TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ 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.
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.
World English Bible Messianic
“‘You shall keep my statutes. “‘You shall not cross-breed different kinds of animals. “‘You shall not sow your field with two kinds of seed; “‘neither shall there come upon you a garment made of two kinds of material.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Yee shall keepe mine ordinances. Thou shalt not let thy cattel gender with others of diuers kindes. Thou shalt not sowe thy fielde with mingled seede, neyther shall a garment of diuers thinges, as of linen and wollen come vpon thee.
Young's Literal Translation
`My statutes ye do keep: thy cattle thou dost not cause to gender with diverse kinds; thy field thou dost not sow with diverse kinds, and a garment of diverse kinds, shaatnez, doth not go up upon thee.
See also
In the KJVVerse 3,301 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Leviticus 19 verses 19–29
19 ¶ 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.
20 And whosoever lieth carnally with a woman, that is a bondmaid, betrothed to an husband, and not at all redeemed, nor freedom given her; she shall be scourged; they shall not be put to death, because she was not free.
21 And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the LORD, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, even a ram for a trespass offering.
22 And the priest shall make an atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering before the LORD for his sin which he hath done: and the sin which he hath done shall be forgiven him.
23 And when ye shall come into the land, and shall have planted all manner of trees for food, then ye shall count the fruit thereof as uncircumcised: three years shall it be as uncircumcised unto you: it shall not be eaten of.
24 But in the fourth year all the fruit thereof shall be holy to praise the LORD withal.
25 And in the fifth year shall ye eat of the fruit thereof, that it may yield unto you the increase thereof: I am the LORD your God.
26 Ye shall not eat any thing with the blood: neither shall ye use enchantment, nor observe times.
27 Ye shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard.
28 Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.
29 Do not prostitute thy daughter, to cause her to be a whore; lest the land fall to whoredom, and the land become full of wickedness.
Here is, I. A law against mixtures, Lev 19:19. God in the beginning made the cattle after their kind (Gen 1:25), and we must acquiesce in the order of nature God hath established, believing that is best and sufficient, and not covet monsters. Add thou not unto his works, lest he reprove thee; for it is the excellency of the work of God that nothing can, without making it worse, be either put to it or taken from it, Ecc 3:14. As what God has joined we must not separate, so what he has separated we must not join. The sowing of mingled corn and the wearing of linsey-woolsey garments are forbidden, either as superstitious customs of the heathen or to intimate how careful they should be not to mingle themselves with the heathen nor to weave any of the usages of the Gentiles into God's ordinances. Ainsworth suggests that it was to lead Israel to the simplicity and sincerity of religion, and to all the parts and doctrines of the law and gospel in their distinct kinds. As faith is necessary, good works are necessary, but to mingle these together in the cause of our justification before God is forbidden, Gal 2:16.
II. A law for punishing adultery committed with one that was a bondmaid that was espoused, Lev 19:20-22. If she had not been espoused, the law appointed no punishment at all; being espoused, if she had not been a bondmaid, the punishment had been no less than death: but, being as yet a bondmaid (though before the completing of her espousals she must have been made free), the capital punishment is remitted, and they shall both be scourged; or, as some think, the woman only, and the man was to bring a sacrifice. It was for the honour of marriage, though but begun by betrothing, that the crime should be punished; but it was for the honour of freedom that it should not be punished as the debauching of a free woman was, so great was the difference then made between bond and free (Gal 4:30); but the gospel of Christ knows no such distinction, Col 3:11.
III. A law concerning fruit-trees, that for the first three years after they were planted, if they should happen to be so forward as to bear in that time, yet no use should be made of the fruit, Lev 19:23-25. It was therefore the practice of the Jews to pluck off the fruit, as soon as they perceived it knit, from their young trees, as gardeners do sometimes, because their early bearing hinders their growing. If any did come to perfection, it was not to be used in the service either of God or man; but what they bore the fourth year was to be holy to the Lord, either given to the priests, or eaten before the Lord with joy, as their second tithe was, and thenceforward it was all their own. Now, 1. Some think this taught them not to follow the custom of the heathen, who, they say, consecrated the very first products of their fruit-trees to their idols, saying that otherwise all the fruits would be blasted. 2. This law in the case of fruit-trees seems to be parallel with that in the case of animals, that no creature should be accepted as an offering till it was past eight days old, nor till that day were children to be circumcised; see Lev 22:27. God would have the first-fruits of their trees, but, because for the first three years they were as inconsiderable as a lamb or a calf under eight days old, therefore God would not have them, for it is fit he should have every thing at its best; and yet he would not allow them to be used, because his first-fruits were not as yet offered: they must therefore be accounted as uncircumcised, that is, as an animal under eight days' old, not fit for any use. 3. We are hereby taught not to be over-hasty in catching at any comfort, but to be willing with patience to wait the time for the enjoyment of it, and particularly to acknowledge ourselves unworthy of the increase of the earth, our right to the fruits of which was forfeited by our first parents eating forbidden fruit, and we are restored to it only by the word of God and prayer, Ti1 4:5.
