TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Leviticus 18:19–30. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here is, I. A law to preserve the honour of the marriage-bed, that it should not be unseasonably used (Lev 18:19), nor invaded by an adulterer, Lev 18:20.
II.A law against that which was the most unnatural idolatry, causing their children to pass through the fire to Moloch, Lev 18:21.
Moloch (as some think) was the idol in and by which they worshipped the sun, that great fire of the world; and therefore in the worship of it they made their own children either sacrifices to this idol, burning them to death before it, or devotees to it, causing them to pass between two fires, as some think, or to be thrown through one, to the honour of this pretended deity, imagining that the consecrating of but one of their children in this manner to Moloch would procure good fortune for all the rest of their children. Did idolaters thus give their own children to false gods, and shall we think any thing too dear to be dedicated to, or to be parted with for, the true God? See how this sin of Israel (which they were afterwards guilty of, notwithstanding this law) is aggravated by the relation which they and their children stood in to God. Eze 16:20, Thou hast taken thy sons and thy daughters, whom thou hast borne unto me, and these thou hast sacrificed. Therefore it is here called profaning the name of their God; for it looked as if they thought they were under greater obligations to Moloch than to Jehovah; for to him they offered their cattle only, but to Moloch their children.
III.A law against unnatural lusts, sodomy and bestiality, sins not to be named nor thought of without the utmost abhorrence imaginable, Lev 18:22, Lev 18:23. Other sins level men with the beasts, but these sink them much lower. That ever there should have been occasion for the making of these laws, and that since they are published they should ever have been broken, is the perpetual reproach and scandal of human nature; and the giving of men up to these vile affections was frequently the punishment of their idolatries; so the apostle shows, Rom 1:24.
IV.Arguments against these and the like abominable wickednesses.
He that has an indisputable right to command us, yet because he will deal with us as men, and draw with the cords of a man, condescends to reason with us.
1.Sinners defile themselves with these abominations: Defile not yourselves in any of these things, Lev 18:24. All sin is defiling to the conscience, but these are sins that have a peculiar turpitude in them. Our heavenly Father, in kindness to us, requires of us that we keep ourselves clean, and do not wallow in the dirt.
2.The souls that commit them shall be cut off, Lev 18:29. And justly; for, if any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy, Co1 3:17. Fleshly lusts war against the soul, and will certainly be the ruin of it if God's mercy and grace prevent not.
3.The land is defiled, Lev 18:25. If such wickednesses as these be practised and connived at, the land is thereby made unfit to have God's tabernacle in it, and the pure and holy God will withdraw the tokens of his gracious presence from it. It is also rendered unwholesome to the inhabitants, who are hereby infected with sin and exposed to plagues and it is really nauseous and loathsome to all good men in it, as the wickedness of Sodom was to the soul of righteous Lot.
4.These have been the abominations of the former inhabitants, v, 24, 27. Therefore it was necessary that these laws should be made, as antidotes and preservatives from the plague are necessary when we go into an infected place. And therefore they should not practise any such things, because the nations that had practised them now lay under the curse of God, and were shortly to fall by the sword of Israel. They could not but be sensible how odious those people had made themselves who wallowed in this mire, and how they stank in the nostrils of all good men; and shall a people sanctified and dignified as Israel was make themselves thus vile? When we observe how ill sin looks in others we should use this as an argument with ourselves with the utmost care and caution to preserve our purity. 5. For these and the like sins the Canaanites were to be destroyed; these filled the measure of the Amorites' iniquity (Gen 15:16), and brought down that destruction of so many populous kingdoms which the Israelites were now shortly to be not only the spectators, but the instruments of: Therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, Lev 18:25. Note, The tremendous judgments of God, executed on those that are daringly profane and atheistical, are intended as warnings to those who profess religion to take heed of every thing that has the least appearance of, or tendency towards, profaneness or atheism. Even the ruin of the Canaanites is an admonition to the Israelites not to do like them. Nay, to show that not only the Creator is provoked, but the creation burdened, by such abominations as these, it is added (Lev 18:25), The land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants. The very ground they went upon did, as it were, groan under them, and was sick of them, and not easy till it had discharged itself of these enemies of the Lord, Isa 1:24. This bespeaks the extreme loathsomeness of sin; sinful man indeed drinks in iniquity like water, but the harmless part of the creation even heaves at it, and rises against it. Many a house and many a town have spued out the wicked inhabitants, as it were, with abhorrence, Rev 3:16. Therefore take heed, saith God, that the land spue not you out also, Lev 18:28. It was secured to them, and entailed upon them, and yet they must expect that, if they made the vices of the Canaanites their own, with their land their fate would be the same. Note, Wicked Israelites are as abominable to God as wicked Canaanites, and more so, and will be as soon spued out, or sooner. Such a warning as was here given to the Israelites is given by the apostle to the Gentile converts, with reference to the rejected Jews, in whose room they were substituted (Rom 11:19, etc.); they must take heed of falling after the same example of unbelief, Heb 4:11. Apply it more generally; and let it deter us effectually from all sinful courses to consider how many they have been the ruin of. Lay the ear of faith to the gates of the bottomless pit, and hear the doleful shrieks and outcries of damned sinners, whom earth has spued out and hell has swallowed, that find themselves undone, for ever undone, by sin; and tremble lest this be your portion at last. God's threatenings and judgments should frighten us from sin.
