Leviticus 18:25

KJV

And the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the land {H776} is defiled {H2930}: therefore I do visit {H6485} the iniquity {H5771} thereof upon it, and the land {H776} itself vomiteth out {H6958} her inhabitants {H3427}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The land has become unclean, and this is why I am punishing it - the land itself will vomit out its inhabitants.

Berean Standard Bible

Even the land has become defiled, so I am punishing it for its sin, and the land will vomit out its inhabitants.

American Standard Version

and the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land vomiteth out her inhabitants.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 18:25 serves as a solemn declaration of divine judgment, articulating the severe consequences for the land and its inhabitants when God's holy standards are violated through widespread sexual immorality and idolatrous practices. The verse vividly portrays the land itself as becoming so morally defiled by the abominations of its residents that it actively expels them, underscoring the intrinsic link between human sin, the sanctity of creation, and God's righteous visitation of iniquity. It is a powerful warning that persistent unholiness leads to inevitable expulsion and divine reckoning.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 18 is a pivotal chapter within the book of Leviticus, situated between laws concerning offerings and clean/unclean distinctions (Leviticus 11-17) and the Holiness Code (Leviticus 19-26). Specifically, [Leviticus 18:1-5](/leviticus/18-1 "Leviticus 18:1-5 - Introduction to Laws of Holiness") introduces the divine command for Israel to live by God's statutes and judgments, distinguishing themselves from the practices of Egypt and Canaan. The bulk of the chapter, from [Leviticus 18:6-23](/leviticus/18-6 "Leviticus 18:6-23 - Forbidden Sexual Relationships"), meticulously lists various forms of incest, adultery, bestiality, and child sacrifice (specifically Molech worship), all explicitly forbidden as "abominations." Verse 24 then summarizes these acts as the means by which the Canaanite nations have defiled themselves, setting the stage for verse 25 as the direct consequence of such defilement. Thus, Leviticus 18:25 functions as the climactic warning and explanation of why the land "vomits out" its inhabitants, directly linking moral impurity to territorial expulsion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of this pronouncement, the Israelites were on the cusp of entering the land of Canaan, a territory already inhabited by various peoples (e.g., Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites) whose religious and social practices were deeply antithetical to God's covenant demands. Archaeological evidence and biblical accounts (e.g., [Deuteronomy 12:29-31](/deuteronomy/12-29 "Deuteronomy 12:29-31 - Warning Against Canaanite Practices")) confirm the prevalence of abhorrent practices such as ritual prostitution, incestuous relationships, and the horrific sacrifice of children to deities like Molech. God's declaration in [Leviticus 18:25](/leviticus/18-25 "Leviticus 18:25 - The Land's Defilement") serves as both a justification for the impending judgment upon the Canaanites and a severe warning to Israel. The land, promised as an inheritance, was not merely a physical space but a sacred trust, a reflection of God's holiness. Its "vomiting out" of the Canaanites was a divine act of purification, and the explicit warning in [Leviticus 18:28](/leviticus/18-28 "Leviticus 18:28 - Warning to Israel") made it clear that Israel, too, would face the same fate if they adopted these defiling practices. This context underscores God's absolute intolerance for sin and His demand for holiness from His covenant people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Defiled (Hebrew, _ṭāmēʾ_):** This verb signifies a state of ritual, moral, or spiritual impurity. It denotes something rendered unfit for sacred use, for divine presence, or for participation in the covenant community. In Leviticus, *ṭāmēʾ* often refers to ceremonial uncleanness (e.g., touching a corpse), but here, in the context of sexual abominations and child sacrifice, it carries a profound moral and spiritual weight. The land itself is portrayed as absorbing and being polluted by the profound wickedness committed upon it, making it an unfit dwelling for a holy God and His people.
* **Visit (Hebrew, _pāqaḏ_):** The verb *pāqaḏ* is multifaceted, meaning "to visit," "to attend to," "to appoint," or "to muster." In this context, it carries a strong judicial connotation, implying active divine intervention and reckoning. It is not a passive observation but an intentional act of God to hold accountable and bring judgment upon the iniquity. This "visitation" is a direct consequence of the defilement, demonstrating God's active involvement in maintaining moral order and executing justice.
* **Vomiteth out (Hebrew, _qîʾ_):** This is an exceptionally graphic and visceral verb, depicting a violent expulsion. Just as a human body expels something repugnant or poisonous, the land is personified as being so utterly repulsed by the inhabitants' wickedness that it cannot contain them any longer. It conveys a sense of utter disgust and rejection, powerfully illustrating the severity of the sin and the inevitability of the judgment. The imagery emphasizes the land's spiritual sensitivity to human behavior and its role as an instrument of divine justice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the land is defiled:"** This opening clause establishes the core problem: the land itself, intended as a holy dwelling for God's people, has become polluted. This defilement is not physical but moral and spiritual, resulting from the abominable practices of its inhabitants, particularly the sexual sins and child sacrifices enumerated in the preceding verses of [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Laws Against Immorality"). It highlights the profound impact of human sin on the created order, even on the very ground they inhabit.
* **"therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it,"** This clause reveals the divine response to the land's defilement. The "therefore" indicates a direct causal link: because the land is defiled, God actively intervenes. The phrase "I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it" signifies God's righteous judgment. He is not merely observing but is actively bringing the consequences of the land's accumulated sin (the "iniquity thereof") to bear upon it and, by extension, upon its inhabitants. This underscores God's justice and His commitment to upholding His holy standards.
* **"and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants."** This climactic phrase employs powerful personification to describe the ultimate consequence. The land, depicted as a living entity, reacts with such revulsion to the pervasive wickedness that it violently expels those who have defiled it. This "vomiting out" refers to the forced displacement and expulsion of the Canaanites, and it serves as a dire warning to Israel that they, too, would be expelled if they engaged in similar abominations. It vividly illustrates the principle that persistent sin makes a people unfit to dwell in God's holy presence or in the land He has consecrated for them.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 18:25 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with striking force. The most prominent is **Personification**, where the land is given human-like qualities: it "is defiled" and, most vividly, it "vomiteth out her inhabitants." This device transforms the land from an inert geographical space into an active participant in the divine drama, reacting with revulsion to human sin. This also functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, portraying the land as a living organism that cannot tolerate the spiritual poison of wickedness, much like a body expels toxins. The phrase "vomiteth out" is also a form of **Hyperbole**, an exaggeration used to emphasize the extreme disgust and violent nature of the expulsion, making the judgment seem all the more severe and inevitable. Furthermore, the divine declaration "I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it" is an instance of **Divine Anthropomorphism**, attributing to God an action (visiting/reckoning) that underscores His personal and active involvement in upholding justice and responding to human moral choices. Together, these devices create a memorable and terrifying image of divine judgment against profound moral corruption.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 18:25 profoundly illustrates several key theological principles: the absolute holiness of God, the pervasive nature and consequences of sin, the concept of corporate responsibility, and the sanctity of the land as a reflection of God's character. God's demand for purity extends not only to His people but also to the very ground they inhabit, signifying that sin has cosmic implications, defiling creation itself. The verse reveals God's active role in judging wickedness, demonstrating that His patience has limits and that unrepentant sin inevitably leads to severe reckoning and expulsion from His presence and blessing. This divine justice is not arbitrary but a righteous response to profound moral corruption that pollutes the covenant relationship and the consecrated space.

