TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Leviticus 20:22–27. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The last verse is a particular law, which comes in after the general conclusion, as if omitted in its proper place: it is for the putting of those to death that dealt with familiar spirits, Lev 20:27. It would be an affront to God and to his lively oracles, a scandal to the country, and a temptation to ignorant bad people, to consult them, if such were known and suffered to live among them. Those that are in league with the devil have in effect made a covenant with death and an agreement with hell, and so shall their doom be.
The rest of these verses repeat and inculcate what had been said before; for to that unthinking forgetful people it was requisite that there should be line upon line, and that general rules, with their reasons, should be frequently insisted on, for the enforcement of particular laws, and making them more effectual. Three things we are here reminded of:-
I.Their dignity.
1.They had the Lord for their God, Lev 20:24. They were his, his care, his choice, his treasure, his jewels, his kingdom of priests (Lev 20:26): That you should be mine. Happy the people, and truly great, that are in such a case.
2.Their God was a holy God (Lev 20:26), infinitely advanced above all others. His holiness is his glory, and it was their honour to be related to him, while their neighbours were the infamous worshippers of impure and filthy spirits.
3.The great God had separated them from other people (Lev 20:24), and again, Lev 20:26. Other nations were the common; they were the enclosure, beautified and enriched with peculiar privileges, and designed for peculiar honours; let them therefore value themselves accordingly, preserve their honour, and not lay it in the dust, by walking in the way of the heathen.
II.Their duty; this is inferred from their dignity.
God had done more for them than for others, and therefore expected more from them than from others. And what is it that the Lord their God requires, in consideration of the great things done and designed?
1.You shall keep all my statutes (Lev 20:22); and there was all the reason in the world that they should, for the statutes were their honour, and obedience to them would be their lasting comfort.
2.You shall not walk in the manners of nations, Lev 20:23. Being separated from them, they must not associate with them, nor learn their ways. The manners of the nations were bad enough in them, but would be much worse in God's people.
3.You shall put a difference between clean and unclean, Lev 20:25. This is holiness, to discern between things that differ, not to live at large, as if we might say and do any thing, but to speak and act with caution.
4.You shall not make your souls abominable, Lev 20:25. Our constant care must be to preserve the honour, by preserving the purity, of our own souls, and never to do any thing to make them abominable to God and to our own consciences.
III.Their danger.
1.They were going into an infected place (Lev 20:24): You shall inherit their land, a land flowing with milk and honey, which they would have the comfort of if they kept their integrity; but, withal, it was a land full of idols, idolatries, and superstitious usages, which they would be apt to fall in love with, having brought from Egypt with them a strange disposition to take that infection.
2.If they took the infection, it would be of pernicious consequence to them. The Canaanites were to be expelled for these very sins: They committed all these things, therefore I abhorred them, Lev 20:23. See what an evil thing sin is; it provokes God to abhor his own creatures, whereas otherwise he delights in the work of his hands. And, if the Israelites trod in the steps of their impiety, they must expect that the land would spue them out (Lev 20:22), as he had told them before, Lev 18:28. If God spared not the natural branches, but broke them off, neither would he spare those who were grafted in, if they degenerated. Thus the rejection of the Jews stands for a warning to all Christian churches to take heed lest the kingdom of God be taken from them. Those that sin like others must expect to smart like them; and their profession of relation to God will be no security to them.
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Summary
Leviticus 20:26 stands as a profound declaration within the Holiness Code, encapsulating the divine rationale for Israel's call to consecrated living and distinct identity. It powerfully asserts that the intricate ethical and ritual laws given to the Israelites are not arbitrary demands but flow directly from God's intrinsic and absolute holiness. By emphasizing the Lord's prior, sovereign act of setting Israel apart from all other nations, the verse highlights their unique covenant relationship and ultimate purpose: to belong exclusively to Yahweh, thereby reflecting His character and serving as a testament to His nature in the world.
Context
Literary Context
Leviticus 20 is a pivotal chapter within the broader "Holiness Code" (Leviticus 17-26), a section dedicated to outlining the moral and ritual requirements essential for Israel to maintain their covenant relationship with a holy God. This chapter specifically details severe transgressions against God's holiness, prescribing capital offenses for practices such as child sacrifice to Molech, consulting mediums, cursing parents, and various illicit sexual relationships (e.g., the condemnation of adultery in Leviticus 20:10 and homosexual acts in Leviticus 20:13). The preceding verses often conclude with stark pronouncements like "they shall surely be put to death," underscoring the gravity of these sins and the purity required for dwelling in God's presence. Verse 26, therefore, serves as a climactic theological grounding for these stringent demands, shifting from specific prohibitions and their penalties to the overarching divine principle that undergirds them all: Israel's calling to be holy because God Himself is holy. It provides the ultimate motivation for the entire chapter's content and, indeed, for the entirety of the Holiness Code.
