Leviticus 18:3

KJV

After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you, shall ye not do: neither shall ye walk in their ordinances.

KJV (with Strong's)

After the doings {H4639} of the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}, wherein ye dwelt {H3427}, shall ye not do {H6213}: and after the doings {H4639} of the land {H776} of Canaan {H3667}, whither I bring {H935} you, shall ye not do {H6213}: neither shall ye walk {H3212} in their ordinances {H2708}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are not to engage in the activities found in the land of Egypt, where you used to live; and you are not to engage in the activities found in the land of Kena'an, where I am bringing you; nor are you to live by their laws.

Berean Standard Bible

You must not follow the practices of the land of Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not follow the practices of the land of Canaan, into which I am bringing you. You must not walk in their customs.

American Standard Version

After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you, shall ye not do; neither shall ye walk in their statutes.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 18:3 serves as a foundational divine mandate, explicitly commanding ancient Israel to reject the depraved moral and religious practices of both Egypt, their land of former enslavement, and Canaan, the land they were about to inherit. This verse establishes a clear and non-negotiable boundary for God's covenant people, underscoring His call for them to be a distinct, holy nation defined solely by His righteous standards rather than by the corrupt customs and ordinances of the surrounding pagan cultures.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 18:3 stands at the very threshold of a comprehensive chapter detailing prohibitions against various forms of sexual immorality and pagan worship practices. This verse acts as a programmatic statement, setting the overarching theological and ethical framework for the specific laws that follow in [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Prohibitions Against Immorality"). It is part of the broader "Holiness Code" (Leviticus 17-26), which emphasizes God's call for Israel to reflect His own holiness in every aspect of their lives, from ritual purity to social and moral conduct. The general prohibition here precedes and undergirds the particular prohibitions against incest, adultery, child sacrifice, and other abominations, establishing the absolute necessity of Israel's separation from the practices of the nations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites had recently been delivered from over 400 years of bondage in Egypt, a civilization steeped in polytheism, animal worship, and various forms of ritualistic and social practices that were anathema to Yahweh's commands. They were now poised to enter the Promised Land of Canaan, a region notorious for its deeply entrenched paganism, including the worship of deities like Baal and Asherah, ritual prostitution, and the horrific practice of child sacrifice to Molech, as condemned in passages like [Deuteronomy 12:29-31](/deuteronomy/12-29-31 "Deuteronomy 12:29-31 - Warning Against Idolatry"). God's directive in this verse was crucial for preserving Israel's unique identity as His covenant people. Without a clear and absolute demarcation from the pervasive cultural and religious norms of both their past and future environments, Israel risked assimilation and moral decay, jeopardizing their relationship with God and their very existence as a distinct nation. This command was a vital safeguard against spiritual syncretism and moral compromise.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces the overarching theme of **Holiness and Separation**, which is central to the entire book of Leviticus. God calls Israel to be a people set apart, reflecting His own holy character, as articulated in [Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy"). It also underscores the theme of **Covenant Fidelity**, emphasizing that obedience to God's commands and rejection of pagan practices are essential for maintaining their special relationship with Yahweh and enjoying the blessings of the land, a principle reiterated throughout the Pentateuch, particularly in [Deuteronomy 7:1-6](/deuteronomy/7-1-6 "Deuteronomy 7:1-6 - Separation from Nations"). Furthermore, it highlights the pervasive theme of **Warning Against Idolatry and Immorality**, which is a constant concern for Israel's spiritual well-being, as seen in the consequences of disobedience throughout their history, such as the events described in [Numbers 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - Baal of Peor Incident").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **doings (Hebrew, _maʻăseh'_):** Drawing from H4639, this term signifies an "action," "deed," or "work," encompassing the totality of practices, customs, and behaviors. In this context, it refers to the comprehensive lifestyle, religious rituals, and moral conduct of the Egyptians and Canaanites. The prohibition extends beyond isolated acts to the very fabric and output of their cultural and spiritual existence.
* **walk (Hebrew, _yâlak'_):** From H3212, this primitive root means "to go or come," but frequently carries the figurative sense of one's manner of life, a sustained pattern of behavior, or a chosen path. When Israel is commanded "not to walk" in their ordinances, it implies a complete rejection of their entire way of life, their ethical foundations, and their societal trajectory.
