselves" underscores personal responsibility; individuals are active agents in their own defilement through their choices, leading to a state of moral and spiritual impurity that separates them from God's holiness.
* **"for in all these the nations are defiled"** This clause provides the rationale for the prohibition. The reason Israel must avoid these practices is precisely because they are the very acts that have morally corrupted the Canaanite nations. This establishes a clear moral standard: what defiles the nations will also defile Israel. It highlights the universal nature of God's moral law, transcending specific covenantal boundaries in its application to human behavior.
* **"which I cast out before you:"** This final clause serves as a powerful warning and a reminder of divine justice. The expulsion of the Canaanites from the land is presented as a direct consequence of their defilement through these abominable practices. God, the sovereign Lord, is the one actively dispossessing them. This historical precedent functions as a severe cautionary tale for Israel, implying that if they, too, engage in such defiling acts, they will face similar judgment and expulsion from the land God is giving them.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 18:24 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message. The most prominent is **Warning**, delivered as a direct imperative ("Defile not ye yourselves"), which immediately establishes the serious nature of the command and its consequences. This is reinforced by **Covenantal Exhortation**, reminding Israel of their unique status and the high moral standards expected of them as God's chosen people, distinct from the surrounding pagan cultures. A strong element of **Contrast** is evident, pitting the desired purity of Israel against the defilement of the "nations." The verse also utilizes **Causality** ("for in all these...") by explicitly linking the defilement of the nations to their subsequent expulsion, thereby establishing a clear cause-and-effect relationship between sin and divine judgment. Finally, it contains a powerful element of **Foreshadowing**, as the fate of the Canaanites serves as a prophetic warning to Israel regarding their own future if they were to disregard God's commands and adopt the very practices that led to the dispossession of the land's former inhabitants.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 18:24 is deeply rooted in the overarching biblical themes of God's holiness, the nature of sin as defilement, and the principle of divine justice. God's absolute holiness demands a corresponding holiness from His people, not merely in ritual purity but in moral conduct. Sin, particularly the sexual and cultic abominations listed in this chapter, is not merely a transgression of a rule but a profound act of defilement that pollutes the individual, the community, and even the land itself. This concept of the land being "defiled" and subsequently "vomiting out" its inhabitants (as seen in [Leviticus 18:25](/leviticus/18-25 "Leviticus 18:25 - The Land Defiled by Sin")) illustrates the cosmic implications of human sin, demonstrating that creation itself groans under the weight of moral corruption. The verse also highlights God's unwavering justice, demonstrating that persistent rebellion against His moral order inevitably leads to severe consequences, including judgment and expulsion.

* [Leviticus 18:25](/leviticus/18-25 "Leviticus 18:25 - The Land Defiled by Sin")
* [Deuteronomy 18:12](/deuteronomy/18-12 "Deuteronomy 18:12 - Abominations Leading to Expulsion")
* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Call to Holiness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 18:24, while rooted in ancient Israel's covenant, speaks with enduring relevance to believers today. It powerfully reminds us that God's moral standards are not arbitrary cultural constructs but are foundational to human flourishing and reflect His holy character. In a world increasingly prone to redefining morality and embracing practices once considered anathema, this verse calls us to a radical distinction. We are to be a people set apart, reflecting God's purity and righteousness in our lives, particularly in areas of sexual ethics and personal conduct. The warning about defilement and its consequences serves as a sobering reminder that sin, though forgiven by grace, still carries inherent destructive power, impacting our spiritual vitality, our relationships, and our witness in the world. Our pursuit of holiness is not merely about avoiding sin but about actively cultivating a life that honors God, recognizing that true freedom and blessing are found in obedience to His wise and loving commands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we identify and resist "defiling practices" in our contemporary culture that contradict God's revealed will?**
* **In what specific ways is the church called to be distinct from the prevailing cultural norms regarding morality and ethics today?**
* **What does it practically mean to live a life of holiness and purity in our daily interactions and choices?**
* **How does understanding God's judgment on the Canaanites inform our perspective on His justice and the seriousness of sin in our own lives?**