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Israel was situated amidst nations that practiced pervasive polytheism, idolatry, and various forms of moral depravity, including the horrific act of child sacrifice (explicitly forbidden in Leviticus 18:21) and widespread sexual immorality (as detailed in Leviticus 18). The Canaanite cultures, in particular, were notorious for cultic prostitution, bestiality, and other abominable practices explicitly condemned by Yahweh. God's command for Israel to be "severed" from these peoples was a radical call to counter-cultural living. This separation was not merely about ethnic distinction but primarily about moral and spiritual separation. It was absolutely necessary to preserve Israel's unique identity as God's covenant people and to prevent them from adopting the defiling practices of their neighbors, which would pollute the land and break their sacred covenant with God, as warned in passages like Leviticus 18:24-30. Their holiness was intended to be a visible testimony to the surrounding world of the one true God and His righteous, distinct standards.
Key Themes
Leviticus 20:26 contributes significantly to several major theological themes prevalent throughout the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. The most prominent theme is Holiness, both God's intrinsic holiness and the commanded holiness for His people. This verse establishes God's nature as the ultimate standard and source of all holiness, making Israel's call to purity a direct reflection of who He is. Closely related is the theme of Separation and Distinction, emphasizing God's sovereign act of choosing and setting Israel apart from the nations (as also seen in Exodus 19:5-6). This separation is not for elitism but for a unique purpose: to be God's Possession and to live in a way that demonstrates their exclusive belonging to Him. The verse also subtly touches upon Covenant Relationship, as Israel's holiness and separation are expressions of their faithfulness within the covenant God established with them. Finally, it reinforces the theme of Divine Authority and Sovereignty, as God's declaration "I the LORD am holy" serves as the ultimate basis for all His commands and the very identity of His chosen people.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This foundational term (H6918) signifies being "set apart," "consecrated," or "sacred." When applied to God, as in "I the LORD am holy," it speaks of His absolute moral purity, transcendence, and utter distinctness from all creation and sin. He is unique, unapproachable in His perfection, and entirely separate from anything profane. When applied to Israel, the command "ye shall be holy unto me" means they are to be separated from common, impure, or sinful things and dedicated exclusively to God's service and glory. This separation is not merely external adherence to rules but implies an internal transformation and commitment to God's ways, reflecting His character.
This term (H3068) refers to the self-Existent or Eternal God, Jehovah, the Jewish national name of God. In this verse, "I the LORD am holy" underscores the personal, covenantal name of God, emphasizing that it is the very essence of the God who revealed Himself to Israel that serves as the ultimate standard for their holiness. It is not an abstract principle but the nature of the living, covenant-making God that calls His people to be set apart. This divine self-attestation lends ultimate authority and weight to the command for Israel's holiness.
This verb (H914) means "to divide," "to separate," "to distinguish," or "to select." In this context, it emphasizes God's sovereign and deliberate act of choosing and setting Israel apart from all other nations. This was not a human initiative but a divine work of election, intended to create a distinct people for a unique purpose. The separation implies both a physical and spiritual distinction from the practices, gods, and moral norms of the surrounding pagan cultures. It highlights Israel's special status as God's treasured possession, a people utterly distinct because God Himself made them so.
Verse Breakdown
"And ye shall be holy unto me:"
This is a direct, imperative command to the Israelites, calling them to embody holiness. The phrase "unto me" is crucial, emphasizing that their holiness is not for their own sake, for societal approval, or for mere self-improvement, but specifically for God's purposes and glory. It is a mandated reflection of His character and a response to His divine call. This holiness encompasses both ritual purity and moral integrity, touching every aspect of their lives and demonstrating their dedication to Yahweh.
"for I the LORD [am] holy,"
This clause provides the divine rationale and ultimate foundation for the command. Israel's call to holiness is not arbitrary but is grounded in the very nature of God Himself. His intrinsic, absolute holiness is the standard and the source of their commanded holiness. It signifies that Israel's distinctiveness is a participation in, and a reflection of, God's own absolute purity and moral perfection, making their holiness a necessary response to His being.
"and have severed you from [other] people,"
This explains how Israel is enabled and obligated to be holy: through God's prior, sovereign act of election and separation. God Himself initiated this distinction, setting Israel apart from the idolatrous and immoral practices of the surrounding nations. This act of "severing" underscores their unique status as a chosen people, distinct in their covenant relationship and purpose, chosen by divine grace rather than human merit.
"that ye should be mine."
