Leviticus 20:22

KJV

¶ Ye shall therefore keep all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them: that the land, whither I bring you to dwell therein, spue you not out.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye shall therefore keep {H8104} all my statutes {H2708}, and all my judgments {H4941}, and do {H6213} them: that the land {H776}, whither I bring {H935} you to dwell {H3427} therein, spue you not out {H6958}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'You are to observe all my regulations and rulings and act on them, so that the land to which I am bringing you will not vomit you out.

Berean Standard Bible

You are therefore to keep all My statutes and ordinances, so that the land where I am bringing you to live will not vomit you out.

American Standard Version

Ye shall therefore keep all my statutes, and all mine ordinances, and do them; that the land, whither I bring you to dwell therein, vomit you not out.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 20:22 stands as a profound and climactic warning, concluding a chapter that meticulously details severe penalties for a range of moral and religious transgressions within the Israelite community. This verse encapsulates the non-negotiable imperative for the Israelites to faithfully observe God's divine statutes and judgments, underscoring the direct and existential correlation between their covenantal obedience and their continued dwelling in the Promised Land. It issues a stark warning that the land itself, personified as a morally sensitive entity, would violently expel them if they defiled it through persistent disobedience, mirroring the fate of its previous, unholy inhabitants.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 20:22 functions as a solemn, overarching summary and final exhortation following a comprehensive enumeration of capital offenses detailed throughout [Leviticus 20:1-21](/leviticus/20 "Leviticus 20 - Laws and Penalties for Immorality and Idolatry"). The preceding verses systematically outline prohibitions against egregious acts such as child sacrifice to Molech, consulting mediums and spiritists, cursing parents, and various forms of sexual immorality, prescribing the death penalty for these violations. The entire chapter establishes an exceptionally stringent standard of holiness, emphasizing that these laws are not merely suggestions but foundational requirements for Israel's existence as a holy nation, set apart by God. Therefore, the command to "keep all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them" acts as a conclusive, all-encompassing imperative, reinforcing the absolute necessity of obedience to the entire legal and moral framework presented, linking individual and communal behavior directly to national destiny.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This imperative was delivered to the Israelites as they stood poised on the threshold of entering the land of Canaan, a territory already inhabited by nations whose religious and moral practices were anathema to Yahweh's holiness. The potent warning that "the land... spue you not out" directly references the fate of the Canaanite inhabitants, whom the land had already "vomited out" due to their abominable practices, as explicitly stated in [Leviticus 18:24-30](/leviticus/18-24-30 "Leviticus 18:24-30 - Abominations of the Land and Its Consequences"). The land was understood not merely as a geographical location but as a sacred trust, a conditional gift from God, whose continued possession was contingent upon Israel's unwavering covenant fidelity. This historical backdrop highlights the stark contrast God demanded between His chosen people and the surrounding pagan cultures, emphasizing that Israel's very existence and security in the land were inextricably tied to their distinct moral and religious purity, a purity maintained through obedience to divine law.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 20:22 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Central among these is the theme of **Holiness**, emphasizing that Israel's identity as God's chosen people necessitated a radical separation from the defiling practices of the surrounding nations. This verse underscores the **Conditional Nature of the Covenant**, making it clear that the blessings of the Promised Land were not automatic but contingent upon faithful obedience to God's commands, as seen in the broader covenant stipulations found in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Furthermore, it highlights the **Consequences of Sin**, portraying sin not merely as a personal transgression but as an act that defiles the land itself, leading to severe, collective judgment. The **Land as a Moral Agent** is a striking theological concept presented here, where the very soil is depicted as having a moral sensitivity that reacts violently to impurity, serving as an instrument of divine judgment, a concept also present in [Numbers 35:33-34](/numbers/35-33-34 "Numbers 35:33-34 - Defilement of the Land").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Statutes (Hebrew, _chuqqâh'_ - H2708):** This term, derived from a root meaning "to engrave" or "to decree," refers to divine enactments, ordinances, or fixed rules. It implies a non-negotiable, authoritative command originating from God's sovereign will. In the Mosaic Law, _chuqqâh_ encompasses both ritual and moral laws, emphasizing their divine origin and their role in defining Israel's unique relationship with Yahweh. These are laws established by divine authority, not human reasoning, and are therefore to be observed without question, representing God's absolute decrees for His people.
* **Judgments (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_ - H4941):** From the root _shâphaṭ_ ("to judge"), _mishpâṭ_ denotes civil or judicial laws, ethical rulings, or case law, often pertaining to matters of justice, fairness, and social order. These "judgments" reflect God's righteous character and His expectation that His people would live in equity and integrity with one another. While _chuqqâh_ emphasizes God's absolute decree, _mishpâṭ_ highlights the practical application of divine principles in daily life and community governance. The combination of "statutes" and "judgments" underscores the comprehensive nature of God's Law, covering all aspects of life, from worship to interpersonal relations.
