Leviticus 20:23

KJV

And ye shall not walk in the manners of the nation, which I cast out before you: for they committed all these things, and therefore I abhorred them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And ye shall not walk {H3212} in the manners {H2708} of the nation {H1471}, which I cast out {H7971} before {H6440} you: for they committed {H6213} all these things, and therefore I abhorred {H6973} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

Do not live by the regulations of the nation which I am expelling ahead of you; because they did all these things, which is why I detested them.

Berean Standard Bible

You must not follow the statutes of the nations I am driving out before you. Because they did all these things, I abhorred them.

American Standard Version

And ye shall not walk in the customs of the nation, which I cast out before you: for they did all these things, and therefore I abhorred them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 20:23 delivers a solemn divine injunction to the Israelites, warning them against adopting the moral and religious customs of the Canaanite nations whom God was dispossessing from the Promised Land. This verse powerfully underscores God's absolute holiness, His unwavering moral standards, and the severe consequences of spiritual and moral assimilation, emphasizing His profound revulsion and righteous judgment against idolatry, sexual perversion, and other abominable practices that had corrupted the land and its inhabitants.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 20:23 serves as a climactic summary and urgent warning within the broader "Holiness Code" (Leviticus 17-26), particularly concluding the section on moral and ceremonial purity (chapters 18-20). Chapter 18 meticulously details a comprehensive list of forbidden sexual relationships and other detestable practices, explicitly stating that the land itself would "vomit out" those who committed such defilements, just as it had the nations before them ([Leviticus 18:24-28](/leviticus/18-24-28 "Leviticus 18:24-28 - Defilement of the Land")). Chapter 19 then expands the call to holiness to encompass a wide array of daily ethical and ritual commands, reiterating the foundational principle: "You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy" ([Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy, for I Am Holy")). Chapter 20 specifically outlines the severe penalties, often death, for violating the prohibitions introduced in chapter 18, including child sacrifice to Molech ([Leviticus 20:2-5](/leviticus/20-2-5 "Leviticus 20:2-5 - Punishment for Child Sacrifice")), consulting mediums ([Leviticus 20:6](/leviticus/20-6 "Leviticus 20:6 - Punishment for Consulting Mediums")), and various sexual perversions ([Leviticus 20:10-21](/leviticus/20-10-21 "Leviticus 20:10-21 - Penalties for Sexual Sins")). Thus, verse 23, alongside verse 22, acts as a powerful capstone, reinforcing the rationale behind all these laws: Israel must remain distinct and holy, lest they suffer the same fate as the nations being dispossessed.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "nation" referred to in Leviticus 20:23 primarily designates the Canaanites and other indigenous peoples already inhabiting the land of Canaan. Their "manners" or customs encompassed a wide array of practices that were utterly abhorrent to Yahweh and formed the basis for their impending expulsion. These included widespread ritual prostitution, often associated with fertility cults aimed at ensuring agricultural abundance; the horrific practice of child sacrifice, particularly to deities like Molech ([Leviticus 20:2](/leviticus/20-2 "Leviticus 20:2 - Child Sacrifice to Molech")); various forms of divination, sorcery, and necromancy, which sought knowledge or power from sources other than God ([Deuteronomy 18:9-12](/deuteronomy/18-9-12 "Deuteronomy 18:9-12 - Abominable Practices")); and a pervasive disregard for sexual purity, including incest, bestiality, and homosexual acts, as meticulously detailed in [Leviticus 18:6-23](/leviticus/18-6-23 "Leviticus 18:6-23 - Forbidden Sexual Relations"). These practices were not merely cultural differences but were deeply embedded in their religious systems and moral fabric, leading to profound societal corruption and defilement of the very land itself ([Leviticus 18:24-28](/leviticus/18-24-28 "Leviticus 18:24-28 - Defilement of the Land")). God's command to Israel to avoid these "manners" was thus a call to radical distinction, essential for preserving their covenant identity as a holy people set apart for Him, and to prevent the moral decay that had warranted the expulsion of the Canaanites.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 20:23 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness and Separation**. The verse emphatically declares God's absolute holiness and His demand that His covenant people reflect His character by being set apart from the defiling practices of the surrounding nations. This is a recurring motif, encapsulated in the command "You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy" ([Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy, for I Am Holy")). Another crucial theme is **Divine Judgment and Justice**. The expulsion of the Canaanites serves as a powerful demonstration of God's righteous judgment against pervasive sin and rebellion, illustrating that His patience has limits and that unrepentant wickedness leads to severe consequences. The land itself is portrayed as a participant in this judgment, "vomiting out" its defiled inhabitants ([Leviticus 18:25](/leviticus/18-25 "Leviticus 18:25 - The Land Vomits Out")). Finally, the verse highlights the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Land Tenure**. Israel's continued occupancy and blessing in the Promised Land are explicitly tied to their obedience to