Leviticus 19:19

KJV

¶ Ye shall keep my statutes. Thou shalt not let thy cattle gender with a diverse kind: thou shalt not sow thy field with mingled seed: neither shall a garment mingled of linen and woollen come upon thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye shall keep {H8104} my statutes {H2708}. Thou shalt not let thy cattle {H929} gender {H7250} with a diverse kind {H3610}: thou shalt not sow {H2232} thy field {H7704} with mingled seed {H3610}: neither shall a garment {H899} mingled {H3610} of linen and woollen {H8162} come {H5927} upon thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Observe my regulations. "'Don't let your livestock mate with those of another kind, don't sow your field with two different kinds of grain, and don't wear a garment of cloth made with two different kinds of thread.

Berean Standard Bible

You are to keep My statutes. You shall not crossbreed two different kinds of livestock; you shall not sow your fields with two kinds of seed; and you shall not wear clothing made of two kinds of material.

American Standard Version

Ye shall keep my statutes. Thou shalt not let thy cattle gender with a diverse kind: thou shalt not sow thy field with two kinds of seed: neither shall there come upon thee a garment of two kinds of stuff mingled together.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 19:19, nestled within the broader "Holiness Code" (chapters 17-26), presents three distinct prohibitions that underscore God's call for order, distinction, and purity within the Israelite community. Following a foundational command to observe divine statutes, the verse forbids the cross-breeding of cattle, the sowing of mixed seeds in a field, and the wearing of garments made from a blend of linen and wool. These seemingly disparate regulations collectively emphasize the importance of maintaining God's created order and reflect His desire for His chosen people to be set apart, both literally and symbolically, from the chaotic and syncretistic practices of surrounding nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 19:19 is part of the "Holiness Code," a central section of the book of Leviticus that delineates the ethical and ritual requirements for Israel to live as a holy nation set apart for Yahweh. The chapter opens with the foundational command, "You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy" ([Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - The Call to Holiness")), which serves as the overarching principle for all subsequent commands. The verses immediately preceding 19:19 deal with various social and ethical responsibilities, including justice for the poor, respect for the elderly, and prohibitions against slander and vengeance. The transition to the prohibitions in verse 19, though seemingly abrupt in subject matter, maintains the consistent theme of maintaining order and purity in all aspects of life, from agriculture and animal husbandry to personal attire, all undergirded by the command to "keep my statutes."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel existed amidst cultures that often blurred distinctions, engaged in syncretistic religious practices, and sometimes practiced magical rituals involving mixtures. For example, some pagan fertility cults might have encouraged the mixing of species or seeds as a way to enhance productivity, believing it invoked divine favor. The specific prohibition against *sha'atnez* (linen and wool) garments is particularly noteworthy; such mixed fabrics were sometimes associated with pagan priestly attire or idolatrous rituals, symbolizing a blending of sacred and profane, or perhaps even a form of sympathetic magic. In contrast, God's laws for Israel, including those found in [Leviticus 19](/leviticus/19 "Leviticus 19 - The Holiness Code"), aimed to establish a clear, distinct identity for His people, separating them from the practices of the Canaanites and Egyptians. These laws reinforced the idea that Israel was to reflect God's own character—a God of order, purity, and distinctiveness—in every facet of their daily lives, from their fields and livestock to their clothing. This separation was not merely for ritualistic purposes but was deeply tied to their covenant relationship with God and their mission to be a light to the nations, embodying a holy way of life ([Deuteronomy 4:5-8](/deuteronomy/4-5 "Deuteronomy 4:5-8 - Israel's Wisdom and Understanding")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Diverse Kind (Hebrew, _kil'ayim'_):** This term, appearing in the first two prohibitions, refers to the mixing of two heterogeneous or distinct kinds. It signifies a fundamental principle of separation and distinction, reflecting God's original creation where living things were made to reproduce "according to their kinds" ([Genesis 1:11-25](/genesis/1-11 "Genesis 1:11-25 - Creation According to Its Kind")). The prohibition against *kil'ayim* in agriculture and animal breeding underscores a respect for the integrity of God's created order, discouraging attempts to unnaturally blend what God had separated.