### FAQ

**Is the concept of "defilement" in Leviticus 18:24 still applicable to Christians today?**

Answer: While the specific covenantal context of Leviticus 18 is for ancient Israel, the underlying moral principles are rooted in God's unchanging character and are universally applicable. The New Testament consistently reaffirms the moral standards regarding sexual purity and avoiding idolatry, condemning the same practices outlined in Leviticus 18 as contrary to God's will for believers. For instance, Paul's letters frequently warn against sexual immorality and pagan practices, emphasizing that believers are to be holy, as seen in [1 Corinthians 6:9-11](/1_corinthians/6-9 "1 Corinthians 6:9-11 - Do Not Be Deceived") and [Ephesians 5:3-5](/ephesians/5-3 "Ephesians 5:3-5 - Avoid Immorality"). Therefore, the concept of moral defilement remains highly relevant for Christians, guiding our pursuit of holiness.

**What does it mean for the "nations" to be "defiled" and for the land to "cast out" its inhabitants?**

Answer: The defilement of the nations refers to their pervasive moral and spiritual corruption, particularly through idolatry and the sexual abominations detailed in Leviticus 18. This defilement was so profound that it rendered them unfit to inhabit the land God had promised to Israel. The anthropomorphic language of the land "casting out" or "vomiting out" its inhabitants (as seen in [Leviticus 18:25](/leviticus/18-25 "Leviticus 18:25 - The Land Defiled by Sin") and [Leviticus 18:28](/leviticus/18-28 "Leviticus 18:28 - The Land Vomits Out Its Inhabitants")) is a powerful metaphor. It signifies that the land itself, as God's creation, is sensitive to human sin and cannot tolerate such moral pollution. It becomes "unclean" and, in an act of divine judgment, expels those who defile it, demonstrating God's righteous indignation against persistent wickedness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 18:24, with its stark warning against defilement and its consequences, powerfully foreshadows humanity's desperate need for a perfect cleanser and a new covenant. The Law, in its demands for purity, reveals the utter inability of humanity to live undefiled lives, highlighting our pervasive sinfulness and the defiling nature of our fallen state. This universal defilement necessitated the coming of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), Jesus Christ, who alone is truly pure and undefiled ([Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Jesus, Our Holy High Priest")). Through His perfect sacrifice on the cross, Christ bore the defilement of our sin, offering Himself as the ultimate atonement that truly cleanses us from all unrighteousness ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansed by His Blood") and [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ Sanctifies the Church")). Furthermore, the Holy Spirit, given to believers, empowers us to live lives that reflect God's holiness, fulfilling the righteous requirements of the Law not by our own strength, but by His indwelling power ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - Life in the Spirit") and [Galatians 5:16](/galatians/5-16 "Galatians 5:16 - Walk by the Spirit")). Ultimately, Christ's victory over sin and death ensures that in the new heavens and new earth, there will be no more defilement, for only those whose names are written in the [Lamb's book of life](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - No Defilement in New Jerusalem") will enter, fulfilling God's eternal desire for a perfectly pure and undefiled people in His presence.

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

Deuteronomy 18:12

For all that do these things [are] an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.

Leviticus 18:30

Therefore shall ye keep mine ordinance, that [ye] commit not [any one] of these abominable customs, which were committed before you, and that ye defile not yourselves therein: I [am] the LORD your God.

Leviticus 20:22

¶ Ye shall therefore keep all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them: that the land, whither I bring you to dwell therein, spue you not out.

Leviticus 20:23

And ye shall not walk in the manners of the nation, which I cast out before you: for they committed all these things, and therefore I abhorred them.

Matthew 15:18

But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.

Matthew 15:20

These are [the things] which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.

1 Corinthians 3:17

If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which [temple] ye are.