Leviticus 22:33

KJV

That brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I [am] the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

That brought you out {H3318} of the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}, to be your God {H430}: I am the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God; I am ADONAI."

Berean Standard Bible

who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God. I am the LORD.”

American Standard Version

who brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 22:33 serves as a profound theological anchor within the detailed regulations concerning priestly holiness and acceptable sacrifices, reminding Israel of the ultimate foundation for God's commandments: His identity as Yahweh and His redemptive act of bringing them out of Egypt. This verse underscores that the purpose of their deliverance was not merely freedom, but the establishment of an exclusive, covenantal relationship where God would be their sovereign Lord, demanding and enabling a life of holiness in response to His saving grace and unchanging character.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 22 meticulously outlines the requirements for priests to maintain ritual purity and the standards for sacrificial animals to be considered acceptable to the LORD. The chapter begins by detailing conditions under which priests would be disqualified from eating the holy offerings (Leviticus 22:1-9), emphasizing the necessity of ceremonial cleanliness and reverence for sacred things. It then shifts to the qualifications for animals presented as offerings, prohibiting those with blemishes or defects (Leviticus 22:17-25) and setting minimum age requirements (Leviticus 22:26-27). The chapter concludes with a general exhortation to keep God's commandments and not profane His holy name (Leviticus 22:31-32), which immediately precedes our verse. Leviticus 22:33, therefore, acts as a powerful summary statement, grounding all these intricate laws in God's foundational identity and redemptive history, providing the ultimate rationale for Israel's obedience and holiness, linking their past deliverance to their present and future obligations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Leviticus is set at Mount Sinai, immediately after the construction and consecration of the Tabernacle, as described in [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Tabernacle Completed"). The laws presented here are given to a newly formed nation, recently delivered from centuries of slavery in Egypt, an event foundational to their identity and relationship with God (cf. [Exodus 12:51](/exodus/12-51 "Exodus 12:51 - The Exodus of the Israelites")). The covenant established at Sinai (see [Exodus 19-24](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Covenant at Sinai")) stipulated that Israel was to be a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" ([Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - A Kingdom of Priests and a Holy Nation")), set apart from the surrounding pagan nations and their idolatrous practices. The elaborate purity laws and sacrificial system were designed to differentiate Israel, to teach them about God's absolute holiness, and to provide a means for atonement and sustained fellowship with Him in their midst. The declaration "I am the LORD" (Yahweh) frequently punctuates these laws, serving as a constant reminder of the absolute authority and unchanging character of the God who redeemed them and now commanded their obedience, distinguishing Him from all other supposed deities.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 22:33 powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes present throughout the book of Leviticus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **God's Holiness and Israel's Call to Holiness**, asserting that God's very nature as "the LORD" (Yahweh) is the basis for His demand for purity and separation from sin among His people, echoing the repeated command "[You shall be holy, for I am holy](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")" (e.g., [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")). Secondly, it emphasizes **Redemption as the Foundation for Obedience**, explicitly linking God's saving act of the Exodus to Israel's obligation to live in accordance with His commands. Their liberation was not an end in itself, but the means by which God established a covenant relationship with them, making them uniquely His people "to be your God." This underscores the theme of **Covenant Relationship**, where God's initiative in salvation establishes a reciprocal bond of loyalty, worship, and obedience, as seen in the broader covenant stipulations of [Exodus 20](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments") and [Deuteronomy 6](/deuteronomy/6 "Deuteronomy 6 - The Shema and Instructions").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **brought you out (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_):** This primitive root signifies "to go (causatively, bring) out" in a vast array of applications, both literal and figurative. In the context of Leviticus 22:33, it specifically refers to God's decisive and powerful act of delivering the Israelites from their bondage in Egypt. This verb emphasizes divine initiative and omnipotence, portraying God as the active agent in their liberation. It is a foundational concept in Israel's theology, perpetually reminding them that their existence as a free nation was solely due to God's intervention, not their own might or merit.
* **your God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This term, a plural form, is used here in the singular to refer to the supreme God. While it can denote general deity, when used with the definite article or possessive pronoun (as "your God"), it specifically identifies the unique and sovereign God of Israel. In this verse, "to be your God" highlights the exclusive and covenantal nature of the relationship God established with Israel. It signifies His supreme authority, His claim over their lives, and their reciprocal obligation to worship and obey Him alone, distinct from the false gods of the surrounding nations.
* **the LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the personal, covenant name of God, often transliterated as Yahweh. Derived from a root meaning "to be" or "to exist," it conveys God's self-existence, eternal nature, and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. When God declares "I am the LORD," it is a powerful statement of His absolute sovereignty, His unchanging character, and His unique claim on Israel as His redeemed people. This declaration grounds all His commands in His very being and His redemptive history with them, serving as the ultimate divine warrant for their obedience and holiness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That brought you out of the land of Egypt":** This clause serves as a powerful historical anchor, referencing the foundational redemptive act of the Exodus. It is a constant reminder of God's mighty power, His faithfulness to His promises (made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob), and His sovereign initiative in delivering Israel from centuries of brutal bondage. This pivotal event forms the basis for His covenant relationship with them and His inherent right to command their allegiance and obedience. It underscores that Israel's identity as a nation is inextricably linked to God's saving intervention.
* **"to be your God":** This phrase articulates the ultimate purpose and profound intention behind the Exodus. God did not deliver Israel merely for their freedom from slavery, but to enter into a unique, exclusive, and covenantal relationship with them. This relationship implies that Israel is to acknowledge Him as their sovereign, to worship Him alone, and to live according to His revealed will. Their liberation was for the profound purpose of devotion and obedience, establishing a people set apart for His glory, reflecting His character to the nations.
* **"I [am] the LORD":** This concluding declaration, a recurring "I am" formula throughout Leviticus and the Pentateuch, serves as the ultimate divine warrant for all the preceding commands and the entire framework of the Mosaic Law. It is God's self-attestation, affirming His unchanging identity as Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God who is eternally present and active. It underscores that His laws are not arbitrary but flow directly from His holy, sovereign, and faithful character, demanding Israel's full allegiance, trust, and obedience as His redeemed people.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 22:33 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Assertion**, where God definitively declares His identity and His past action: "That brought you out... I am the LORD." This direct, authoritative statement leaves no room for doubt about the source and ultimate authority of the commands given in Leviticus. There is also strong **Covenant Language** embedded in the phrase "to be your God," echoing the fundamental promise of the Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants where God declares, "I will be their God, and they will be my people." This phrase encapsulates the reciprocal relationship established by the covenant, emphasizing God's commitment and Israel's corresponding obligation. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Recapitulation** or **Summary Statement**, drawing together the historical act of redemption ("brought you out of Egypt") with the ongoing purpose of that redemption ("to be your God") and the unchanging identity of the Redeemer ("I am the LORD"). This provides a powerful theological rationale for all the specific purity laws in the preceding verses, grounding them in the very character and saving acts of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 22:33 encapsulates the profound theological truth that God's commands are not arbitrary impositions but flow directly from His holy character and His redemptive acts. The Exodus is presented as the foundational event that establishes God's right to be Israel's exclusive God, and their liberation is inextricably linked to the purpose of living in devoted obedience to Him. This highlights the theme of **Redemption for Relationship**, where salvation is not an end in itself, but the means by which God establishes a covenant people for Himself, calling them to a life of holiness that reflects His own character. It underscores that true freedom is found in serving the One who truly liberates, and that God's identity as "the LORD" is the ultimate ground for all His demands.