V.The chapter concludes with a sovereign antidote against this infection:
Therefore you shall keep my ordinance that you commit not any one of these abominable customs, Lev 18:30. This is the remedy prescribed. Note,
1.Sinful customs are abominable customs, and their being common and fashionable does not make them at all the less abominable nor should we the less abominate them, but the more; because the more customary they are the more dangerous they are.
2.It is of pernicious consequence to admit and allow of any one sinful custom, because one will make way for many, Uno absurdo dato, mille sequuntur - Admit but a single absurdity, you invite a thousand. The way of sin is downhill.
3.A close and constant adherence to God's ordinances is the most effectual preservative from the infection of gross sin. The more we taste of the sweetness and feel of the power of holy ordinances the less inclination we shall have to the forbidden pleasures of sinners' abominable customs. It is the grace of God only that will secure us, and that grace is to be expected only in the use of the means of grace. Nor does God ever leave any to their own hearts' lusts till they have first left him and his institutions.
Continue studying Leviticus 18:26 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
Leviticus 18:26 serves as a climactic summary and urgent admonition within a chapter detailing severe prohibitions against sexual immorality and idolatrous practices. It commands the Israelites, encompassing both native-born and resident foreigners, to diligently observe God's divine decrees and righteous ordinances, thereby abstaining from the detestable "abominations" that characterized the surrounding Canaanite cultures. This verse underscores the universal and non-negotiable nature of God's moral law for all who dwell within the consecrated land, emphasizing the imperative for a holy people to reflect God's character through their purity and obedience.
Context
Literary Context
Leviticus 18:26 functions as a pivotal summary and concluding exhortation within a chapter that meticulously outlines a series of prohibitions against various forms of sexual immorality and child sacrifice—practices deeply embedded in the religious and social fabric of the Canaanite nations. The preceding verses, specifically Leviticus 18:6-23, detail specific forbidden relationships and acts, including incestuous unions, adultery, child sacrifice to Molech, homosexual acts, and bestiality. Verse 26, therefore, acts as a comprehensive capstone statement, reinforcing the gravity and scope of these commands. It also serves as a crucial bridge to the subsequent verses, which warn of the severe consequences of disobedience—the land itself would "vomit out" those who defiled it with such acts, just as it was about to do to the Canaanites (Leviticus 18:28). This chapter is integral to the broader theme of holiness found throughout the entire book of Leviticus, which establishes God's standards for a consecrated life and a holy nation set apart from the defilement of the world.
Historical & Cultural Context
At the time of the Exodus and the giving of the Law at Sinai, Israel was poised to enter the land of Canaan, a region notorious for its depraved religious and social customs. The Canaanite cults frequently incorporated ritual prostitution, child sacrifice (particularly to Molech), and various forms of sexual perversion as integral parts of their worship practices, believing these acts appeased their deities and ensured fertility. God's commands in Leviticus 18 were a direct counter-cultural mandate, designed to protect Israel from spiritual and moral corruption and to distinguish them sharply from the surrounding nations. The inclusion of "any stranger that sojourneth among you" highlights the universal application of God's moral law within the covenant community, regardless of ethnic origin. This was not merely a tribal law but a divine standard for all who resided in the land consecrated by God. The land itself was viewed as holy, and its defilement through these "abominations" would lead to its expulsion of the inhabitants, mirroring the fate of the Canaanites (Leviticus 18:24-25).
