Leviticus 26:2 — Word Study
WLCאֶת־ שַׁבְּתֹתַ֣י תִּשְׁמֹ֔רוּ וּמִקְדָּשִׁ֖י תִּירָ֑אוּ אֲנִ֖י יְהוָֽה׃ ס
BSAYou must keepshâmar▸ [observe, attend to] My Sabbathsshabbâth [days of rest, worship] and have reverence foryârêʼ▸ [fear, deep respect] My sanctuarymiqdâsh [holy place, sacred space] Iʼănîy am the LORDYᵉhôvâh [the one true God, Yehovah, Yehovah]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| אֶת־ | the object marker | Particle |
| שַׁבְּתֹתַ֣י | sabbaths my | Noun common feminine plural construct, suffix |
| תִּשְׁמֹ֔רוּ | you will keep | Verb, Qal, imperfect second person masculine plural |
| וּמִקְדָּשִׁ֖י | and sanctuary my | Conjunction, noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| תִּירָ֑אוּ | you will fear | Verb, Qal, imperfect second person masculine plural |
| אֲנִ֖י | I | Pronoun |
| יְהוָֽה׃ ס | [am] Yahweh | Noun proper |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | You must keep My Sabbaths and have reverence for My sanctuary. I am the LORD. |
| KJV | ¶ Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the LORD. |
| ASV | Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am Jehovah. |
| YLT | 'My sabbaths ye do keep, and My sanctuary ye do reverence; I [am] Jehovah. |
| WEB | “‘You shall keep my Sabbaths, and have reverence for my sanctuary. I am Yahweh. |
| BBE | Keep my Sabbaths and give honour to my holy place: I am the Lord. |
Where they part company is over שַׁבְּתֹתַ֣י — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence contains two main clauses connected by a conjunction, emphasizing both commands from God.
7 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectאֲנִי
verbשָׁמַר
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Leviticus 26:2
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — God's Commandments to Israelgenerated
Leviticus 26:2 is part of God's instructions to the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of observing the Sabbath and maintaining a respectful attitude towards His sanctuary. This command is rooted in the covenant relationship between God and His people, highlighting their responsibilities in worship and community life. The surrounding verses elaborate on the blessings that come from obedience to God's laws.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 19:30 | You must keep My Sabbaths and have reverence for My sanctuary. I am the LORD. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 1 reference, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — שַׁבְּתֹתַ֣י, sha.be.to.Taigenerated
The word שַׁבָּת (shabbath) signifies the Sabbath, a day set apart for rest and worship. It is derived from a root meaning 'intermission,' indicating a pause from regular work. In this context, it emphasizes the importance of dedicating time for spiritual renewal.
As a feminine plural noun with a construct suffix, שַׁבְּתֹתַ֣י (sha.be.to.Tai) conveys a personal connection to the Sabbath, indicating that these are 'My Sabbaths' — the ones God has ordained for His people to observe.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The finite verbs תִּשְׁמֹ֔רוּ (you will keep) and תִּירָ֑אוּ (you will fear) govern the main clauses, with the subject אֲנִ֖י (I) and the predicate יְהוָֽה (Yahweh) affirming God's authority. The structure emphasizes the commands given directly by God.
The sentence flows from the imperative to the subjects and predicates, illustrating a clear directive from God to His people regarding their worship practices.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, the Hebrew שַׁבְּתֹתַ֣י is rendered as μου (my), indicating a personal connection to the Sabbath. This choice reflects the translators' understanding of the Sabbath as a divine institution.
The Greek word for מִקְדָּשִׁ֖י is also μου, reinforcing the idea that the sanctuary belongs to God and is a sacred space for His people.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Leviticus 26:2 tells us that God commands the Israelites to observe His Sabbaths and show reverence for His sanctuary. These instructions highlight the importance of worship and the special relationship between God and His people.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Keeping the Sabbaths means to observe them as holy days set apart for rest and worship, following God's command.
Reverence for the sanctuary reflects respect for God's presence and the holiness of the place where He meets His people.
Observing the Sabbaths brings spiritual renewal and a deeper relationship with God, as well as blessings in daily life.
Showing reverence for God can be done through worship, prayer, and treating sacred spaces with respect.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- How do I observe the Sabbath in my own life?
- What are some ways I can show reverence for God and His sanctuary?
- Why is it important to set aside time for rest and worship?
