Leviticus 19:17

Commentary on Leviticus 19:17 (KJV)

Leviticus 19:17 is a profound verse from the heart of the Old Testament's "Holiness Code" (Leviticus 17-26), which outlines God's expectations for how His people, Israel, should live a life set apart for Him. This particular verse addresses both internal attitudes and outward actions within the community, emphasizing the interconnectedness of love, responsibility, and righteousness among neighbors.

Context

This verse is situated within a broader chapter that details various ethical and moral commands, many of which focus on how the Israelites were to treat one another. It follows injunctions against stealing, lying, and defrauding, and immediately precedes the famous command to "love thy neighbour as thyself". This placement highlights that true love for one's neighbor involves both the absence of ill-will and the active pursuit of their spiritual well-being.

Key Themes and Messages

• The Prohibition of Inner Hatred: The command "Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart" reveals that God's law penetrates beyond mere outward actions to examine the deepest intentions and dispositions of the human heart. It teaches that true holiness begins internally; harboring bitterness or resentment is a sin in itself, regardless of whether it manifests outwardly. This prefigures New Testament teachings where Jesus expanded on this concept, emphasizing that hatred in the heart is akin to murder.
• The Duty to Rebuke: The second part, "thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour," establishes a communal responsibility. It's not enough to simply not hate; one must also actively intervene when a neighbor is engaging in sin. This is a call to courageous love, where one's concern for another's spiritual health outweighs the discomfort of confrontation. The rebuke is meant to be corrective and restorative, not condemnatory.
• Preventing Sin's Spread and Guilt: The phrase "and not suffer sin upon him" (or "not bear sin on his account") implies two things. Firstly, it means not allowing a neighbor to continue in sin without accountability, which would lead to further spiritual harm for them. Secondly, some interpretations suggest it means not incurring guilt oneself by passively observing a neighbor's sin without intervening. It underscores a shared responsibility within the community to uphold God's standards and protect one another from the destructive power of sin. This aligns with the New Testament principle of restoring a brother who is overtaken in a fault, in a spirit of gentleness.

Linguistic Insights

• The Hebrew word for "hate" is sane (שָׂנֵא), which denotes a deep-seated animosity or enmity, not just a fleeting dislike.
• "Rebuke" comes from the Hebrew yakach (יָכַח), which means to argue, convict, correct, or plead. It suggests a reasoned and persuasive intervention aimed at bringing conviction and change, rather than mere scolding or condemnation. It implies a loving desire for the other person to turn from their wrong path.

Practical Application

For believers today, Leviticus 19:17 remains highly relevant. It challenges us to:

1. Examine Our Hearts: Are we truly free from hidden resentments, bitterness, or animosity towards others? True Christian love begins with a pure heart.
2. Embrace Loving Accountability: Do we have the spiritual courage and genuine love to gently and appropriately confront a fellow believer when we see them straying? This is a vital aspect of healthy Christian community and discipleship.
3. Seek Restoration, Not Condemnation: The goal of rebuke is always restoration and spiritual growth, not shaming or alienation. It should be done with humility, wisdom, and a desire to see the other person reconciled to God and their community.

This verse powerfully combines internal righteousness with external responsibility, illustrating that genuine love for God is inseparable from genuine love and active care for our neighbors.