* **ordinances (Hebrew, _chuqqâh'_):** Derived from H2708, this feminine noun denotes an "enactment," "statute," "decree," or "custom." It refers to the established legal, religious, and social systems that governed these pagan nations. These "ordinances" were deeply intertwined with their idolatrous worship and immoral practices, forming the very framework of their societies. The prohibition demands a rejection of their entire worldview and ethical systems.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do:"** This clause explicitly forbids Israel from imitating the practices they had observed and perhaps even participated in during their long sojourn in Egypt. It serves as a stern warning against backsliding into the idolatry, moral laxity, and oppressive social structures characteristic of their former land of bondage.
* **"and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you, shall ye not do:"** Parallel to the first prohibition, this clause warns against the pervasive and corrupt practices of the land they were about to inherit. It anticipates the moral and religious temptations Israel would face upon entering Canaan, where idolatry, cultic prostitution, and child sacrifice were deeply ingrained in society. This command underscores the need for proactive and vigilant resistance to future cultural contamination.
* **"neither shall ye walk in their ordinances."** This final, emphatic clause broadens the prohibition beyond mere "doings" (individual actions or customs) to encompass the entire "ordinances" or established systems of these nations. "To walk" in biblical language often signifies one's manner of life, a sustained pattern of behavior, or a chosen path. Thus, Israel was commanded not to adopt or follow the foundational laws, decrees, or ethical frameworks that governed Egyptian and Canaanite societies, demanding a complete separation from their worldview and ethical systems.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its absolute command. **Repetition** is prominent, with the phrase "shall ye not do" appearing twice, emphasizing the non-negotiable and absolute nature of the prohibition against adopting foreign practices. This repetition creates a sense of urgency and underscores divine authority. **Parallelism** is also evident in the structure, contrasting "the land of Egypt" with "the land of Canaan," and applying the same prohibition to both. This highlights the pervasive nature of the threat from all ungodly cultures, past and future. Finally, the verse establishes a stark **Contrast** between the "doings" and "ordinances" of Egypt and Canaan and the implied righteous "doings" and "ordinances" of Yahweh, which Israel is called to embrace. This contrast sets the stage for the fundamental theological theme of Israel's distinctiveness and holiness, demanding a clear demarcation from the surrounding world.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 18:3 establishes the foundational principle that Israel's identity and well-being are intrinsically linked to their distinctiveness from the nations. God's call for them to be "holy" (קָדוֹשׁ, _qadosh_ – set apart) is not merely a ritualistic demand but a comprehensive ethical and moral imperative. Their separation from the "doings" and "ordinances" of Egypt and Canaan was essential for maintaining their covenant relationship with Yahweh, who is Himself holy and righteous. This command underscores God's sovereignty over all aspects of life and His desire for a people who reflect His character in their conduct, demonstrating that true freedom and blessing come from aligning with divine law, not from conforming to human traditions or cultural trends.

* [Leviticus 11:44](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [Deuteronomy 12:29-31](/deuteronomy/12-29-31 "Deuteronomy 12:29-31 - Warning Against Idolatry")
* [Exodus 23:24](/exodus/23-24 "Exodus 23:24 - Do Not Worship Their Gods")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The timeless command in Leviticus 18:3 resonates profoundly with believers today, serving as a vital call to spiritual discernment and ethical non-conformity in a world often at odds with God's truth. Just as ancient Israel was to be a distinct people, so too are Christians called to live lives that reflect the character of Christ amidst prevailing cultural norms. This requires a conscious and continuous evaluation of entertainment, ideologies, social trends, and moral standards, rejecting those that contradict biblical principles. Our identity as followers of Christ should lead to a distinctive lifestyle that honors God, upholds His unchanging moral standards, and serves as a compelling witness to a world in need of His light. True freedom and flourishing are found not in blending in, but in boldly living out God's righteous ways.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways does modern culture present "doings" or "ordinances" that contradict God's Word, and how are we tempted to conform?**
* **How can believers actively discern and resist ungodly cultural pressures without withdrawing from society or becoming judgmental?**
* **What practical steps can we take to ensure our lives are truly "set apart" for God's glory in our daily choices, relationships, and pursuits?**