IV. A law against the superstitious usages of the heathen, Lev 19:26-28. 1. Eating upon the blood, as the Gentiles did, who gathered the blood of their sacrifices into a vessel for their demons (as they fancied) to drink, and then sat about it, eating the flesh themselves, signifying their communion with devils by their feasting with them. Let not this custom be used, for the blood of God's sacrifices was to be sprinkled on the altar, and then poured at the foot of it, and conveyed away. 2. Enchantment and divination, and a superstitious observation of the times, some days and hours lucky and others unlucky. Curious arts of this kind, it is likely, had been of late invented by the Egyptian priests, to amuse the people, and support their own credit. The Israelites had seen them practised, but must by no means imitate them. It would be unpardonable in those to whom were committed the oracles of God to ask counsel of the devil, and yet worse in Christians, to whom the Son of God is manifested, who has destroyed the works of the devil. For Christians to have their nativities cast, and their fortunes told them, to use spells and charms for the cure of diseases and the driving away of evil spirits, to be affected with the falling of the salt, a hare crossing the way, cross days, or the like, is an intolerable affront to the Lord Jesus, a support of paganism and idolatry, and a reproach both to themselves and to that worthy name by which they are called: and those must be grossly ignorant, both of the law and the gospel, that ask, "What harm is there in these things?" Is it no harm for those that have fellowship with Christ to have fellowship with devils, or to learn the ways of those that have? Surely we have not so learned Christ. 3. There was a superstition even in trimming themselves used by the heathen, which must not be imitated by the people of God: You shall not round the corners of your heads. Those that worshipped the hosts of heaven, in honour of them, cut their hair so as that their heads might resemble the celestial globe; but, as the custom was foolish itself, so, being done with respect to their false gods, it was idolatrous. 4. The rites and ceremonies by which they expressed their sorrow at their funerals must not be imitated, Lev 19:28. They must not make cuts or prints in their flesh for the dead; for the heathen did so to pacify the infernal deities they dreamt of, and to render them propitious to their deceased friends. Christ by his sufferings has altered the property of death, and made it a true friend to every true Israelite; and now, as there needs nothing to make death propitious to us (for, if God be so, death is so of course), so we sorrow not as those that have no hope. Those whom the God of Israel had set apart for himself must not receive the image and superscription of these dunghill deities. Lastly, The prostituting of their daughters to uncleanness, which is here forbidden (Lev 19:29), seems to have been practised by the heathen in their idolatrous worships, for with such abominations those unclean spirits which they worshipped were well pleased. And when lewdness obtained as a religious rite, and was committed in their temples, no marvel that the land became full of that wickedness, which, when it entered at the temple-doors, overspread the land like a mighty torrent, and bore down all the fences of virtue and modesty. The devil himself could not have brought such abominations into their lives if he had not first brought them into their worships. And justly were those given up to vile affections who forsook the holy God, and gave divine honours to impure spirits. Those that dishonour God are thus suffered to dishonour themselves and their families.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 19–29. Public domain.