* [Exodus 20:2](/exodus/20-2 "The First Commandment")
* [Leviticus 11:45](/leviticus/11-45 "Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [Deuteronomy 6:20-25](/deuteronomy/6-20-25 "The Purpose of the Law")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 22:33 speaks powerfully to believers today, reminding us that our salvation in Christ is not merely freedom *from* sin, but freedom *for* a relationship with God. Just as God delivered Israel from physical bondage to be His people, He has delivered us from the spiritual bondage of sin and death to be His beloved children, adopted into His family. This redemptive act establishes His claim on our lives and calls us to a life of holiness, not as a means to earn salvation, but as a grateful response to the One who saved us. Our obedience, therefore, becomes an act of worship, acknowledging His sovereignty and embracing our purpose to live for His glory. This verse encourages us to continually remember God's faithfulness in our own lives, to recognize that His commands are rooted in His unchanging, holy nature, and to embrace the profound privilege of living as His people, set apart for His purposes in the world. It challenges us to consider if our freedom in Christ truly leads to a deeper devotion to Him, or if we mistakenly view it as license for self-indulgence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does remembering God's past acts of deliverance (both corporately in salvation history and personally in your life) motivate your obedience today?**
* **In what ways do you currently live "to be your God," acknowledging His exclusive claim over your life and choices, particularly in areas where cultural norms conflict with biblical principles?**
* **How does understanding that God's commands flow from His holy character (His "I am the LORD" identity) change your perspective on difficult or challenging biblical injunctions, fostering trust rather than resentment?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of God declaring "I am the LORD" so frequently in Leviticus?**