### FAQ
**Why does God specifically mention Egypt and Canaan as examples of forbidden practices?**

Answer: God specifically mentions Egypt and Canaan because they represent the two most significant cultural and spiritual influences on Israel's journey. Egypt was the land of their past bondage, where they had been exposed to pervasive idolatry and moral corruption for centuries. The command against Egyptian "doings" served as a warning against reverting to the paganism they had just been delivered from, emphasizing that liberation from physical slavery must be accompanied by spiritual freedom. Canaan, on the other hand, was the land of their future inheritance, a place flowing with milk and honey but also deeply steeped in abhorrent practices such as child sacrifice, cultic prostitution, and rampant idolatry, as described in [Numbers 33:55](/numbers/33-55 "Numbers 33:55 - Remaining Inhabitants as Thorns"). By prohibiting the "doings" and "ordinances" of both nations, God provided a comprehensive warning against adopting any ungodly practices, whether from their past experiences or their future environment. It underscored the absolute necessity for Israel to maintain a distinct, holy identity as God's covenant people, separate from the depravity of the world around them, ensuring their fidelity and flourishing in the Promised Land (cf. [Deuteronomy 6:10-12](/deuteronomy/6-10-12 "Deuteronomy 6:10-12 - Remember the Lord")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Leviticus 18:3 was given to ancient Israel, its underlying principle finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. The Old Testament call for Israel to be "set apart" from the defilement of surrounding nations foreshadows the New Testament's call for believers to be a holy people, distinct from the "doings" and "ordinances" of the world system (κοσμος, _kosmos_). Jesus Christ perfectly embodied this separation, living a life of absolute obedience to God's will, untainted by the sin of the world. Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, believers are now made new creations in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), empowered by the Holy Spirit to "walk by the Spirit" rather than by the "flesh" or the ways of the world ([Galatians 5:16](/galatians/5-16 "Galatians 5:16 - Walk by the Spirit")). The "land" for the Christian is now the Kingdom of God, and our calling is to live as citizens of this heavenly realm, setting our minds on things above, not on earthly things ([Colossians 3:1-2](/colossians/3-1-2 "Colossians 3:1-2 - Set Your Minds on Things Above")). This means actively resisting conformity to the patterns of this world and being transformed by the renewing of our minds, so that we may prove what the will of God is—that which is good, acceptable, and perfect ([Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Transformed by the Renewing of Your Mind")). Ultimately, the holiness commanded in Leviticus 18:3 is realized in Christ, who enables us to be holy in all our conduct, just as He who called us is holy ([1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy in All Your Conduct")).

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 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.

Exodus 23:24

Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works: but thou shalt utterly overthrow them, and quite break down their images.

Ezekiel 23:8

Neither left she her whoredoms [brought] from Egypt: for in her youth they lay with her, and they bruised the breasts of her virginity, and poured their whoredom upon her.

1 Peter 4:2

That he no longer should live the rest of [his] time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

1 Peter 4:4

¶ Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with [them] to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of [you]:

Ezekiel 20:7

Then said I unto them, Cast ye away every man the abominations of his eyes, and defile not yourselves with the idols of Egypt: I [am] the LORD your God.

Ezekiel 20:8

But they rebelled against me, and would not hearken unto me: they did not every man cast away the abominations of their eyes, neither did they forsake the idols of Egypt: then I said, I will pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the midst of the land of Egypt.