* **Mingled (Hebrew, _sha'atnez'_):** This unique Hebrew word specifically denotes a fabric woven from both linen and wool. Its precise etymology is debated, but its usage here highlights a very particular and intentional prohibition. Unlike *kil'ayim*, which is a general term for mixtures, *sha'atnez* points to a specific, culturally significant blend. The strictness of this prohibition suggests a deeper symbolic meaning, possibly related to avoiding pagan practices or maintaining ritual purity, as linen was often associated with priestly garments and purity, while wool was common for everyday wear.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Ye shall keep my statutes."**: This opening declaration serves as the overarching command for the entire verse and, indeed, the chapter. It emphasizes that the specific prohibitions that follow are not arbitrary rules but divine mandates, part of God's comprehensive instruction for His people to live in a way that reflects His holiness and maintains their covenant relationship with Him. It sets the tone of obedience and submission to divine authority.
* **"Thou shalt not let thy cattle gender with a diverse kind:"**: This prohibition forbids the cross-breeding of different species of animals. It upholds the integrity of God's created order, where each creature was made "after its kind." This was a practical regulation that prevented the weakening of distinct animal breeds and potentially discouraged practices associated with pagan fertility rites that might involve unnatural animal pairings.
* **"thou shalt not sow thy field with mingled seed:"**: This command prohibits the planting of two different types of seeds together in the same field. Like the animal prohibition, it reinforces the principle of maintaining distinct categories in agriculture, respecting the natural order of creation. It also had practical implications for crop purity and yield, potentially preventing the spread of diseases or the degradation of specific plant varieties. Symbolically, it underscored the idea of pure worship and avoiding spiritual syncretism.
* **"neither shall a garment mingled of linen and woollen come upon thee."**: This final prohibition specifically targets the wearing of *sha'atnez*, a fabric woven from both linen and wool. This was a particularly strong distinction, as such garments might have been used in pagan rituals or simply represented a blurring of categories that God desired to keep separate for His people. It served as a constant, tangible reminder of Israel's distinct identity and their call to purity in all aspects of life, even in their clothing.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 19:19 employs **Repetition** of the concept of "mingling" or "diverse kinds" across three distinct domains (animals, agriculture, clothing), reinforcing the central theme of maintaining distinctions. This repetition creates a sense of comprehensive application, suggesting that the principle of separation applies to all areas of life. The prohibitions also function as **Symbolism**, where the literal acts of mixing represent a deeper spiritual truth. The avoidance of physical mixtures symbolizes the imperative for Israel to maintain spiritual purity and integrity, avoiding the blending of their worship of Yahweh with pagan practices or the syncretism of their covenant identity with the ways of the surrounding nations. This symbolic resonance transforms seemingly mundane laws into powerful reminders of God's desire for His people to be set apart and holy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 19:19, along with the broader Holiness Code, profoundly articulates God's desire for His people to reflect His own perfect order and purity. The prohibitions against mixing diverse kinds in creation (animals and seeds) and in human-made items (garments) underscore a fundamental theological principle: God is a God of order, not chaos. He created distinct categories, and His laws often reinforce these distinctions as a reflection of His character and His desire for His people to live with integrity and clarity. The underlying message is that Israel's distinctiveness as God's chosen people should be evident in every aspect of their lives, from their agricultural practices to their personal attire, symbolizing their spiritual separation from the world's idolatry and moral confusion. This pursuit of external distinction was a tangible expression of an internal commitment to God's holiness.