* **Spue (Hebrew, _qôwʼ'_ - H6958):** This primitive root means "to vomit" or "to spew out." Its use here is intensely visceral and serves as a powerful **metaphor** for utter repulsion and violent expulsion. It conveys the idea that the land itself, having been defiled by the abominable practices of its inhabitants, would react with a physical, nauseated rejection. This imagery emphasizes the severity of the consequences of disobedience, portraying the land as having a moral sensitivity that cannot tolerate impurity, thus actively expelling those who defile it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Ye shall therefore keep all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them:"**: This opening clause serves as a comprehensive and urgent command, acting as a summary of the entire chapter's demands for holiness. The adverb "therefore" critically links this general exhortation directly to the preceding specific prohibitions and their prescribed penalties, indicating that the detailed laws are not isolated but part of a holistic demand for covenant fidelity. The dual imperative "keep... and do them" emphasizes not merely intellectual assent or passive knowledge of the laws, but active, consistent, and practical obedience. It signifies a life lived in full alignment with God's revealed will, encompassing both ritual purity and ethical conduct, highlighting that true adherence involves both internal commitment and external action.
* **"that the land, whither I bring you to dwell therein, spue you not out."**: This second clause articulates the dire consequence of disobedience and the primary motivation for adherence. The land, which God is graciously bringing them into as an inheritance, is presented as a living entity that reacts with moral sensitivity to the state of its inhabitants. If Israel were to engage in the same defiling practices as the Canaanites, the land would "spue" or "vomit" them out, just as it had done to the previous inhabitants. This is a stark warning of forced expulsion and exile, underscoring the conditional nature of their dwelling in the Promised Land and the profound connection between national holiness and territorial security. It reveals God's justice operating through His creation.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 20:22 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its urgent and solemn message. The most prominent is **Personification**, where the land is endowed with human-like qualities and actions, specifically the vivid and disturbing ability to "spue out" its inhabitants. This transforms the land from a mere geographical space into an active participant in God's judgment, implying a moral sensitivity that recoils from defilement. This is further reinforced by the **Metaphor** of "spuing" or "vomiting," which is a visceral and repulsive act, emphasizing the utter disgust and violent rejection that the land (and by extension, God) would express towards unholiness. The verse also functions as a direct **Exhortation** and **Warning**, serving as a potent rhetorical device to impress upon the Israelites the gravity of their covenant obligations and the severe consequences of failure. The conditional nature of their dwelling in the land is implicitly stated, making the warning a powerful deterrent against moral and religious apostasy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 20:22 powerfully articulates the profound theological truth that God's covenant relationship with Israel was fundamentally conditional, predicated upon their unwavering obedience to His holy laws. The land itself, a tangible symbol of God's blessing and covenant faithfulness, became the ultimate barometer of Israel's spiritual health and fidelity. Disobedience was not merely a personal failing but a grave defilement of the sacred space God had prepared for them, leading inevitably to the severe consequence of expulsion. This highlights God's absolute sovereignty, His unyielding demand for holiness, and the inherent, far-reaching consequences of sin, which disrupt not only the sacred relationship between God and humanity but also the very order and sanctity of creation. The land's "vomiting" serves as a stark reminder that sin has pervasive, even ecological, implications within God's divinely ordered world, demonstrating that creation itself recoils from human wickedness.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Curses for Disobedience")
* [Leviticus 18:28](/leviticus/18-28 "Land Vomits Out Inhabitants")
* [Joshua 23:15-16](/joshua/23-15-16 "Consequences of Disobedience and Expulsion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 20:22, though deeply rooted in the Old Covenant's specific context of land tenure and Mosaic Law, carries profound and enduring spiritual resonance for believers today. While we are no longer under the Mosaic Law for salvation or the literal possession of a physical land, the underlying principles of God's immutable holiness, the inherent seriousness of sin, and the call to a life of obedient living remain eternally relevant. God still demands that His people be set apart, reflecting His character in a world marred by sin. Our "land" might be understood metaphorically as our spiritual dwelling place in Christ, our testimony within the world, or the health and purity of our Christian communities. Just as ancient Israel's sin could defile their physical land and lead to expulsion, our unholiness can grieve the Holy Spirit, hinder our fellowship with God, and diminish our collective witness to the world. This verse urges us to take God's commands seriously, understanding that true faith is always expressed through a life of intentional, grace-empowered obedience, not as a means to earn salvation, but as a joyful and grateful response to the salvation already freely given in Christ. It calls us to a vigilant pursuit of holiness, recognizing its vital impact on our spiritual vitality and effectiveness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse deepen my understanding of God's absolute holiness and the pervasive nature of sin in my own life and in the world around me?**
* **In what specific ways might spiritual "defilement" (e.g., unconfessed sin, ungodly attitudes, compromise with worldly values) impact my personal relationship with God or the health and witness of my Christian community today?**
* **What specific "statutes" or "judgments" (moral principles and ethical standards) from God's Word am I called to "keep and do" in my daily life, and how can I actively pursue this obedience through the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit?**