Copy as
Richard ChallonerAD 1781
Different seeds: This law tends to recommend simplicity and plain dealing in all things, and to teach the people not to join any false worship or heresy with the worship of the true God.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as
Continue studying Leviticus 19:19 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Leviticus 19:19, situated within the expansive "Holiness Code" (chapters 17-26), presents three distinct prohibitions designed to underscore God's unwavering call for order, distinction, and purity within the Israelite community. Following a foundational command to faithfully observe divine statutes, the verse meticulously forbids the cross-breeding of different kinds of cattle, the sowing of mixed seeds in an agricultural field, and the wearing of garments crafted from a blend of linen and wool. These seemingly diverse regulations collectively emphasize the profound importance of maintaining God's meticulously established created order and reflect His sovereign desire for His chosen people to be set apart, both literally and symbolically, from the chaotic and syncretistic practices prevalent among the surrounding pagan nations.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Leviticus 19:19 masterfully employs Repetition of the concept of "mingling" or "diverse kinds" across three distinct yet related domains: animal husbandry, agriculture, and personal attire. This deliberate repetition creates a powerful sense of comprehensive application, underscoring that the principle of maintaining distinctions applies universally to all areas of life for God's people. This structural parallelism reinforces the pervasive nature of God's call to order and purity. Furthermore, the prohibitions function as profound Symbolism, where the literal acts of avoiding physical mixtures represent a deeper spiritual truth. The avoidance of these specific physical mixtures symbolizes the imperative for Israel to maintain spiritual purity and integrity, actively resisting the blending of their worship of Yahweh with pagan practices or the syncretism of their covenant identity with the chaotic and idolatrous ways of the surrounding nations. This rich symbolic resonance elevates seemingly mundane laws into powerful, tangible reminders of God's profound desire for His people to be truly set apart and holy in every facet of their existence.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 19:19, along with the broader theological framework of the Holiness Code, profoundly articulates God's intrinsic desire for His people to reflect His own perfect order, absolute purity, and distinctiveness. 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 meticulous order, not chaos. He meticulously created distinct categories, and His divine laws frequently reinforce these distinctions as a direct reflection of His character and His sovereign desire for His people to live with integrity, clarity, and unblemished devotion. The underlying theological message is that Israel's distinctiveness as God's chosen people should be manifestly evident in every aspect of their lives, from their agricultural practices and animal care to their personal attire, symbolizing their spiritual separation from the world's pervasive idolatry and moral confusion. This pursuit of external distinction was not merely a superficial ritual but a tangible, visible expression of an internal, profound commitment to God's holiness and His covenant.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific ceremonial laws articulated in Leviticus 19:19 are not directly binding on New Testament believers, having been profoundly fulfilled and transcended in Christ, the timeless spiritual principles they embody remain eternally relevant and vital for our spiritual formation today. The divine call to avoid "mixtures" challenges us to engage in a rigorous self-examination of areas in our lives where we might be inadvertently blending the sacred with the profane, or attempting to serve two masters simultaneously. This spiritual "mingling" can manifest as subtle syncretism in our beliefs, where we unconsciously integrate worldly philosophies and secular values with biblical truth, thereby diluting the purity of our faith. It can also appear as a lack of integrity in our daily actions, where our public profession of faith does not align consistently with our private conduct and choices. The enduring spirit of this law profoundly encourages us to pursue radical spiritual purity, maintaining clear and unwavering boundaries between God's kingdom values and the corrupting values of the fallen world. It calls us to live distinctively, reflecting God's divine order and holiness in our character, our choices, and our unwavering commitments, thereby becoming a clear, compelling, and transformative witness to His power in a world that increasingly blurs moral and spiritual lines.
Questions for Reflection
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 Old Covenant ceremonial laws. The New Testament unequivocally teaches that the Old Covenant ceremonial laws, including those related to food, festivals, and specific purity regulations, served as a "shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ" Colossians 2:17. Jesus Christ, through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, fulfilled the law's demands, inaugurating a new covenant where the emphasis shifts profoundly from external regulations to internal transformation and the overarching principles of love for God and neighbor Matthew 22:37-40. The early church, particularly through the pivotal Jerusalem Council in Acts 15, definitively affirmed that Gentile believers were not required to observe the Mosaic ceremonial law. While the literal prohibitions are no longer binding, the profound underlying spiritual principles of holiness, divine order, purity, and distinctiveness remain eternally relevant and profoundly applicable for believers today.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 19:19, with its prohibitions against various forms of "mingling" and "diverse kinds," finds its ultimate and glorious Christ-centered fulfillment not in the mere 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, meticulously revealing God's absolute holiness and humanity's inherent inability to perfectly adhere to His righteous standards. Christ, as the perfect, unblemished Lamb of God, flawlessly fulfilled the law's every demand through His sinless life and His atoning death on the cross, thereby becoming the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes Romans 10:4. In Him, the external distinctions and ceremonial purity laws of the Old Testament are profoundly transcended by an internal, spiritual purity. Believers are now called to be "a new creation" in Christ 2 Corinthians 5:17, where the mixing of sin and righteousness, or light and darkness, is utterly incompatible and spiritually abhorrent 2 Corinthians 6:14. The call to avoid "mingled" things in Leviticus powerfully 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 irrevocably set apart by the indwelling Holy Spirit to live a life of uncompromising integrity and holiness that brilliantly reflects the pure, unadulterated truth of the Gospel 1 Peter 1:15-16.