Leviticus 18:2
Leviticus 18:2 in Multiple Translations
“Speak to the Israelites and tell them: I am the LORD your God.
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, I am the LORD your God.
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, I am Jehovah your God.
Say to the children of Israel, I am the Lord your God.
“Tell the Israelites: I am the Lord your God.
Speake vnto the children of Israel, and say vnto them, I am the Lord your God.
'Speak unto the sons of Israel, and thou hast said unto them, I [am] Jehovah your God;
“Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them, ‘I am the LORD your God.
Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them, I am the LORD your God.
Speak to the children of Israel, and thou shalt say to them: I am the Lord your God.
“Speak to the Israeli people and tell them that I, Yahweh, say this this: I am Yahweh, your God.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 18:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Leviticus 18:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
דַּבֵּר֙
אֶל
בְּנֵ֣י
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
וְ/אָמַרְתָּ֖
אֲלֵ/הֶ֑ם
אֲנִ֖י
יְהוָ֥ה
אֱלֹהֵי/כֶֽם
דַּבֵּר֙
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Impv-2ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
וְ/אָמַרְתָּ֖
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
אֲלֵ/הֶ֑ם
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
אֲנִ֖י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֱלֹהֵי/כֶֽם
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 18:2
דַּבֵּר֙
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Impv-2ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
וְ/אָמַרְתָּ֖
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֲלֵ/הֶ֑ם
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֲנִ֖י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהֵי/כֶֽם
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
Study Notes — Leviticus 18:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 18:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 18:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 18:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 18:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 18:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 18:2
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 18:2
- Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 18:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 18:2
- Sermons on Leviticus 18:2
Context — Unlawful Sexual Relations
1Then the LORD said to Moses,
2“Speak to the Israelites and tell them: I am the LORD your God.
3You must not follow the practices of the land of Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not follow the practices of the land of Canaan, into which I am bringing you. You must not walk in their customs. 4You are to practice My judgments and keep My statutes by walking in them. I am the LORD your God.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 6:7 | I will take you as My own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. |
| 2 | Leviticus 11:44 | For I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, because I am holy. You must not defile yourselves by any creature that crawls along the ground. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 20:5 | and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: On the day I chose Israel, I swore an oath to the descendants of the house of Jacob and made Myself known to them in the land of Egypt. With an uplifted hand I said to them, ‘I am the LORD your God.’ |
| 4 | Leviticus 20:7 | Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, because I am the LORD your God. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 20:7 | And I said to them: ‘Each of you must throw away the abominations before his eyes, and you must not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.’ |
| 6 | Ezekiel 20:19–20 | I am the LORD your God; walk in My statutes, keep My ordinances, and practice them. Keep My Sabbaths holy, that they may be a sign between us, so that you may know that I am the LORD your God.’ |
| 7 | Genesis 17:7 | I will establish My covenant as an everlasting covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. |
| 8 | Exodus 20:2 | “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. |
| 9 | Psalms 33:12 | Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people He has chosen as His inheritance! |
| 10 | Leviticus 19:34 | You must treat the foreigner living among you as native-born and love him as yourself, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God. |
Leviticus 18:2 Summary
This verse is a reminder that God is our God, and He wants a personal relationship with us. He speaks to us through His Word, the Bible, and guides us in how to live our lives, as seen in Psalm 119:105. Just like the Israelites, we need to remember that God is our authority and our guide, and we should strive to obey Him and follow His commands, as seen in John 14:15. By recognizing God as our God, we can find direction, purpose, and meaning in life, and live in a way that honors Him, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:31.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does God introduce Himself as 'the LORD your God' in this verse?
God introduces Himself as 'the LORD your God' to remind the Israelites of His covenant relationship with them, as seen in Exodus 20:2, and to establish His authority over them.
What is the significance of God speaking to the Israelites through Moses?
God speaking to the Israelites through Moses emphasizes the importance of Moses as a mediator between God and His people, as seen in Exodus 4:10-16, and highlights God's desire to communicate with His people in a personal way.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse serves as an introduction to the commands and instructions that follow in Leviticus 18:3-4, reminding the Israelites of God's authority and their responsibility to obey Him, as seen in Leviticus 18:4.
What does this verse reveal about God's character?
