Leviticus 18:3

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Leviticus 18:3 delivers a foundational command to ancient Israel, setting the stage for the moral and religious laws that follow in this chapter and throughout the Pentateuch. God explicitly warns His people against adopting the corrupt practices of two significant cultures: Egypt, where they had been enslaved, and Canaan, the land they were about to inherit. This verse emphasizes the call for Israel to be a distinct and holy nation, defined by God's standards rather than the prevailing customs of their neighbors.

Context

This verse is part of a larger chapter in Leviticus (chapter 18) that details a comprehensive list of prohibitions, primarily concerning sexual immorality and various pagan practices. Having recently been delivered from bondage in Egypt and poised to enter the Promised Land of Canaan, the Israelites faced immense cultural pressures. Both Egyptian and Canaanite societies were characterized by idolatry, cult prostitution, child sacrifice, and various forms of sexual perversion. God's directive here serves as a clear demarcation, establishing the moral boundaries for His covenant people and distinguishing them from the depraved societies around them. It underscores God's desire for a people set apart, reflecting His own holiness.

Key Themes

  • Holiness and Separation: The primary message is God's call for Israel to be holy, meaning "set apart" or "distinct." They were not to conform to the ungodly ways of the world but to live by divine principles. This theme is central to the entire book of Leviticus, as seen in passages like Leviticus 11:44, "For I am the Lord your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy."
  • Moral Purity: The "doings" and "ordinances" refer directly to the abhorrent moral and religious practices prevalent in Egypt and Canaan. These included incest, adultery, bestiality, child sacrifice, and various forms of idolatry. God's law provided a framework for a morally pure society, contrasting sharply with the ethical decay of the surrounding nations.
  • Obedience to Divine Law: The verse highlights the fundamental principle of obedience to God's commands as the basis for Israel's identity and well-being. Their prosperity and presence in the land were contingent upon following God's statutes, not the traditions of men. This theme resonates throughout the Torah, emphasizing that true freedom and blessing come from aligning with God's perfect will.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses the term "doings" (Hebrew: ืžึทืขึฒืฉื‚ึตื”, ma'aseh) which refers to actions, customs, or practices. This term broadly encompasses the entire way of life, including social norms, religious rituals, and moral conduct. The word "ordinances" (Hebrew: ื—ึปืงึผึนืช, chuqqot) denotes statutes, decrees, or prescribed laws. These were the established legal and religious systems of Egypt and Canaan, which were deeply intertwined with their pagan worship and immoral practices. The strong, repeated prohibition ("shall ye not do... shall ye not do: neither shall ye walk") underscores the absolute nature of God's command and the severity of the warned-against actions.

Practical Application

While given to ancient Israel, the principles in Leviticus 18:3 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. Just as Israel was called to be distinct, so too are Christians called to live lives that reflect God's character in a world often influenced by ungodly values. This means:

  • Discerning Cultural Influences: We are called to critically evaluate cultural norms, entertainment, and ideologies, rejecting those that contradict biblical principles. This echoes the New Testament's call to "be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2).
  • Upholding Moral Standards: The verse reminds us that God's standards for morality are unchanging and transcend cultural trends. Sexual purity, respect for life, and ethical conduct are foundational to a life pleasing to God.
  • Living as a Holy People: God's desire for His people to be holy is consistent throughout Scripture. Our identity as followers of Christ should lead to a distinctive lifestyle that honors Him and serves as a witness to the world.

Leviticus 18:3 is a timeless reminder that true freedom and blessing come from obedience to God's righteous ways, not from adopting the corrupt practices of the world around us.

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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 20:23 (7 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

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

  • Ezekiel 20:7 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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.