Leviticus 18:26

KJV

Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit [any] of these abominations; [neither] any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you:

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye shall therefore keep {H8104} my statutes {H2708} and my judgments {H4941}, and shall not commit {H6213} any of these abominations {H8441}; neither any of your own nation {H249}, nor any stranger {H1616} that sojourneth {H1481} among {H8432} you:

Complete Jewish Bible

But you are to keep my laws and rulings and not engage in any of these disgusting practices, neither the citizen nor the foreigner living with you;

Berean Standard Bible

But you are to keep My statutes and ordinances, and you must not commit any of these abominations—neither your native-born nor the foreigner who lives among you.

American Standard Version

Ye therefore shall keep my statutes and mine ordinances, and shall not do any of these abominations; neither the home-born, nor the stranger that sojourneth among you

Commentary

### 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](/leviticus/18-6-23 "Leviticus 18:6-23 - Prohibitions Against Incest, Adultery, Homosexuality, and Bestiality"), 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](/leviticus/18-28 "Leviticus 18:28 - The Land Vomits Out Its Inhabitants")). This chapter is integral to the broader theme of holiness found throughout the entire book of [Leviticus](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Laws of Sexual Purity"), 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](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Laws of Sexual Purity") 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](/leviticus/18-24-25 "Leviticus 18:24-25 - Do Not Defile Yourselves")).

* **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](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")). 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](/deuteronomy/28-1-14 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience")). 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
* **Abominations (Hebrew, _tôwʻêbah'_):** 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](/deuteronomy/7-25 "Deuteronomy 7:25 - Abomination of Idols")) and severe sexual sins (e.g., [Leviticus 18:22](/leviticus/18-22 "Leviticus 18:22 - Abomination of Homosexuality")), 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.
* **Statutes (Hebrew, _chuqqâh'_):** 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.
* **Judgments (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** 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.

* [Deuteronomy 4:1-2](/deuteronomy/4-1-2 "Deuteronomy 4:1-2 - Keep the Statutes and Judgments")
* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [Romans 1:24-32](/romans/1-24-32 "Romans 1:24-32 - God's Judgment on Immorality")

### 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
* **What "abominations" of our contemporary culture might God be calling believers to specifically abstain from today, in light of His unchanging character and the principles of Leviticus 18?**
* **How does the concept of God's "statutes and judgments" apply to personal ethical decisions in areas not explicitly detailed in scripture (e.g., technology use, media consumption, social justice issues)?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals and as the church, better exemplify God's holiness to "strangers" or those outside our faith community, without compromising biblical truth or alienating those we seek to reach?**
* **Considering the severe consequences of disobedience in Leviticus (the land "vomiting out" its inhabitants), how should this understanding shape our personal commitment to purity and our prayers for our society's moral trajectory?**

### FAQ

**What does "abominations" specifically refer to in this context?**

Answer: 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](/leviticus/18-22 "Leviticus 18:22 - Abomination of Homosexuality")), and bestiality ([Leviticus 18:23](/leviticus/18-23 "Leviticus 18:23 - Abomination of Bestiality")). 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?**

Answer: 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](/romans/1-24-32 "Romans 1:24-32 - God's Judgment on Immorality"), [1 Corinthians 6:9-10](/1_corinthians/6-9-10 "1 Corinthians 6:9-10 - Do Not Be Deceived")). Jesus affirmed that He came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), 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](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus is Without Sin")). 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](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). 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](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant Written on Hearts")), 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](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile in Christ")), 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](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). 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.

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 18:5

Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I [am] the LORD.

Psalms 105:44

And gave them the lands of the heathen: and they inherited the labour of the people;

Psalms 105:45

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

Deuteronomy 4:40

Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong [thy] days upon the earth, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, for ever.

John 14:21

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

John 14:23

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

Deuteronomy 12:32

What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.