Leviticus 18:28
Leviticus 18:28 in Multiple Translations
So if you defile the land, it will vomit you out as it spewed out the nations before you.
That the land spue not you out also, when ye defile it, as it spued out the nations that were before you.
that the land vomit not you out also, when ye defile it, as it vomited out the nation that was before you.
So that the land may not put you out from it, when you make it unclean, as it put out the nations which were there before you.
If you pollute the land, it will vomit you out just like it did the nations before you.
And shall not the lande spue you out if ye defile it, as it spued out the people that were before you?)
and the land doth not vomit you out in your defiling it, as it hath vomited out the nation which [is] before you;
that the land not vomit you out also, when you defile it, as it vomited out the nation that was before you.
That the land may not vomit you out also, when ye defile it, as it vomited out the nations that were before you.
Beware then, lest in like manner, it vomit you also out, if you do the like things, as it vomited out the nation that was before you.
So if you defile the land, I will get rid of [MET] you like I got rid of the people of those nations that were here before you came.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 18:28
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 18:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/לֹֽא
תָקִ֤יא
הָ/אָ֨רֶץ֙
אֶתְ/כֶ֔ם
בְּ/טַֽמַּאֲ/כֶ֖ם
אֹתָ֑/הּ
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר
קָאָ֛ה
אֶת
הַ/גּ֖וֹי
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
לִ/פְנֵי/כֶֽם
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
תָקִ֤יא
qôwʼ
H6958
to vomit
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs
הָ/אָ֨רֶץ֙
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
אֶתְ/כֶ֔ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
בְּ/טַֽמַּאֲ/כֶ֖ם
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
to defile
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
אֹתָ֑/הּ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
קָאָ֛ה
qôwʼ
H6958
to vomit
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/גּ֖וֹי
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
לִ/פְנֵי/כֶֽם
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | 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 18:28
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תָקִ֤יא
qôwʼ
H6958
"to vomit"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs
This word means to vomit or spue out, and can be used literally or figuratively, as in a land spewing out its inhabitants. It appears in various forms in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to vomit up, spue out, disgorge 1a) (Qal) to vomit 1b) (Hiphil) to vomit up 1b1) of land spewing out its inhabitants (fig) 1b2) vomiting, disgorging
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: spue (out), vomit (out, up, up again). See also: Leviticus 18:25; Job 20:15; Proverbs 23:8.
הָ/אָ֨רֶץ֙
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
אֶתְ/כֶ֔ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בְּ/טַֽמַּאֲ/כֶ֖ם
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
"to defile"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
This Hebrew word means to be foul or contaminated, often in a moral or ceremonial sense. It is used in the Bible to describe something that is unclean or polluted. In the book of Leviticus, it talks about being unclean and how to become clean again.
Definition: 1) to be unclean, become unclean, become impure 1a) (Qal) to be or become unclean 1a1) sexually 1a2) religiously 1a3) ceremonially 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to defile oneself, be defiled 1b1a) sexually 1b1b) by idolatry 1b1c) ceremonially 1b2) to be regarded as unclean 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to defile 1c1a) sexually 1c1b) religiously 1c1c) ceremonially 1c2) to pronounce unclean, declare unclean (ceremonially) 1c3) to profane (God's name) 1d) (Pual) to be defiled 1e) (Hithpael) to be unclean 1f) (Hothpael) to be defiled
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: defile (self), pollute (self), be (make, make self, pronounce) unclean, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 34:5; Leviticus 22:5; Psalms 79:1.
אֹתָ֑/הּ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Prep | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
קָאָ֛ה
qôwʼ
H6958
"to vomit"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
This word means to vomit or spue out, and can be used literally or figuratively, as in a land spewing out its inhabitants. It appears in various forms in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to vomit up, spue out, disgorge 1a) (Qal) to vomit 1b) (Hiphil) to vomit up 1b1) of land spewing out its inhabitants (fig) 1b2) vomiting, disgorging
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: spue (out), vomit (out, up, up again). See also: Leviticus 18:25; Job 20:15; Proverbs 23:8.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/גּ֖וֹי
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
לִ/פְנֵי/כֶֽם
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
Study Notes — Leviticus 18:28
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 18:28 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 18:28
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 18:28
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 18:28
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 18:28
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 18:28
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 18:28
- Sermons on Leviticus 18:28
Context — Unlawful Sexual Relations
26But you are to keep My statutes and ordinances, and you must not commit any of these abominations—neither your native-born nor the foreigner who lives among you.
27For the men who were in the land before you committed all these abominations, and the land has become defiled.
28So if you defile the land, it will vomit you out as it spewed out the nations before you.