Key Themes
Leviticus 18:26 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of Holiness, which permeates the entire book. God's command for Israel to keep His statutes and judgments and abstain from abominations is a direct call to reflect His own holy character, setting them apart as a consecrated people (Leviticus 11:44-45). This verse also reinforces the theme of Covenant Obedience, emphasizing that Israel's continued dwelling in the Promised Land and their flourishing as God's people were contingent upon their adherence to His moral and ceremonial laws (Deuteronomy 28:1-14). Furthermore, the inclusion of "stranger that sojourneth among you" highlights the theme of Ethical Inclusivity within the covenant community, demonstrating that God's moral standards applied to all who lived within the boundaries of the holy land, regardless of their native origin. This foreshadows a broader understanding of God's universal moral demands and His concern for all humanity, not just one specific nation.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This powerful term (H8441) signifies something utterly disgusting (morally), an abhorrence, particularly in the sight of God. In the Old Testament, tôwʻêbah is frequently used to describe idolatrous practices (e.g., Deuteronomy 7:25) and severe sexual sins (e.g., Leviticus 18:22), marking them as fundamentally incompatible with God's holy character, covenant, and the order He established. It denotes an act that provokes divine disgust and judgment, representing a profound violation of the divine-human relationship.
This term (H2708) refers to God's fixed, engraved decrees or ordinances. These are often seen as the non-negotiable, foundational laws that are immutable and universally binding, reflecting God's unchanging nature and His sovereign will. They are the established boundaries for righteous living, setting the pattern for Israel's conduct and worship.
This term (H4941) denotes God's righteous ordinances, judicial decisions, or applications of the law. These are the specific rules and principles derived from God's character that govern moral and social conduct, ensuring justice and equity within the community. Together with "statutes," they encompass the full scope of God's comprehensive revealed law for His people, guiding both their worship and daily life, ensuring their conformity to His righteous standards.
Verse Breakdown
"Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments,"
This opening clause establishes the divine imperative for obedience, linking back to the detailed prohibitions previously outlined. The word "therefore" indicates that the call to diligently "keep" (Hebrew: H8104, shâmar, to guard, observe) God's laws is a direct and necessary response to the preceding instructions. "My statutes and my judgments" emphasizes that these are not human inventions or cultural norms but divine decrees, originating from God's own authority and character, demanding absolute adherence from His covenant people.
"and shall not commit [any] of these abominations;"
This is the negative command, directly prohibiting the actions listed earlier in the chapter. The phrase "shall not commit" (Hebrew: H6213, ʻâsâh, to do or make) reinforces the absolute nature of the prohibition. The term "abominations" (Hebrew: H8441, tôwʻêbah) encapsulates the severity and detestable nature of these acts in God's eyes. It signifies a complete rejection of God's holiness and an embrace of the defiling practices of the surrounding pagan cultures, which would inevitably lead to spiritual and moral pollution.
"[neither] any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you:"
This crucial phrase highlights the universal application of God's moral law within the Israelite community. The prohibitions were not exclusive to ethnic Israelites (Hebrew: H249, ʼezrâch, native-born) but extended to all who resided within the land God had consecrated, including "any stranger" (Hebrew: H1616, gêr, foreigner, guest) "that sojourneth" (Hebrew: H1481, gûwr, to reside as a guest) among them (Hebrew: H8432, tâvek, in the midst of). This underscores that God's standards of holiness transcend national or ethnic boundaries for those living under His covenant and within His holy land, emphasizing a unified moral standard for the entire community.
Literary Devices
Leviticus 18:26 employs several significant literary devices to convey its powerful message with clarity and force. The most prominent is Legal Language, which is characteristic of the entire book of Leviticus. The verse uses imperative verbs ("keep," "shall not commit") and clear, concise commands, typical of ancient legal codes, to establish divine authority and leave no room for ambiguity regarding expected conduct. There is also a strong element of Covenantal Language, as the commands are presented as "my statutes and my judgments," reinforcing the idea that these laws are part of the binding agreement between Yahweh and His people, defining their relationship and their identity as His chosen nation. The term "abominations" functions as a form of Emphatic Denunciation, a strong, emotionally charged word that conveys God's utter revulsion for the specified acts, elevating them beyond mere transgressions to acts that fundamentally defile and pollute both the individual and the land. Finally, the explicit inclusion of "your own nation" and "any stranger that sojourneth among you" demonstrates Inclusivity as a rhetorical device, emphasizing the comprehensive and universal reach of God's moral law within the community, ensuring no one is exempt from these divine standards and highlighting the unified moral expectation for all who dwell in the holy land.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Leviticus 18:26 profoundly connects to several foundational theological themes. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty and authority over human conduct, establishing His moral law as the unchanging standard for all humanity. The verse is a powerful declaration of God's demand for holiness and purity from His people, emphasizing that their identity as a consecrated nation is intrinsically linked to their separation from the defiling practices of the world. This call to holiness is not merely about outward conformity but about cultivating an inner disposition that reflects God's own character in their lives. Furthermore, the inclusion of "stranger that sojourneth among you" highlights the universal applicability of God's moral law, demonstrating that His standards for righteousness transcend ethnic and national boundaries for those dwelling within His sphere of influence. This foreshadows the broader scope of God's redemptive plan for all nations, where all who come into His covenant community are bound by His righteous decrees.