Answer: The declaration "I am the LORD" (Hebrew: *Yahweh*) is God's personal, covenant name, emphasizing His self-existence, eternal nature, and faithfulness to His promises. In Leviticus, this phrase serves as a divine warrant and ultimate authority for all the laws and commands given to Israel. It reminds them that these are not arbitrary rules but come from the sovereign God who redeemed them from Egypt and entered into a covenant relationship with them. It grounds the call to holiness in His own unchanging, holy character, underscoring that their obedience is a response to who He is and what He has done (e.g., [Leviticus 19:36](/leviticus/19-36 "Leviticus 19:36 - Just Weights and Measures")). This recurring phrase reinforces God's unique identity as the only true and living God, demanding exclusive worship and obedience from His people.

**How does the Exodus event relate to God's commands in Leviticus?**

Answer: The Exodus, where God "brought you out of the land of Egypt," is the foundational redemptive act that establishes God's unique relationship with Israel. It is repeatedly cited as the primary reason for Israel's obedience and holiness (e.g., [Exodus 20:2](/exodus/20-2 "Exodus 20:2 - The First Commandment"), the opening of the Ten Commandments). In Leviticus 22:33, it highlights that their liberation was not an end in itself, but a means to an end: "to be your God." This means they were freed from slavery to serve and worship Him exclusively, living according to His righteous standards. All the laws in Leviticus, therefore, are understood as the practical outworking of this covenant relationship, flowing from God's identity as their Redeemer and Sovereign. The Exodus serves as the ultimate motivation for Israel's faithful adherence to God's holy requirements.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 22:33, with its emphasis on God's redemptive act leading to a covenant relationship and a call to holiness, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as God brought Israel out of Egypt "to be your God," so too has God, in Christ, delivered humanity from the far greater bondage of sin and death, transferring us from the dominion of darkness into the kingdom of His beloved Son (cf. [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). Jesus is the true Lamb of God, whose perfect and spotless sacrifice cleanses us from all impurity, enabling us to draw near to a holy God with confidence (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Through faith in Him, we are not merely set free, but adopted into God's family, becoming His children and His people, a new spiritual Israel (cf. [Galatians 4:4-7](/galatians/4-4-7 "Galatians 4:4-7 - Adoption as Sons") and [1 Peter 2:9-10](/1_peter/2-9-10 "1 Peter 2:9-10 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")). The purpose of this New Covenant redemption is precisely "to be your God"—to live in intimate fellowship with Him, empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in newness of life and reflect His holiness in the world (cf. [Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life") and [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy")). In Christ, the declaration "I am the LORD" is fully revealed, as He is God incarnate, embodying divine authority and fulfilling all the righteous demands of the law, inviting us into a relationship of grace and truth that surpasses the Old Covenant.

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 11:45

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.

Exodus 6:7

And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.

Numbers 15:41

I [am] the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I [am] the LORD your God.

Leviticus 19:36

Just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin, shall ye have: I [am] the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt.

Exodus 20:2

I [am] the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

Leviticus 25:38

I [am] the LORD your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, to give you the land of Canaan, [and] to be your God.