* [Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - The Call to Holiness")
* [Genesis 1:24-25](/genesis/1-24 "Genesis 1:24-25 - Creation According to Its Kind")
* [Deuteronomy 22:9-11](/deuteronomy/22-9 "Deuteronomy 22:9-11 - Further Prohibitions on Mixing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific ceremonial laws of Leviticus 19:19 are not directly binding on New Testament believers, having been fulfilled in Christ, the profound principles they embody remain eternally relevant for spiritual formation. The call to avoid "mixtures" challenges us to examine areas in our lives where we might be blending the sacred with the profane, or attempting to serve two masters. This could manifest as syncretism in our beliefs, where we subtly integrate worldly philosophies with biblical truth, or as a lack of integrity in our actions, where our public faith does not align with our private conduct. The spirit of this law encourages us to pursue spiritual purity, maintaining clear boundaries between God's kingdom values and the values of the fallen world. It calls us to live distinctively, reflecting God's order and holiness in our character, choices, and commitments, thereby becoming a clear witness to His transformative power in a world that often blurs moral and spiritual lines.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be inadvertently "mingling" or blurring the lines between God's truth and worldly philosophies?**
* **How does the principle of maintaining "distinct kinds" challenge me to live a life of greater integrity and consistency in my faith?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more "set apart" or distinctive lifestyle that genuinely reflects God's holiness to those around me?**

### FAQ
**Are Christians still required to follow the specific prohibitions in Leviticus 19:19, such as not wearing mixed fabrics or planting mixed seeds?**

Answer: No, Christians are not bound by the literal application of these specific ceremonial laws. The New Testament teaches that the Old Covenant ceremonial laws, including those related to food, festivals, and specific purity regulations, were a "shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ" ([Colossians 2:17](/colossians/2-17 "Colossians 2:17 - Shadow and Substance")). Jesus fulfilled the law, bringing about a new covenant where the emphasis shifts from external regulations to internal transformation and the principles of love for God and neighbor ([Matthew 22:37-40](/matthew/22-37 "Matthew 22:37-40 - The Great Commandment")). The early church, particularly through the Jerusalem Council in [Acts 15](/acts/15 "Acts 15 - The Jerusalem Council"), affirmed that Gentile believers were not required to observe the Mosaic ceremonial law. While the literal prohibitions are no longer binding, the underlying spiritual principles of holiness, order, purity, and distinctiveness remain profoundly relevant for believers today.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 19:19, with its prohibitions against various forms of "mingling," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in the abolition of distinctions, but in the establishment of a new, pure, and unified spiritual reality in Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant laws, including these specific statutes, served as a "tutor to bring us to Christ" ([Galatians 3:24](/galatians/3-24 "Galatians 3:24 - The Law as a Tutor")), revealing God's holiness and humanity's inability to perfectly adhere to His standards. Christ, as the perfect Lamb of God, fulfilled the law's demands through His sinless life and atoning death, becoming the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes ([Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Romans 10:4 - Christ the End of the Law")). In Him, the external distinctions and ceremonial purity laws of the Old Testament are transcended by an internal, spiritual purity. Believers are now called to be "a new creation" in Christ ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), where the mixing of sin and righteousness, or light and darkness, is incompatible ([2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")). The call to avoid "mingled" things in Leviticus foreshadows the New Covenant reality where God's people are to be distinct, not by adherence to specific dietary or clothing codes, but by their transformed hearts, unified in Christ, and set apart by the Holy Spirit to live a life of integrity and holiness that reflects the pure, unadulterated truth of the Gospel ([1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy as I Am Holy")).

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

2 Corinthians 6:14

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

2 Corinthians 6:17

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,

Deuteronomy 22:9

Thou shalt not sow thy vineyard with divers seeds: lest the fruit of thy seed which thou hast sown, and the fruit of thy vineyard, be defiled.

Deuteronomy 22:11

Thou shalt not wear a garment of divers sorts, [as] of woollen and linen together.

Matthew 9:16

No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse.

Matthew 9:17

Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.

Galatians 3:9

So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.