* [Isaiah 24:5-6](/isaiah/24-5 "Isaiah 24:5-6 - The Earth Defiled by Sin")
* [Jeremiah 2:7](/jeremiah/2-7 "Jeremiah 2:7 - The Land Defiled")
* [Numbers 35:33-34](/numbers/35-33 "Numbers 35:33-34 - Land Defiled by Bloodshed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 18:25 serves as a timeless and sobering reminder of the profound seriousness of sin and its far-reaching consequences. It compels us to recognize that our actions, particularly those that violate God's moral law, do not exist in a vacuum; they have ripple effects that can defile not only our individual lives but also our communities, our societies, and even, in a spiritual sense, the "land" or environment in which we operate. This verse challenges the modern tendency to compartmentalize sin as a private matter, revealing that widespread moral decay can invite corporate judgment. For believers, it reinforces the call to personal and corporate holiness, urging us to live lives that honor God and actively resist the defiling influences of the world. It reminds us that God is a holy God who demands purity from His people and that persistent unrighteousness, whether individual or societal, will ultimately face His righteous visitation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might our current society be "defiling" the spiritual "land" through practices that contradict God's moral standards?**
* **How does the concept of the land "vomiting out" its inhabitants challenge our understanding of divine justice and the consequences of sin?**
* **What specific actions can I take, individually and corporately, to promote holiness and resist defilement in my sphere of influence?**
* **How does this verse inform my understanding of God's character, particularly His holiness and His justice?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean for "the land" to be defiled?**