Reflection and Application
Leviticus 18:26, though rooted in the ancient covenant with Israel, carries enduring relevance for believers today, serving as a profound call to ethical purity and spiritual distinction. It reminds us that God's moral standards, particularly concerning sexual ethics and the rejection of idolatry, are eternal and unchanging, reflecting His immutable character. In a world increasingly challenging traditional moral boundaries and embracing practices once considered "abominations," this verse calls us to a radical counter-cultural obedience. Our call to holiness, like Israel's, is not merely about avoiding certain acts, but about cultivating a lifestyle that actively reflects God's pure and righteous character in every sphere of life. This requires a conscious commitment to His "statutes and judgments," allowing them to shape our thoughts, desires, and actions, and to discern what truly defiles. Furthermore, the verse's inclusion of the "stranger" reminds us that our witness of God's holiness extends beyond the confines of the church community; we are called to live as examples of righteousness to all people, demonstrating the transformative power of God's truth in a world desperately needing moral clarity and divine light.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "abominations" specifically refer to in this context?
In Leviticus 18, "abominations" (Hebrew: tôwʻêbah) refers primarily to a specific list of severe sexual immoralities and the practice of child sacrifice to Molech. These include various forms of incest, adultery, homosexual acts (Leviticus 18:22), and bestiality (Leviticus 18:23). These acts were considered not just morally wrong but deeply defiling, polluting both the individual and the land, and were characteristic practices of the Canaanite nations from whom Israel was to be set apart. They are an affront to God's holy nature and His established order for creation and human relationships.
Does Leviticus 18:26 apply to Christians today, given that it's Old Testament law?
Yes, the moral principles embedded in Leviticus 18:26 are profoundly applicable to Christians today, though the covenant context has changed. While the ceremonial and civil laws of the Old Testament found their fulfillment in Christ, the moral laws reflect God's unchanging character and His eternal standards for righteousness. The specific "abominations" listed in Leviticus 18, such as incest, adultery, and homosexual acts, are consistently condemned throughout the New Testament as well (e.g., Romans 1:24-32, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10). Jesus affirmed that He came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17), meaning its moral essence remains binding. Christians are called to live holy lives, set apart from the world's defilement, by the power of the Holy Spirit, reflecting God's purity in all their conduct and eagerly awaiting the return of Christ.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Leviticus 18:26, with its stern command to keep God's statutes and judgments and abstain from abominations, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the only one who perfectly kept all of God's statutes and judgments, living a life utterly free from any "abomination" or sin (Hebrews 4:15). Where Israel failed to maintain its holiness and was eventually "vomited out" of the land due to their defilement, Christ, as the true Israel and the perfect Son, perfectly embodies the holiness God demanded. Furthermore, through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus bore the judgment for our "abominations," cleansing us from sin and enabling us to be reconciled to a holy God (2 Corinthians 5:21). Under the New Covenant, the law is no longer merely an external code but is written on the hearts of believers by the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 8:10), empowering them to walk in obedience and purity, not out of compulsion but out of a transformed nature. The inclusion of the "stranger" in Leviticus 18:26 also powerfully foreshadows the radical inclusivity of the gospel, where in Christ, there is "neither Jew nor Gentile" (Galatians 3:28), but all who believe are brought into one new holy people, the Church, built together as a dwelling place for God by the Spirit (Ephesians 2:19-22). Thus, Christ not only fulfills the righteous demands of the Law but also creates a new community empowered to live out the holiness that the Old Testament law commanded, by His Spirit and for His glory.