This verse reveals God's desire for a personal relationship with His people, as seen in Jeremiah 31:33, and His commitment to guiding and directing them, as seen in Psalm 32:8.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for God to be 'my God', and how can I apply this truth to my life?
- How can I balance the desire for autonomy with the recognition of God's authority in my life, as seen in Romans 6:16?
- In what ways can I, like the Israelites, be tempted to follow the practices of the world around me, and how can I resist this temptation, as seen in 1 Peter 1:14-16?
- How can I deepen my understanding of God's covenant relationship with me, and what are the implications of this relationship for my daily life, as seen in Hebrews 8:10-12?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 18:2
Speak unto the children of Israel,.... To the heads of their tribes, that they might deliver to them the following laws; or Moses is bid to publish them among them, either by word of mouth, or by
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 18:2
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, I am the LORD your God. I am the Lord your God.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 18:2
Your Sovereign and Lawgiver. This is oft repeated here, because the things here forbidden were practised and allowed by the Gentiles, to whose custom he here opposeth Divine authority, and their obligation to obey his commands.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 18:2
Leviticus 18:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, I am the LORD your God.Ver. 2. I am the Lord your God.] Your Maker and Master.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 18:2
(2) I am the Lord your God.—The Lord is their recognised and sole sovereign, the children of Israel are therefore bound to obey His precepts, and not be led astray by the customs or statutes which prevailed among the people whose country they are to possess. Moreover, as He is holy, the Israelites, by faithfully obeying His sacred laws, will attain to that holiness which will bring them in communion with Him in whose image they were created. This phrase, which is so emphatically repeated twice more in this chapter (Leviticus 18:4; Leviticus 18:30), has only been used once before in this book. (See Leviticus 11:44.)
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 18:2
2. Purity in remoter relationships. The first Pentad: Relationships through marriage, Leviticus 18:16-19. The second Pentad: Purity outside of the family, Leviticus 18:20-23. To the exhortation concluding with ‘I am the Lord your God’ (Leviticus 18:30) he would add Leviticus 19:2 b, ‘Ye shall be holy,’ etc. The arrangement in this ch. is better than in ch. 20, and the cases dealt with are more numerous. Ch. 20 contains no parallels to Leviticus 18:7; Leviticus 18:10; Leviticus 18:17 b, Leviticus 18:18, and has therefore been taken as representing an earlier code. On the other hand ch. 20, unlike ch. 18, mentions penalties for the offences, while such indications as it affords by the juxtaposition of ‘you’ in Leviticus 20:14 b, Leviticus 20:15 b, and ‘thou’ in Leviticus 20:16; Leviticus 20:19, and the duplicate clauses in Leviticus 18:10 suggest that whatever age may be ascribed to the code in ch. 20, as compared with that which appears in ch. 18, the former has at any rate been subjected to later editing.
Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 18:2
I am, the Lord your God - The frequent repetition of this formula in these parts of the Law may be intended to keep the Israelites in mind of their covenant with Yahweh in connection with the common
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 18:2
THE VICES OF EGYPT AND CANAAN , Leviticus 18:1-5. 2. I am the Lord — In giving commandments, the authority of the Lawgiver is made prominent. See Leviticus 11:44, note.
Sermons on Leviticus 18:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Trust Without Limits by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that God desires a deep relationship with His people, urging them to recognize His voice and trust Him without limits. He reflects on the Israelites' fai |
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Knowing God by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the profound truth that many believers, including himself, do not truly know God as He desires to be known. He reflects on how God sought to teach His pe |
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Notes of a Lecture Numbers 15 by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby discusses the significance of Numbers 15, emphasizing God's unwavering purpose despite Israel's rebellion and unbelief. He highlights how, even after the people's |
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Fourfold Challenge to Holiness by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of holiness in the lives of believers. He references Ephesians 1:4, which states that believers are chosen in Christ to be hol |
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The Tabernacle of the Most High by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the speaker highlights the contrasting aspects of God's nature and how he reveals himself in different settings. The speaker uses examples such as a professor who i |
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(1 John #4) Since God Is Light by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the message of Jesus Christ, which was taught by Him and received by the apostles. The preacher highlights that Jesus is n |
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Jap-04 True Fellowship by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of feeling burdened and convicted to confess their faults in church. They emphasize the importance of confession in buildin |