Answer: In the biblical worldview, especially within the Old Testament, the land was not merely inert soil but was intrinsically linked to God's covenant and His holiness. For the land to be "defiled" (Hebrew *ṭāmēʾ*) meant it was ritually and morally polluted by the sinful practices of its inhabitants. This defilement was primarily caused by grave moral abominations such as idolatry, sexual perversions, and bloodshed, as detailed in [Leviticus 18:24](/leviticus/18-24 "Leviticus 18:24 - Defilement of the Land"). It signified that the land had become unfit for the presence of a holy God and for a people living in covenant with Him. This concept highlights the pervasive nature of sin, affecting not just individuals but the very environment in which they dwell.

**Is the "vomiting out" of inhabitants a literal act by the land?**

Answer: The "vomiting out" is a powerful and graphic **personification** and **metaphor** rather than a literal act by the physical land. It vividly portrays the land as being so repulsed and disgusted by the inhabitants' wickedness that it cannot tolerate them any longer and violently expels them. This expulsion refers to the forced displacement and judgment, such as the Canaanites being driven out before Israel, and the later exile of Israel itself when they succumbed to similar sins (e.g., [2 Kings 17:23](/2_kings/17-23 "2 Kings 17:23 - Israel Exiled")). The imagery emphasizes the severity of the sin and the inevitability of divine judgment, as if the very earth itself cannot bear the weight of such abominations.

**Does this principle of the land being defiled and "vomiting out" apply to nations today?**

Answer: While the specific covenant context of ancient Israel and Canaan is unique, the underlying principle of divine justice and the consequences of widespread societal sin remains universally applicable. The Bible consistently teaches that God holds nations accountable for their moral conduct (e.g., [Romans 1:18-32](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18-32 - God's Wrath Against Sin")). While we may not see a literal "vomiting out" in the same dramatic fashion, societies that persistently reject God's moral laws, embrace widespread wickedness, and oppress the vulnerable often experience internal decay, instability, and ultimately, decline or judgment in various forms. This verse serves as a timeless warning that a holy God will not indefinitely tolerate unrepentant sin, whether in individuals or in nations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 18:25, with its stark warning of a land defiled by sin and "vomiting out" its inhabitants, finds its ultimate resolution and transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant system, with its emphasis on ritual purity and a holy land, continually highlighted humanity's inability to maintain the required standard of holiness, leading to defilement and separation from God's presence. Christ, however, is the Lamb of God who truly takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), not merely covering it but cleansing it completely. He bore the full weight of humanity's defiling iniquity on the cross, becoming sin for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His perfect sacrifice, He purifies not just a land, but the very hearts and consciences of believers from dead works to serve the living God ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). The "land" of our lives, once defiled by sin and destined for expulsion from God's presence, is now, by faith in Christ, reconciled and made holy and blameless before Him ([Colossians 1:21-22](/colossians/1-21 "Colossians 1:21-22 - Reconciled by Christ")). In the New Covenant, the Spirit of God indwells believers, making them temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple")), transforming them into a holy people who are called to walk in purity, reflecting the holiness of God in a world still grappling with defilement ([1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy as I Am Holy")).

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 18:28

That the land spue not you out also, when ye defile it, as it spued out the nations that [were] before you.

Jeremiah 2:7

And I brought you into a plentiful country, to eat the fruit thereof and the goodness thereof; but when ye entered, ye defiled my land, and made mine heritage an abomination.

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.

Psalms 106:38

And shed innocent blood, [even] the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood.

Jeremiah 9:9

Shall I not visit them for these [things]? saith the LORD: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?

Numbers 35:33

So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye [are]: for blood it defileth the land: and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it.