29Therefore anyone who commits any of these abominations must be cut off from among his people. 30You must keep My charge not to practice any of the abominable customs that were practiced before you, so that you do not defile yourselves by them. I am the LORD your God.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Revelation 3:16 | So because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to vomit you out of My mouth! |
| 2 | Leviticus 20:22 | You are therefore to keep all My statutes and ordinances, so that the land where I am bringing you to live will not vomit you out. |
| 3 | Leviticus 18:25 | Even the land has become defiled, so I am punishing it for its sin, and the land will vomit out its inhabitants. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 36:17 | “Son of man, when the people of Israel lived in their land, they defiled it by their own ways and deeds. Their behavior before Me was like the uncleanness of a woman’s impurity. |
| 5 | Romans 8:22 | We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 9:19 | For the sound of wailing is heard from Zion: ‘How devastated we are! How great is our shame! For we have abandoned the land because our dwellings have been torn down.’” |
| 7 | Ezekiel 36:13 | For this is what the Lord GOD says: Because people say to you, ‘You devour men and deprive your nation of its children,’ |
Leviticus 18:28 Summary
[Leviticus 18:28 teaches us that if we sin and disobey God's commands, the land itself will seem to reject us, just like it did to the nations that came before us, as a result of God's judgment. This is because God wants us to live in a way that honors Him and keeps the land pure. By following God's statutes and ordinances, as mentioned in Leviticus 18:26, we can avoid defiling the land and instead live in harmony with God's will, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3. Remember, God's commands are for our good, and living according to them is the key to avoiding His judgment and living a blessed life, as promised in Deuteronomy 28:1-14.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the land to 'vomit you out' in Leviticus 18:28?
This phrase is a metaphor for God's judgment, where the land itself seems to reject the people who have defiled it, much like it did to the nations before them, as seen in Deuteronomy 9:4-5 and Leviticus 20:22-24.
How can we 'defile the land' as mentioned in this verse?
According to Leviticus 18:26-27, defiling the land involves committing the same abominations that the previous nations did, which includes idolatry, sexual immorality, and other sinful practices condemned by God, as also warned in Exodus 34:15-17 and Ezekiel 36:17.
Is this verse only applicable to the Israelites or does it have relevance for us today?
While the context is specifically addressed to the Israelites, the principle of God's judgment on sin and the importance of living righteously in the land He gives us is still relevant today, as seen in Psalm 37:3 and Proverbs 10:30, reminding us to live in accordance with God's will to avoid His judgment.
What is the significance of the nations before them being 'spewed out'?
The reference to the nations before them being spewed out highlights God's previous judgments on those nations for their sinful practices, serving as a warning to the Israelites and to us of the consequences of disobedience, as recorded in Genesis 15:16 and Amos 2:9-10.
Reflection Questions
- How can I ensure that my daily actions and decisions do not contribute to defiling the land or my community?
- In what ways can I practically live out the command to 'keep My statutes and ordinances' as mentioned in the surrounding verses?
- What are some modern-day 'abominations' that could lead to God's judgment, and how can I avoid them?
- How does the concept of the land 'vomiting out' its inhabitants relate to the New Testament teachings on God's judgment and salvation, such as in Revelation 3:16 and 2 Peter 3:10-13?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 18:28
That the land spew not you out also, when ye defile it,.... By sinning on it, and so rendering it obnoxious to the curse of God, as the whole earth originally was for the sin of man; and so be cast
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 18:28
Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you: In all these the nations are defiled ... Ancient history gives many appalling
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 18:28
Leviticus 18:28 That the land spue not you out also, when ye defile it, as it spued out the nations that [were] before you.Ver. 28. That the land spue not you out.] It is wisely said by Herodotus, That the destruction of Troy is a fit example of the rule, that great sins bring great plagues.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 18:28
(28) That the land spue not you out also.—Better, Lest the land vomit you out. By unnecessarily translating the same word differently into “vomiteth” in Leviticus 18:25, and “spue” here, as is done in the Authorised Version, the striking connection between the two verses is somewhat weakened.
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 18:28
24–30. See general note at the beginning of the ch. These vv. are probably expanded from earlier materials. After the warning in Leviticus 18:24 the standpoint changes, and the remainder of the passage is a reflection on the past, the verbs being really in the past tense, were defiled, was defiled, I visited, (the land) vomited.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 18:28
28. Spew not you out also — The impartial justice of the moral government of Jehovah here flashes out in prophetic warning to the nation called to be the peculiar people of God.
Sermons on Leviticus 18:28
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Weighed in the Balance (Sermon Reading) by D.L. Moody | In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing a scene of chaos and destruction, emphasizing the importance of paying attention to the word "Tinkle." He then urges the congregat |
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Christless Pentecost - Part 1 by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prayer in the lives of believers. He challenges the audience to prioritize seeking Christ in prayer, suggesting that even |
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(Messages) Pearl of Great Price by Basilea Schlink | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the challenges and difficulties faced by disciples of Jesus. They acknowledge that it can be hard when others look down on us or question ou |
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Complete Surrender by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of surrendering oneself to God and sacrificing for His glory. The speaker talks about the need to prioritize spiritual matter |
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(Men Who Met God): Elijah - "The Lord Leviticus Before Whom I Stand" by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of finding reality and how sin often prevents us from experiencing it. He explores the inner conflict within humans, where the di |
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(The Chief End of Man - Part 5): Come and Consecrate by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of worshiping God with adoration and love. He shares the story of a renowned philosopher and mathematician who had a profound |
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Grieving the Holy Spirit by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man who was on the verge of losing everything due to his addiction. Despite asking for prayer, he couldn't resist getting high b |