- In what ways can I encourage others to respect the Sabbath?
Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Leviticus 26:2 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleYe shall keep my sabbaths,.... The seventh day sabbaths, and the seventh year sabbaths; especially the former are meant, in which religious worship was given to the one true and living God, and
Read John Gill on Leviticus 26 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryYe shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the LORD. Ye shall keep my sabbaths. Very frequently, in this book of the law, the Sabbath and the sanctuary are mentioned as antidotes to idolatry.
Read Robert Jamieson on Leviticus 26 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleReverence my sanctuary, by purging and preserving it from all uncleanness, by approaching to it, and managing all the services of it, with reverence, and in such manner only as God hath appointed.
Read Matthew Poole on Leviticus 26 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsLeviticus 26:2 Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I [am] the LORD.Ver. 2. Ye shall keep.]
Read John Trapp on Leviticus 26 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(2) Ye shall keep my sabbaths . . . —This is exactly the same precept laid down in chap 19:30, and is here repeated because of the danger of desecrating the Sabbath to which the Israelite is exposed who sells himself to a heathen. The Israelite will effectually guard against idol-worship, by keeping the Sabbath holy, and reverencing God’s sanctuary.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Leviticus 26 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges1, 2. These two vv. contain only repetitions of the precepts already given (Leviticus 19:3-4; Leviticus 19:30); in fact, the direction to observe the sabbath appears here for the third time. The redactor of H attached great importance to these vv., and accordingly closed his legislation with them. Their position, however, at the commencement of this ch. is unsuitable and may be owing to accident. Still their importance, as corresponding to the first four Commandments, may account for their insertion.
Read Cambridge on Leviticus 26 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible2. Sabbaths… sanctuary — The intimate connexion between the sanctuary and the sabbath is here very beautifully expressed.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Leviticus 26 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
You must keep My Sabbaths and have reverence for My sanctuary. I am the LORD.
“‘You shall keep my Sabbaths, and have reverence for my sanctuary. I am Yahweh.
You must keep My Sabbaths and have reverence for My sanctuary. I am the LORD.
You must keep my Sabbaths and reverence my sanctuary. I am the Lord.
Tyndale line
¶ Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the LORD.
Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am Jehovah.
Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the LORD.
Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the LORD.
Ye shall keepe my Sabbaths, and reuerence my Sanctuarie: I am the Lord.
Strictly literal
Ye shall observe my sabbaths, and my sanctuary shall ye reverence: I am Jehovah.
'My sabbaths ye do keep, and My sanctuary ye do reverence; I [am] Jehovah.
You keep My Sabbaths and you revere My sanctuary; I [am] YHWH.
My sabbaths shall ye keep, and my sanctuary shall ye reverence: I am the Lord.
You must keep my Sabbaths and honor my sanctuary. I am Yahweh.
From the Latin
Keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the Lord.
Simplified
Keep my Sabbaths and show respect for my sanctuary. I am the Lord.
Keep my Sabbaths and give honour to my holy place: I am the Lord.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text of Leviticus 26:2 reads, 'You must keep My Sabbaths and have reverence for My sanctuary. I am the LORD.' The Samaritan Pentateuch agrees with the Masoretic Text word for word, preserving the same meaning and structure. The Septuagint, while not providing a direct translation in this instance, matches 6 of the 7 words from the Masoretic Text, indicating a strong alignment in content, though its specific wording and order differ. This consistency among the Masoretic Text and the Samaritan Pentateuch is significant for understanding the preservation of this commandment across different textual traditions.
אֶת־ שַׁבְּתֹתַ֣י תִּשְׁמֹ֔רוּ וּמִקְדָּשִׁ֖י תִּירָ֑אוּ אֲנִ֖י יְהוָֽה׃ ס
6 of the 7 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
את שׁבתתי תשׁמרו ומקדשׁי תיראו אני יהוה
Agrees with the Masoretic Text here, word for word.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Leviticus 26:2
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
אֵת (eth) is primarily a grammatical marker in Hebrew, indicating the definite direct object of a verb. It is not translated into English and typically precedes nouns that are definite. The word is derived from a demonstrative sense of entity, related to the Hebrew word for 'self.' Its Aramaic equivalent is יָת (yat).
אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
base
H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
853 'eth ayth
apparent contracted from 226 in the demonstrative sense of
entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more
definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or
namely):--(as such unrepresented in English).
see HEBREW for 0226
אֵת (et) — [Obj.].
sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative
Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
HTo — ParticleHTo
שַׁבָּת (shabbath) refers to the Sabbath, a day of rest observed weekly, as well as the Day of Atonement and the sabbath year. It may also denote a week or the produce that grows during the sabbath year. The word is derived from a root meaning 'intermission.'
שַׁבָּת 111 n.f. and m. Sabbath
sabbath
day of atonement
sabbath year
= week (?)
= produce in sabbath year (growing of itself)
base
H7676 שַׁבָּת Sabbath . sabbath
. day of atonement
. sabbath year
. = week (?)
. = produce in sabbath year (growing of itself)
7676 shabbath shab-bawth'
intensive from 7673; intermission, i.e (specifically) the
Sabbath:--(+ every) sabbath.
see HEBREW for 07673
שַׁבָּת (shab.bat) — Sabbath.
Sabbath
1a) sabbath
1b) day of atonement
1c) sabbath year
1d) week
1e) produce (in sabbath year)
N-cp | Suff — Noun common feminine plural construct · suffixHNcfpc/Sp1bs
The Hebrew word שָׁמַר (*shamar*) is a primitive root meaning to keep, guard, or observe. It encompasses a wide range of actions including protecting, waiting for, and celebrating obligations like the Sabbath. The verb appears in various forms, indicating nuances such as being on guard or refraining from certain actions. It is used extensively in the Old Testament, reflecting both physical and moral vigilance.
שָׁמַר 465 vb. keep, watch, preserve
Qal 425
keep, have charge of
keep, guard, captives
hence, watch for, wait for
watch, observe
keep, retain, of storing up (food)
keep within bounds, restrain
observe, celebrate
keep sabbath
of other obligations
observe = follow dictates of (prudence, justice, kindness, wisdom)
sts. י׳ subj.
keep, reserve, weeks of harvest
Niph.
36be on one's guard
keep oneself, refrain, abstain
be kept, guarded
Pi. those paying regard to false vanities
Hithp. I kept myself from
base
H8104 שָׁמַר keep, watch, preserve .. . keep, have charge of
. keep, guard, captives
. hence, watch for, wait for
. watch, observe
. . keep, retain, of storing up (food)
. keep within bounds, restrain
. . observe, celebrate
. keep sabbath
. of other obligations
. observe = follow dictates of (prudence, justice, kindness, wisdom)
. sts. י׳ subj.
. keep, reserve, weeks of harvest
. . be on one's guard
. keep oneself, refrain, abstain
. be kept, guarded
. those paying regard to false vanities
. I kept myself from
8104 shamar shaw-mar'
a primitive root; properly, to hedge about (as with thorns),
i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.:--beward,
be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark,
look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save
(self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man).
שָׁמַר (sha.mar) — to keep: obey.
: obey/observe
1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to keep, have charge of
1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life
1a2a) watch, watchman (participle)
1a3) to watch for, wait for
1a4) to watch, observe
1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory)
1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain
1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow)
1a8) to keep, preserve, protect
1a9) to keep, reserve
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware
1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain
1b3) to be kept, be guarded
1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed
1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
שָׁמַר (sha.mar) — to keep: guard.
: guard
1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to keep, have charge of
1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life
1a2a) watch, watchman (participle)
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp — Verb · Qal · imperfect second person masculine pluralHVqi2mp
מִקְדָּשׁ (miqdash) refers to a sacred place or sanctuary, often associated with the temple or tabernacle of Jehovah. It can denote a consecrated space, including those dedicated to idols, and is derived from a root meaning to consecrate. The term encompasses various types of holy places, such as chapels and asylums.
מִקְדָּשׁ 74 n.m. sacred place, sanctuary
base
H4720 מִקְדָּשׁ sacred place, sanctuary
4720 miqdash mik-dawsh'
or miqqdash (Exod. 15:17) {mik-ked-awsh'}; from 6942; a
consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary
(whether of Jehovah or of idols) or asylum:--chapel, hallowed
part, holy place, sanctuary.
see HEBREW for 06942
מִקְדָּשׁ (miq.dash) — sanctuary.
