Leviticus 20:23
Leviticus 20:23 in Multiple Translations
You must not follow the statutes of the nations I am driving out before you. Because they did all these things, I abhorred them.
And ye shall not walk in the manners of the nation, which I cast out before you: for they committed all these things, and therefore I abhorred them.
And ye shall not walk in the customs of the nation, which I cast out before you: for they did all these things, and therefore I abhorred them.
And do not keep the rules of the nations which I am driving out before you; for they did all these things, and for that reason my soul was turned against them.
Don't follow the practices of the nations I'm expelling for you. I detested them because they did all these evil things.
Wherefore ye shall not walke in the maners of this nation which I cast out before you: for they haue committed all these things, therefore I abhorred them.
and ye walk not in the statutes of the nation which I am sending away from before you, for all these they have done, and I am wearied with them;
You shall not walk in the customs of the nation which I am casting out before you; for they did all these things, and therefore I abhorred them.
And ye shall not walk in the manners of the nations which I cast out before you: for they committed all these things, and therefore I abhorred them.
Walk not after the laws of the nations, which I will cast out before you. For they have done all these things, and therefore I abhorred them.
Do not imitate/adopt the customs of the people of the land from which I will expel them as you advance. I hated them because they did all those things.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 20:23
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 20:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/לֹ֤א
תֵֽלְכוּ֙
בְּ/חֻקֹּ֣ת
הַ/גּ֔וֹי
אֲשֶׁר
אֲנִ֥י
מְשַׁלֵּ֖חַ
מִ/פְּנֵי/כֶ֑ם
כִּ֤י
אֶת
כָּל
אֵ֨לֶּה֙
עָשׂ֔וּ
וָ/אָקֻ֖ץ
בָּֽ/ם
וְ/לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
תֵֽלְכוּ֙
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
בְּ/חֻקֹּ֣ת
chuqqâh
H2708
statute
Prep | N-cp
הַ/גּ֔וֹי
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אֲנִ֥י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
מְשַׁלֵּ֖חַ
shâlach
H7971
to send
V-Piel
מִ/פְּנֵי/כֶ֑ם
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
אֵ֨לֶּה֙
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Pron
עָשׂ֔וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
וָ/אָקֻ֖ץ
qûwts
H6973
to loathe
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
בָּֽ/ם
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 20:23
וְ/לֹ֤א
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.
תֵֽלְכוּ֙
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
בְּ/חֻקֹּ֣ת
chuqqâh
H2708
"statute"
Prep | N-cp
This Hebrew word refers to a statute or ordinance, often given by God to the Israelites. It appears in books like Leviticus and Numbers, outlining rules for sacrifices and festivals. These statutes helped the Israelites understand God's requirements.
Definition: 1) statute, ordinance, limit, enactment, something prescribed 1a) statute
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: appointed, custom, manner, ordinance, site, statute. See also: Genesis 26:5; Deuteronomy 28:15; Psalms 18:23.
הַ/גּ֔וֹי
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.
אֲשֶׁר
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.
אֲנִ֥י
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.
מְשַׁלֵּ֖חַ
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
V-Piel
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
מִ/פְּנֵי/כֶ֑ם
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.
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
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.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אֵ֨לֶּה֙
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
עָשׂ֔וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
וָ/אָקֻ֖ץ
qûwts
H6973
"to loathe"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to feel disgusted or anxious, like when the Israelites loathed the manna in Numbers 21:5. It can also mean to be grieved or abhor something, as in Psalm 119:163. It's about strong feelings of dislike.
Definition: 1) to be grieved, loathe, abhor, feel a loathing or abhorrence or sickening dread 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to feel a loathing at, abhor 1a2) to feel a sickening dread 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause sickening dread 1b2) to cause loathing
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: abhor, be distressed, be grieved, loathe, vex, be weary. See also: Genesis 27:46; Numbers 22:3; Proverbs 3:11.
בָּֽ/ם
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Leviticus 20:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 20:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 20:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 20:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 20:23
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 20:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 20:23
- Sermons on Leviticus 20:23
Context — Distinguish between Clean and Unclean
21If a man marries his brother’s wife, it is an act of impurity. He has uncovered the nakedness of his brother; they shall be childless.
22You 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.
23You must not follow the statutes of the nations I am driving out before you. Because they did all these things, I abhorred them.