God's laws and their rejection of the Canaanite way of life. Failure to maintain this distinction would result in the same judgment that befell the previous inhabitants ([Leviticus 20:22](/leviticus/20-22 "Leviticus 20:22 - Keep My Statutes to Remain in the Land")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Manners (Hebrew, _chuqqâh'_):** This feminine noun, derived from a root meaning "to engrave" or "to decree," refers to an enactment, ordinance, custom, or statute. While often used in the Pentateuch to denote God's righteous laws and decrees (e.g., [Leviticus 18:4-5](/leviticus/18-4-5 "Leviticus 18:4-5 - Keep My Statutes and Ordinances")), here it specifically designates the ungodly and abhorrent practices and traditions of the Canaanite nations. The stark contrast is implicit: Israel is to live by God's holy _chuqqôt_, not the defiling _chuqqôt_ of the surrounding cultures.
* **Nation (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** This term typically refers to a people group or nation, often used in the Old Testament to distinguish Gentile nations from Israel, God's chosen people. In this context, it emphasizes the distinct identity Israel is called to maintain. The "nation" here represents a collective entity whose entire way of life, particularly its religious and moral customs, stands in direct opposition to God's character and commands.
* **Abhorred (Hebrew, _qûwts'_):** This primitive root conveys the strong sense of being disgusted, loathed, or vexed. It signifies a complete rejection and an active turning away from something deemed repugnant or nauseating. God's abhorrence is not a mere dislike but a profound moral indignation that leads to decisive action, in this case, the expulsion of the Canaanites. It expresses divine revulsion at the depth of their sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ye shall not walk in the manners of the nation,"**: This is a direct, imperative prohibition. The verb "walk" (Hebrew, _yâlak_) implies a way of life, a course of conduct, or a habitual practice. Israel is commanded not to adopt, imitate, or participate in the customs, statutes, or lifestyle of the Canaanite nations. This extends beyond mere ritual to encompass their entire moral and religious framework and worldview.
* **"which I cast out before you:"**: This clause provides the divine rationale and justification for the command. God is actively dispossessing these nations from the land, not arbitrarily, but as a righteous act of judgment. The phrase "before you" highlights that Israel is witnessing God's judgment firsthand, serving as a powerful object lesson of the consequences of disobedience.
* **"for they committed all these things,"**: This explains *why* God cast them out. The "these things" refers back to the comprehensive list of abominations detailed in the preceding chapters ([Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Forbidden Sexual Relations") and [Leviticus 20](/leviticus/20 "Leviticus 20 - Penalties for Sins")), including child sacrifice, various sexual perversions, and forms of idolatry and occult practices. Their actions were not isolated incidents but a pervasive pattern of moral depravity and rebellion against divine order.
* **"and therefore I abhorred them."**: This final clause states the direct consequence of their actions and the depth of God's response. Their persistent and widespread commitment to these detestable practices led to God's profound revulsion and ultimate judgment. God's abhorrence is the righteous and holy response to profound sin and rebellion against His character and commands.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 20:23 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message and reinforce the divine imperative for holiness. **Contrast** is foundational, setting the holy and distinct path commanded for Israel against the defiling "manners" of the dispossessed Canaanite nations. This highlights the stark choice Israel faced between covenant faithfulness and cultural assimilation. The phrase "which I cast out before you" functions as a powerful **Warning**, serving as a vivid object lesson of divine judgment for disobedience. It implies a **Conditional Covenant**, where Israel's continued occupancy of the land is contingent upon their adherence to God's laws and their rejection of Canaanite practices. Furthermore, the declaration "and therefore I abhorred them" utilizes **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human emotion (abhorrence, disgust) to God, thereby making His profound moral indignation and righteous judgment relatable and impactful to the human audience. This strong emotional language underscores the severity of the sins and the certainty of divine retribution. The repetition of the theme of "not walking in the manners" from earlier in the Holiness Code also serves as **Emphasis** on this critical command.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 20:23 is a cornerstone verse for understanding the biblical concept of divine holiness and the imperative for God's people to live distinctly from the world. It reveals that God's holiness is not merely an abstract attribute but a moral standard that demands separation from evil and impurity. The "manners" of the nations represent a comprehensive way of life that is antithetical to God's character, illustrating that sin is not just individual acts but can permeate an entire culture, leading to its defilement and ultimately, divine judgment. God's "abhorrence" underscores His unwavering righteousness and His active opposition to all forms of moral corruption and idolatry. This passage teaches that true worship involves not only ritual purity but also a transformed lifestyle that reflects God's moral perfection, emphasizing that the consequences of disobedience are severe and can lead to expulsion from His presence and blessings.