This final clause articulates the ultimate purpose and goal of both God's holiness and His act of separation. The aim is for Israel to be His exclusive possession, dedicated entirely to Him. It speaks to a deep, intimate covenantal relationship where Israel's identity and existence are defined by their belonging to Yahweh. Their holiness and separation are the means by which this divine ownership is manifested and honored, demonstrating their allegiance and devotion to their God.
Literary Devices
Leviticus 20:26 employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound theological message. A subtle Chiasm structures the divine declaration, where God's holiness (A) serves as the basis for Israel's commanded holiness (A'), and God's act of severing (B) leads to Israel being uniquely His (B'). This creates a balanced and reinforcing theological statement, emphasizing the reciprocity between God's nature and His people's calling. The Repetition of the concept of "holy" (both for God and for Israel) serves to underscore its paramount importance and the direct, causal connection between divine and human holiness. The powerful declaration "I the LORD am holy" functions as a divine self-attestation, lending ultimate authority, weight, and undeniable truth to the command that follows. Furthermore, the entire verse serves as a concise yet powerful summary statement or thesis statement for the Holiness Code, encapsulating the core theological principle that drives all the specific laws and regulations. It acts as a theological credo regarding Israel's identity, purpose, and their relationship with their holy God.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Leviticus 20:26 profoundly grounds Israel's identity and ethical demands in the very character of God. The call to holiness is not merely a legalistic requirement but a relational imperative, flowing directly from God's intrinsic purity and His deliberate act of choosing a people for Himself. This verse establishes the foundational truth that God's people are to reflect His nature, living distinctively from the world because they belong uniquely to Him. This theme of divine election, separation, and belonging for the purpose of holiness resonates throughout the biblical narrative, culminating in the New Covenant where believers are likewise called to a life consecrated to God, demonstrating their allegiance to Christ.
Reflection and Application
Leviticus 20:26 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, transcending its Old Covenant context to speak to the enduring nature of God and our relationship with Him. We are called to be holy, not by our own strength or merit, but because God Himself is holy and has, in Christ, "severed" us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us into His marvelous light. This means living a life that is distinct from the patterns and values of the world, reflecting God's character in our thoughts, words, and deeds. Our holiness is a Spirit-empowered response to His prior act of grace and election, acknowledging that we are no longer our own but belong entirely to Him, having been bought with a price. This calls for intentional, daily choices to pursue righteousness, reject sin, and live in a manner that honors our divine ownership. It is a call to radical discipleship, demonstrating to a watching world the transformative power of God's love and the compelling beauty of His holiness.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "severed you from other people" mean for Christians today?
For Christians, "severed you from other people" does not imply physical isolation or ethnic distinction, as it did for ancient Israel. Rather, it signifies a spiritual and moral separation. Through faith in Christ, believers are "set apart" from the world's values, sinful practices, and systems that oppose God. This separation is primarily internal, leading to a distinctive lifestyle that reflects God's righteousness and love. As 2 Corinthians 6:17 says, we are called to "come out from them and be separate," meaning we are not to participate in ungodly behaviors or compromise our faith. It's about being "in the world but not of the world," living as ambassadors of Christ, as Jesus prayed for His disciples in John 17:15-16. This spiritual separation empowers us to live for God's glory.
Is holiness about following rules, or is it something more?
While holiness certainly involves adhering to God's commands, Leviticus 20:26 reveals it's fundamentally about a relationship and a reflection of God's character. The verse states, "for I the LORD am holy," making God's nature the source and standard of our holiness. Therefore, holiness is not merely outward conformity to rules, but an internal transformation that aligns our hearts and lives with God's purity, justice, and love. It's about becoming more like Him, acknowledging His ownership, and living for His glory. The New Testament reiterates this, emphasizing that true holiness flows from a renewed spirit and is empowered by the Holy Spirit, leading to a transformed mind and life as described in Romans 12:1-2. It is a holistic pursuit of Christlikeness.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Leviticus 20:26 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant. While ancient Israel was called to be holy and "severed" from other peoples through the Law, they ultimately failed to perfectly embody this holiness due to their fallen nature. Jesus, however, is the very embodiment of perfect holiness, the "Holy One of God" (as declared by the demon in Mark 1:24). He perfectly fulfilled the Law's demands for holiness, living a life utterly consecrated to the Father without blemish or sin. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ not only cleanses us from sin but also imputes His perfect righteousness to us, making us "holy and blameless before him in love" (as beautifully articulated in Ephesians 1:4). Furthermore, the New Covenant establishes a new people—the Church—who are "severed" from the world not by ethnic lineage or adherence to ceremonial law, but by their spiritual union with Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit. We are now God's "chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession" (echoing the language of 1 Peter 2:9). This spiritual separation enables us to live as God's own, empowered by the Spirit to increasingly reflect His holiness in our daily lives, until the day we are fully conformed to the image of His Son (as promised in Romans 8:29).