24But I have told you that you will inherit their land, since I will give it to you as an inheritance—a land flowing with milk and honey. I am the LORD your God, who has set you apart from the peoples. 25You are therefore to distinguish between clean and unclean animals and birds. Do not become contaminated by any animal or bird, or by anything that crawls on the ground; I have set these apart as unclean for you.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 9:5 | It is not because of your righteousness or uprightness of heart that you are going in to possess their land, but it is because of their wickedness that the LORD your God is driving out these nations before you, to keep the promise He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. |
| 2 | Leviticus 18:24 | Do not defile yourselves by any of these practices, for by all these things the nations I am driving out before you have defiled themselves. |
| 3 | Leviticus 18:30 | You 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.” |
| 4 | Leviticus 18:3 | You 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. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 12:30–31 | be careful not to be ensnared by their ways after they have been destroyed before you. Do not inquire about their gods, asking, “How do these nations serve their gods? I will do likewise.” You must not worship the LORD your God in this way, because they practice for their gods every abomination which the LORD hates. They even burn their sons and daughters in the fire as sacrifices to their gods. |
| 6 | Leviticus 18:27 | For the men who were in the land before you committed all these abominations, and the land has become defiled. |
| 7 | Psalms 78:59 | On hearing it, God was furious and rejected Israel completely. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 10:1–2 | Hear the word that the LORD speaks to you, O house of Israel. This is what the LORD says: “Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by the signs in the heavens, though the nations themselves are terrified by them. |
| 9 | Zechariah 11:8 | And in one month I dismissed three shepherds. My soul grew impatient with the flock, and their souls also detested me. |
Leviticus 20:23 Summary
This verse reminds us that as followers of God, we are called to be different from the world around us. We should not adopt the customs or practices of those who do not know God, because these things can lead us away from Him. Instead, we should strive to follow God's laws and commands, even when it's hard, and trust in His power and love to guide us, as promised in Jeremiah 31:33 and Matthew 5:48. By doing so, we can live a life that honors God and reflects His love to those around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'follow the statutes of the nations' in Leviticus 20:23?
This phrase refers to adopting the customs, laws, and practices of the surrounding pagan cultures, which were often contrary to God's laws and principles, as seen in Deuteronomy 12:30-31 and Ezekiel 20:18.
Why did God 'abhor' the nations being driven out in Leviticus 20:23?
God abhorred these nations because of their wicked and idolatrous practices, which included child sacrifice, prostitution, and other detestable acts, as mentioned in Leviticus 18:21-25 and Deuteronomy 18:10-12.
How does this verse relate to the concept of separation from the world?
Leviticus 20:23 emphasizes the importance of separating oneself from the world's sinful practices and following God's commands, as also taught in 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 and 1 Peter 1:14-16.
What is the significance of God driving out the nations before the Israelites?
This act demonstrates God's power, judgment, and covenant faithfulness to His people, as seen in Exodus 23:31 and Joshua 3:10, and serves as a reminder of His presence and authority in the lives of believers.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be unintentionally following the 'statutes of the nations' in my own life, and how can I align myself with God's principles instead?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my commitment to following God's laws and commands, even when it's difficult or unpopular?
- How can I balance being 'in the world' with being 'separate from the world' in my daily life, and what role does my community of faith play in this process?
- What are some practical steps I can take to 'abhor' the sinful practices of the world and instead cultivate a heart of obedience to God's Word?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 20:23
And ye shall not walk in the manners of the nation which I cast out before you,.... Nation seems to be put for nations, for there were seven nations cast out for them; though the Canaanites may be
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 20:23
And if a man shall take his brother's wife, it is an unclean thing: he hath uncovered his brother's nakedness; they shall be childless. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 20:23
Leviticus 20:23 And ye shall not walk in the manners of the nation, which I cast out before you: for they committed all these things, and therefore I abhorred them. Ver. 23. See on Leviticus 18:1-30
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 20:23
22–24. An exhortation fundamentally in agreement with Leviticus 18:24-30. The idea of a separation from other nations is prominent in connexion with that of holiness.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 20:23
23. Therefore I abhorred them — The word kootz signifies to be weary of, to loathe, to be distressed, to abhor; and it heightens the hatefulness of the sins of the Canaanites.
Sermons on Leviticus 20:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
God's Greatest Enemy by Greg Locke | In this sermon, the preacher starts by quoting Romans 1:16, emphasizing that he is not ashamed of the gospel. He explains that the gospel is the power of God for salvation to every |
|
Our Daily Homily - Deuteronomy by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes God's unwavering support and guidance throughout life's journey, as illustrated in Deuteronomy. He highlights that God carries His people with love and compas |
|
Moses Pointing to the Lord for Battle by Bob Hoekstra | Bob Hoekstra preaches on the importance of relying on the sufficiency of God in the midst of battles, using Moses as an example who pointed Israel to the Lord for battle. Despite f |
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The Message of Joshua by G. Campbell Morgan | G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes that 'The Lord is a Man of War,' illustrating God's ongoing battle against sin and the necessity of faith for the righteous. He explains that God's ac |
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Cost of Discipleship - Part 10 by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of how he realized he was lost and disobedient to his parents. Despite being involved in church activities and memorizing script |
|
Jeremiah 10 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses Jeremiah 10, emphasizing that when people lose their awareness of God, they still feel a need for something greater and often create false idols to fill that |
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Zechariah) ch.11 & 12 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching from the heart rather than just from the head. He discusses the concept of burden, which is a deep concern or we |