* [Leviticus 18:24-30](/leviticus/18-24-30 "The Land Spews Out Its Inhabitants")
* [Deuteronomy 18:9-12](/deuteronomy/18-9-12 "Abominable Practices to Avoid")
* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "Be Holy in All Your Conduct")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 20:23 resonates deeply with believers today, serving as a timeless call to spiritual discernment and moral integrity in a world often at odds with God's standards. Just as ancient Israel faced the temptation to conform to the surrounding Canaanite culture, Christians are continually challenged to resist the "manners" of contemporary society that contradict biblical truth. This requires a conscious decision to not merely avoid overt sin but to cultivate a lifestyle of holiness that reflects God's character in every sphere—our entertainment, relationships, values, and ethical choices. We are called to be "in the world but not of the world," discerning cultural trends and ideologies that promote self-worship, moral relativism, or any form of idolatry, and to actively reject them. God's abhorrence for sin remains, and His call for His people to live in purity and righteousness is an ongoing imperative, ensuring that our lives bear witness to His transforming power and unchanging truth. Our distinction is not for isolation, but for demonstration of a better, God-honoring way of life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might we, as modern believers, be tempted to "walk in the manners of the nation" (i.e., conform to prevailing cultural norms that contradict God's Word) in our daily lives?**
* **What specific "things" in contemporary society might God "abhor" today, and how should our awareness of this impact our choices and actions regarding media, ethics, and relationships?**
* **How can we cultivate a deeper commitment to holiness and distinction in our daily lives, reflecting God's character in our thoughts, words, and deeds, rather than merely avoiding outward sin?**
* **What practical steps can we take to discern and resist cultural influences that subtly or overtly lead us away from God's standards and towards worldliness?**

### FAQ
**What specific "manners" or practices is Leviticus 20:23 referring to?**

Answer: Leviticus 20:23 is a summary statement referring to the comprehensive list of detestable practices detailed in the preceding chapters, particularly [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Forbidden Sexual Relations") and [Leviticus 20](/leviticus/20 "Leviticus 20 - Penalties for Sins"). These "manners" encompass a wide range of moral and religious abominations characteristic of the Canaanite nations. Specifically, they include various forms of sexual perversion (such as incest, adultery, homosexuality, and bestiality), the horrific practice of child sacrifice to pagan deities like Molech, consulting mediums and spiritists, and other idolatrous practices that involved worshipping false gods. These were not merely cultural differences but actions that deeply defiled the land and violated God's holy character, leading to His severe judgment and the expulsion of the nations who practiced them.

**Does God still "abhor" certain practices today, and how does this apply to Christians?**

Answer: Yes, the principle of God's unchanging character means that He continues to "abhor" practices that violate His holiness and righteous standards. While the specific cultural manifestations may differ across eras, the underlying sins remain the same. God still detests idolatry (anything that takes His rightful place in our lives), sexual immorality in all its forms, the shedding of innocent blood, injustice, and practices that exploit or harm others. For Christians, this means we are called to live lives of holiness and distinction, not conforming to the patterns of this world but being transformed by the renewing of our minds ([Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Transformed by the Renewing of Your Mind")). Our application involves actively discerning and rejecting cultural norms, entertainment, and ideologies that contradict God's Word, and instead, pursuing righteousness, purity, and justice, empowered by the Holy Spirit. We are to be a light in the darkness, demonstrating God's preferred way of life ([Matthew 5:16](/matthew/5-16 "Matthew 5:16 - Let Your Light Shine")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 20:23, with its stern warning against the defiling "manners of the nation," finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament law, including the Holiness Code, meticulously revealed humanity's pervasive sinfulness and inherent inability to perfectly adhere to God's righteous standards and maintain the required holiness. It pointed to the desperate need for a perfect Mediator and a new covenant. Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly fulfilled the law's demands, living a life of absolute holiness, untainted by the "manners" of any fallen nation or culture ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus Was Tempted But Without Sin")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, He bore the full weight of humanity's sin, including the very abominations that God "abhorred" in the Canaanites, thereby cleansing us and providing the means for reconciliation with a holy God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Furthermore, Christ did not merely cleanse us *from* sin but also empowers us *for* holiness. As believers, we are united with Him, becoming a new creation ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), indwelt by the Holy Spirit who enables us to "walk" in a manner worthy of our calling, distinct from the world's corruption ([Ephesians 4:1](/ephesians/4-1 "Ephesians 4:1 - Walk Worthy of Your Calling")). Thus, the call to separation and holiness, once a daunting legal requirement, becomes a Spirit-empowered reality in Christ, allowing us to truly belong to God's holy nation, set apart for His glory ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")), living out the very righteousness that the law demanded.

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 18:24

Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you:

Deuteronomy 9:5

Not for thy righteousness, or for the uprightness of thine heart, dost thou go to possess their land: but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee, and that he may perform the word which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Leviticus 18:3

After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you, shall ye not do: neither shall ye walk in their ordinances.

Leviticus 18:30

Therefore shall ye keep mine ordinance, that [ye] commit not [any one] of these abominable customs, which were committed before you, and that ye defile not yourselves therein: I [am] the LORD your God.

Leviticus 18:27

(For all these abominations have the men of the land done, which [were] before you, and the land is defiled;)

Deuteronomy 12:30

Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise.

Deuteronomy 12:31

Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods.