Leviticus 19:2

KJV

Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God [am] holy.

KJV (with Strong's)

Speak {H1696} unto all the congregation {H5712} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, and say {H559} unto them, Ye shall be holy {H6918}: for I the LORD {H3068} your God {H430} am holy {H6918}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Speak to the entire community of Isra'el; tell them, 'You people are to be holy because I, ADONAI your God, am holy.

Berean Standard Bible

“Speak to the whole congregation of Israel and tell them: Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.

American Standard Version

Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy; for I Jehovah your God am holy.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 19:2 serves as the foundational declaration of the "Holiness Code," articulating God's core expectation for the Israelite nation. It is an imperative command for the entire congregation to be set apart, consecrated, and morally pure, grounded explicitly in the inherent, unchangeable holiness of Yahweh Himself. This verse establishes that human holiness is not an arbitrary demand but a direct reflection and response to the divine character, inviting Israel into a covenantal relationship that transforms their identity and behavior to mirror their holy God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 19:2 opens a pivotal section often termed the "Holiness Code" (chapters 17-26), which forms the theological and ethical heart of the book of Leviticus. Preceding this chapter, Leviticus has meticulously detailed the sacrificial system (chapters 1-7), the institution of the priesthood (chapters 8-10), and laws concerning ritual purity and impurity (chapters 11-16). While these earlier chapters focus on cultic and ceremonial aspects of holiness, chapter 19 marks a significant shift towards the practical, ethical, and social outworking of holiness in the daily lives of the Israelites. It moves from the sanctuary to the streets, demonstrating that true holiness encompasses every facet of human existence—from personal morality to community justice, economic practices, and interpersonal relationships. The subsequent verses in [Leviticus 19](/leviticus/19 "Leviticus 19 - The Holiness Code") provide concrete examples of how this divine command to "be holy" is to be lived out, covering topics such as honoring parents, Sabbath observance, caring for the poor, fair business practices, and sexual purity, all stemming from the foundational call to reflect God's character.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The command in Leviticus 19:2 was given to the newly formed nation of Israel shortly after their miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage and the establishment of the Mosaic Covenant at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Covenant at Mount Sinai"). Having witnessed God's awesome power and holiness in the wilderness, Israel was now called to live as a distinct people, set apart from the idolatrous and immoral practices of the surrounding Canaanite nations. The concept of holiness in the ancient Near East often revolved around ritual purity for cultic purposes, but Israel's call to holiness was uniquely tied to the moral character of their God, Yahweh. This divine imperative served to differentiate Israel as God's chosen people, a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (as declared in [Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - Israel, a Kingdom of Priests and Holy Nation")), whose very existence was to bear witness to the one true, holy God amidst a polytheistic world. The laws that follow in [Leviticus 19](/leviticus/19 "Leviticus 19 - The Holiness Code") provided the framework for a society governed by divine principles, designed to foster justice, compassion, and purity, thereby reflecting the nature of the God who had redeemed them.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces and encapsulates the overarching theme of **Holiness** that permeates the entire book of Leviticus, particularly chapters 17-26. It establishes that holiness is not merely a ritualistic state but a moral and ethical imperative, directly linked to the character of God Himself. Another key theme is **Covenant Relationship**, as God's command for Israel to be holy is rooted in His identity as "the LORD your God," emphasizing the reciprocal nature of their relationship. This call to holiness is a fundamental expectation for those in covenant with the Holy One. Furthermore, the verse highlights the theme of **Divine Imitation**, where Israel is called to reflect the very nature of Yahweh. This concept is echoed in the broader biblical narrative, such as in [Matthew 5:48](/matthew/5-48 "Matthew 5:48 - Be Perfect, As Your Heavenly Father Is Perfect"), where Jesus calls His followers to a similar perfection. The corporate address to "all the congregation of the children of Israel" also underscores the theme of **Corporate Identity and Responsibility**, indicating that holiness is a communal calling, not just an individual one, shaping the entire fabric of the nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Speak (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** From the primitive root H1696, meaning "to arrange" but figuratively used "to speak." It encompasses a wide range of verbal actions, including to command, declare, pronounce, and teach. In this context, it signifies a direct, authoritative divine utterance from God through Moses, emphasizing the non-negotiable nature of the instruction that follows. The command is not a suggestion but a definitive word from the divine authority.
* **Congregation (Hebrew, _ʻêdâh'_):** From H5712, meaning "a stated assemblage," "concourse," or generally, "a family or crowd." This term emphasizes that the command for holiness is not limited to a priestly class or spiritual elite but extends to every single member of the Israelite community. It highlights the corporate and inclusive nature of God's call; the entire people are to be set apart, reflecting His character collectively to the world.
* **Holy (Hebrew, _qâdôwsh'_):** From H6918, meaning "sacred (ceremonially or morally)," "set apart," or "consecrated." When applied to God, it signifies His absolute uniqueness, His transcendence, and His moral perfection, distinguishing Him from all creation and all that is common, impure, or sinful. God's holiness is His intrinsic nature, His unapproachable glory, and His moral purity. When applied to people or things, _qâdôwsh_ implies being designated or set apart *for* God's special use and purpose, thus reflecting His character. It is not merely a ritualistic purity but encompasses moral and ethical uprightness, a life lived in accordance with God's perfect standards.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, referring to "(the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God." This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often rendered as "Yahweh" or "Jehovah," and typically translated as "LORD" in English Bibles. It signifies God's self-existent, eternal nature and His covenant faithfulness. The use of _Yᵉhôvâh_ here emphasizes that the command for holiness comes from the personal, relational God who has made a covenant with Israel, redeemed them, and is intimately involved in their lives. His holiness is not an abstract concept but the very character of the God with whom Israel is in relationship, providing the ultimate motivation and standard for their own holiness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel,"**: This opening clause emphasizes the universal scope of the divine command within the Israelite community. It is not a message for a select few—priests, Levites, or leaders—but for every single individual, from the eldest to the youngest, within the entire assembly. This highlights the comprehensive nature of God's expectation for His people, indicating that holiness is a communal and inclusive calling, binding every member of the covenant nation.
* **"and say unto them,"**: This simple connective phrase serves as a direct transition, indicating that what follows is the precise message God intends for Moses to convey to the gathered assembly. It lends authority and immediacy to the subsequent command, presenting it as a direct divine utterance rather than a mere human instruction.
* **"Ye shall be holy:"**: This is the central imperative of the verse, a direct and unconditional command. The Hebrew verb implies a state of being—"you shall become holy" or "you shall be holy"—rather than merely performing holy acts. It signifies a call to separation from the common and profane, a consecration to God's service, and a transformation of character to align with divine purity. This is not a suggestion but a fundamental requirement for those who would belong to Yahweh.
* **"for I the LORD your God [am] holy."**: This clause provides the profound theological grounding and ultimate motivation for the command. Israel's holiness is not an arbitrary demand but is rooted in the very nature of God Himself. Yahweh's intrinsic, absolute holiness serves as both the standard and the source of their holiness. Because the God with whom they are in covenant is perfectly pure, distinct, and morally perfect, His people are called to reflect that character. It is an invitation to imitate the divine, to live in conformity with the One who has redeemed them and claimed them as His own.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 19:2 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the emphatic re-statement of "holy" ("Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God [am] holy"). This repetition serves to underscore the central theme and absolute necessity of holiness, etching it into the consciousness of the hearers. Secondly, the verse functions as a **Divine Command** or **Imperative**, presented directly from God through Moses ("Speak... and say unto them, Ye shall be holy"). This direct address conveys the non-negotiable nature of the requirement. Closely related is the use of **Motivation** or **Grounding**, where the command is immediately followed by its divine rationale: "for I the LORD your God am holy." This structure establishes a profound theological principle: human holiness is not an arbitrary legalism but a direct, necessary response to the character of the God they worship. It is a call to **Imitation of God**, inviting Israel to reflect the very nature of their Creator and Redeemer. The verse also implicitly uses **Inclusivity** by addressing "all the congregation," highlighting that holiness is a corporate, not merely individual, calling.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 19:2 lays the theological cornerstone for understanding holiness throughout Scripture. It establishes that holiness is not merely a set of rules or rituals, but an intrinsic attribute of God that He desires to impart to His people. This divine imperative to "be holy" is rooted in God's very being, making human holiness a reflection of the divine character and a necessary condition for intimate fellowship with Him. The verse underscores the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where their identity as His people is inextricably linked to their separation from the world's impurities and their dedication to His moral standards. This theme extends beyond the Old Testament, finding its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in the New Covenant, where believers are called to live out this holiness through the power of the Holy Spirit and in conformity to Christ.

* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy in All Your Conduct")
* [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Peace with All People, and Holiness")
* [2 Corinthians 7:1](/2_corinthians/7-1 "2 Corinthians 7:1 - Perfecting Holiness in the Fear of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The command to "be holy" in Leviticus 19:2 transcends its ancient context, resonating deeply with believers today. It calls us to a life of intentional separation from the world's defilements and a dedicated consecration to God's purposes. This is not a call to legalism or self-righteousness, but an invitation to reflect the character of our holy God in every facet of our being—our thoughts, words, actions, and relationships. True holiness is a holistic pursuit, impacting our personal integrity, our ethical conduct in the marketplace, our compassion for the vulnerable, and our commitment to justice. It is a dynamic process of transformation, empowered by the Holy Spirit, as we grow in conformity to Christ, who is the embodiment of divine holiness. Our pursuit of holiness is a loving response to the God who first declared Himself holy and then called us into fellowship with Him, enabling us to bear witness to His glorious character in a world desperately needing to see His light.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you feel God is calling you to a greater degree of holiness and separation from worldly patterns?**
* **How does understanding God's inherent holiness motivate your own pursuit of purity and righteousness?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to intentionally reflect God's character in your daily interactions and decisions?**

### FAQ
**What does "holy" mean in the context of Leviticus 19:2?**

Answer: In Leviticus 19:2, "holy" (Hebrew _qâdôwsh_) primarily means "set apart," "consecrated," or "distinct." When applied to God, it signifies His absolute moral perfection, His transcendence, and His unique separation from all that is common, impure, or sinful. When applied to the Israelites, it means they are to be set apart *for* God's special use and purpose, reflecting His purity and character in their lives. It's not just about ritual purity, but about a comprehensive moral and ethical purity that permeates their entire existence, distinguishing them from the surrounding nations. This call to holiness is rooted in God's own nature, as stated in the verse: "for I the [LORD](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - I AM WHO I AM") your God [am] holy."

**Is the command to be holy still relevant for Christians today?**

Answer: Absolutely. The command to be holy is profoundly relevant for Christians today. While the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament found their fulfillment in Christ, the moral and ethical principles, especially the call to holiness, remain timeless and are reiterated throughout the New Testament. [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy in All Your Conduct") directly echoes Leviticus 19:2, stating, "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." This means Christians are called to live lives set apart for God, characterized by moral purity, ethical integrity, and a dedication to His will, empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Our holiness is a response to God's holiness and a reflection of Christ's character.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 19:2, with its foundational command "Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God [am] holy," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of divine holiness, the only one who perfectly lived out this command, being "holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners" ([Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Jesus, Holy and Blameless")). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection, Jesus did what Israel could not fully do on its own: He provided the means for humanity to truly be holy before God. His sacrifice on the cross cleanses us from sin, not merely covering it, but removing its power and guilt, enabling us to be "holy and without blemish before Him in love" ([Ephesians 1:4](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4 - Chosen to be Holy")). Furthermore, the indwelling Holy Spirit, given through Christ, empowers believers to progressively live out this holiness, transforming them into the likeness of Christ ([2 Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformed into His Image")). Thus, the Old Testament imperative becomes a New Testament reality: we are called to "perfect holiness in the fear of God" ([2 Corinthians 7:1](/2_corinthians/7-1 "Perfecting Holiness in the Fear of God")), not by our own strength, but by the grace and power of the Holy Spirit, through our union with the Holy One, Jesus Christ, who makes us "holy and blameless and above reproach" ([Colossians 1:22](/colossians/1-22 "Colossians 1:22 - Presented Holy and Blameless")).

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 11:44

For I [am] the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I [am] holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

Leviticus 11:45

For I [am] the LORD that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I [am] holy.

Leviticus 20:7

Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I [am] the LORD your God.

1 Peter 1:15

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

1 Peter 1:16

Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

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 6:16

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in [them]; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.