### FAQ

**Does this mean God's land literally has feelings or a consciousness?**

Answer: No, the imagery of the land "spuing out" its inhabitants is a powerful literary device, specifically **personification**, used to convey God's intense displeasure and the absolute incompatibility of sin with His holy presence and purposes for the land. It emphasizes that the land, as part of God's creation, is intrinsically ordered according to His will and moral standards. Defilement, therefore, disrupts that divine order, leading to inevitable and severe consequences. It is a profound theological statement about God's righteous judgment and the inherent moral order of His creation, not a literal statement about the land's sentience or consciousness. The land acts as an instrument of divine judgment, reflecting God's revulsion at human wickedness.

**How does this Old Testament warning apply to Christians under the New Covenant?**

Answer: While Christians are not under the Mosaic Law for salvation or the literal tenure of a physical land, the underlying principles of God's holiness, the seriousness of sin, and the call to obedience remain profoundly relevant. The New Covenant, established through Christ, emphasizes an internal transformation by the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to live out God's moral will from the heart (e.g., [Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - Righteous Requirement of the Law Fulfilled")). Sin still grieves the Holy Spirit ([Ephesians 4:30](/ephesians/4-30 "Ephesians 4:30 - Do Not Grieve the Holy Spirit")) and can hinder one's fellowship with God, impact the health and purity of the church community, and diminish one's witness to the world. The "land" can be understood metaphorically as our spiritual inheritance in Christ or our place in God's kingdom, which is maintained not by perfect adherence to a legal code, but by grace-empowered obedience flowing from faith. The ultimate "spuing out" for unbelievers is eternal separation from God, a fate from which believers are delivered by Christ's atoning work and secured in Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 20:22, with its stark warning of the land "spuing out" a disobedient Israel, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Mosaic Law, including its severe penalties and conditional promises, served as a "guardian" or "tutor" to lead humanity to Christ, revealing the depth of human sin and the impossibility of achieving righteousness through legalistic obedience ([Galatians 3:24](/galatians/3-24 "Galatians 3:24 - The Law as a Guardian Leading to Christ")). Jesus Christ perfectly fulfilled all of God's statutes and judgments, living a life of impeccable and unwavering obedience where Israel consistently failed ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). The "spuing out" of the land foreshadows the ultimate divine judgment against sin, a judgment that Christ, the spotless Lamb of God, bore on the cross, becoming sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Under the New Covenant, our secure "dwelling" is no longer in a physical land contingent on perfect legal obedience, but in Christ Himself, by grace through faith ([Ephesians 2:6](/ephesians/2-6 "Ephesians 2:6 - Seated with Christ in Heavenly Realms")). The call to holiness remains, but it is now empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit, leading to a transformed life that reflects God's character, not as a means to earn a place, but as a joyful response to the salvation already secured in Christ ([Romans 6:1-14](/romans/6 "Romans 6 - Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ")). The ultimate "land" for believers is the spiritual inheritance in Christ, the Kingdom of God, which we enter and dwell in by His grace, forever secure from being "spued out" by divine judgment, for we are eternally "in Christ" ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness into His Kingdom")).

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 18:25

And the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants.

Leviticus 18:28

That the land spue not you out also, when ye defile it, as it spued out the nations that [were] before you.

Ezekiel 36:27

And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do [them].

Psalms 105:45

That they might observe his statutes, and keep his laws. Praise ye the LORD.

Psalms 119:160

¶ Thy word [is] true [from] the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments [endureth] for ever.

Psalms 119:145

¶ KOPH. I cried with [my] whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep thy statutes.

Psalms 119:20

¶ My soul breaketh for the longing [that it hath] unto thy judgments at all times.