Leviticus 20:26

And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the LORD [am] holy, and have severed you from [other] people, that ye should be mine.

And ye shall be holy {H6918} unto me: for I the LORD {H3068} am holy {H6918}, and have severed {H914} you from other people {H5971}, that ye should be mine.

Rather, you people are to be holy for me; because I, ADONAI, am holy; and I have set you apart from the other peoples, so that you can belong to me.

You are to be holy to Me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be My own.

And ye shall be holy unto me: for I, Jehovah, am holy, and have set you apart from the peoples, that ye should be mine.

Commentary

Context

Leviticus 20 is part of the "Holiness Code" (chapters 17-26), which outlines specific laws and moral regulations for the people of Israel. This chapter details various forbidden sexual practices and idolatrous acts, prescribing severe penalties for their transgression. Verse 26 serves as a concluding summary and foundational principle for all the preceding commands, emphasizing the divine motivation behind the call to purity and separation. It underscores that the detailed laws are not arbitrary but stem from God's very nature and His unique relationship with Israel.

Key Themes

  • Divine Holiness as the Foundation: The verse firmly grounds Israel's call to holiness in God's own intrinsic character. God states, "for I the LORD [am] holy." His absolute purity, transcendence, and moral perfection are the ultimate standard for His people. Israel's holiness is therefore not merely a ritualistic performance but a reflection of, and response to, His nature. This foundational truth is echoed in the New Testament, urging believers to be holy, for God is holy.
  • Separation and Election: The phrase "have severed you from [other] people" highlights God's sovereign act of choosing and setting apart Israel from the surrounding pagan nations. This divine election was not for isolation but for a unique covenant relationship and purpose – to be His special possession, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation (Exodus 19:5-6). Their distinctiveness in worship, morality, and lifestyle was meant to reflect God's own distinctness from false gods and sinful practices.
  • Belonging and Ownership: The ultimate purpose of Israel's holiness and separation is "that ye should be mine." This signifies divine ownership and a deep covenant relationship. Israel was called to live in a way that acknowledged their unique status as God's chosen people, dedicated entirely to Him. This theme resonates throughout the Bible, emphasizing that believers in Christ are bought with a price and belong to the Lord, called to glorify Him in their bodies and spirits.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "holy" is qadosh. It conveys the idea of being set apart, consecrated, or dedicated for a special, sacred purpose. When applied to God, it speaks of His absolute moral purity, transcendence, and uniqueness, being utterly distinct from all creation and sin. When applied to people, like Israel in this verse, it means being separated from common, profane, or sinful things and dedicated 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.

Practical Application

For believers today, Leviticus 20:26 remains profoundly relevant. While we are no longer under the ceremonial law of the Old Testament, the underlying principle of holiness endures. Christians are called to be holy because God is holy. This means:

  • Living Distinctly: We are called to be "severed" from the world's values, priorities, and sinful practices, not by physical isolation, but by living according to God's standards and ethical commands.
  • Reflecting God's Character: Our lives should reflect the purity, justice, and love of God, making us different from those who do not know Him. This involves pursuing righteousness, walking in truth, and avoiding sin.
  • Acknowledging Ownership: We belong to God through Christ's redemption. Our lives are not our own, but are to be lived for His glory, fulfilling the purpose for which we have been set apart as His chosen people in Christ.

This verse reminds us that holiness is not an arbitrary set of rules, but a natural outflow of our relationship with a holy God who has chosen us to be His own.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Peter 1:15 (20 votes)

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

  • 1 Peter 1:16 (20 votes)

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

  • Leviticus 20:7 (13 votes)

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

  • Leviticus 20:24 (12 votes)

    But I have said unto you, Ye shall inherit their land, and I will give it unto you to possess it, a land that floweth with milk and honey: I [am] the LORD your God, which have separated you from [other] people.

  • Leviticus 19:2 (11 votes)

    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.

  • Titus 2:14 (11 votes)

    Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

  • Deuteronomy 26:18 (10 votes)

    And the LORD hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that [thou] shouldest keep all his commandments;