1) sacred place, sanctuary, holy place
1a) sanctuary
1a1) of the temple
1a2) of the tabernacle
1a3) of Ezekiel's temple
1a4) of Jehovah
Conj | N-ms | Suff — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHC/Ncmsc/Sp1bs
יָרֵא (yare') is a Hebrew verb meaning to fear or be afraid, encompassing a range of meanings from reverence and honor to causing terror. It appears in various forms, including Qal (to fear), Niphal (to be fearful), and Piel (to terrify). The entries highlight its moral and emotional dimensions, emphasizing awe and respect, particularly in relation to the divine.
יָרֵא vb. fear
Qal
fear, be afraid
stand in awe of
fear, reverence, honour
Niph.
be fearful, dreadful
cause astonishment and awe
inspire reverence, godly fear, and awe
Piel. make afraid, terrify
base
H3372 יָרֵא fear .. fear, be afraid
. stand in awe of
. fear, reverence, honour
. . be fearful, dreadful
. cause astonishment and awe
. inspire reverence, godly fear, and awe
. make afraid, terrify
3372 yare' yaw-ray'
a primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. to
frighten:--affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in)
fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), X see,
terrible (act, -ness, thing).
יָרֵא (ya.re) — to fear.
: frightening(DANGER)
1) to fear, revere, be afraid
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to fear, be afraid
1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed
1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared
1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe
1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe
1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify
2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
יָרֵא (ya.re) — to fear: revere.
: awesome(god)
1) to fear, revere, be afraid
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to fear, be afraid
1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed
1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared
1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe
1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe
1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify
2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Also means: ya.re (יָרֵא ": frightening" H3372)
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp — Verb · Qal · imperfect second person masculine pluralHVqi2mp
fer (yir'ah, yare'; phobos, phobeo):
Terms, etc.:
"Fear" is the translation of many words in the Old Testament; the chief are: yir'ah, "fear," "terror," "reverence," "awe," most often "the fear of God," "fear of Yahweh" (Ge 20:11; 2Ch 19:9, etc.); also of "fear" generally (Job 22:4; Isa 7:25; Eze 30:13, etc.); yare', "to be afraid," "to fear," "to reverence" (Ge 15:1; Le 19:3,14; De 6:2, etc.); pachadh, "fear," "terror," "dread" (
→ See COWARDICE
→ Also see FEAR OF GOD, below
אֲנִי, transliterated as aniy, is a first-person singular pronoun meaning 'I' or 'me.' It is often used for emphasis and can also imply possession, as in 'mine' or 'myself.' The word is derived from a form that indicates self-reference, and it appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament.
אֲנִי, אָ֑נִי pron. 1s. comm. I
base
H589 אֲנִי, אָ֑נִי I
589 'aniy an-ee'
contracted from 595; I:--I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, X
which, X who.
see HEBREW for 0595
אֲנִי (a.ni) — I.
I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Pron — PronounHPp1bs
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) is the proper name of the God of Israel, often rendered as Jehovah or the Lord. It signifies the self-existent or eternal nature of God. The name is closely associated with the revelation to Moses in Exodus 3:12-15 and is used in conjunction with other terms to denote sacred places. Some scholars suggest it derives from a root meaning 'to bring into being.'
יהוה c. 6823 i.e. יַהְוֶה n.pr.dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel—(1. MT יְהֹוָה 6518 (Qr אֲדֹנָי), or יֱהֹוִה 305 (Qr אֱלֹהִים) 2. Many recent scholars explain יַהְוֶה as Hiph. of הוה (= היה) the one bringing into being, life-giver)
יהוה is not used by E in Gn, but is given Ex 3:12-15 as the name of the God who revealed Himself to Moses at Horeb
יהוה is used with אלהים and suffixes, especially in D
the phrase † אֲנִי יהוה is noteworthy
יהוה is also used with several predicates, to form sacred names of holy places of Yahweh
base
H3068 יהוה i.e. יַהְוֶה n. pr. dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel
3068 Yhovah yeh-ho-vaw'
from 1961; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish
national name of God:--Jehovah, the Lord. Compare 3050, 3069.
see HEBREW for 01961
see HEBREW for 03050
see HEBREW for 03069
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — LORD.
Jehovah = "the existing One"
1) the proper name of the one true God
1a) unpronounced except with the vowel pointings of a.do.na (אֲדֹנָי "Lord" H0136)
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — The Lord.
Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — (Jerusalem of) the Lord.
Combined with ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
N-proper — Noun properHNpt