Leviticus 18:5

5 Follow the practices and the laws that I give you; you will save your life by doing so. I am the Lord." 1

Leviticus 18:5 Meaning and Commentary

Leviticus 18:5

Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments
The same as before; these they were to keep in their minds and memories, and to observe them and do them: which if a man do he shall live in them;
live a long life in the land of Canaan, in great happiness and prosperity, see ( Deuteronomy 30:20 ) ( Isaiah 1:19 ) ; for as for eternal life, that was never intended to be had, nor was it possible it could be had and enjoyed by obedience to the law, which fallen man is unable to keep; but is what was graciously promised and provided the covenant of grace, before the world was, to come through Christ, as a free gift to all that believe in him, see ( Galatians 3:11 Galatians 3:12 Galatians 3:21 ) ; though some Jewish writers interpret this of eternal life, as Jarchi, Aben Ezra, and Ben Gersom: I [am] the Lord;
that has enjoined these statutes and judgments, and promised life to the doers of them, able and faithful to perform what is promised.

Leviticus 18:5 In-Context

3 Do not follow the practices of the people of Egypt, where you once lived, or of the people in the land of Canaan, where I am now taking you.
4 Obey my laws and do what I command. I am the Lord your God.
5 Follow the practices and the laws that I give you; you will save your life by doing so. I am the Lord."
6 The Lord gave the following regulations. Do not have sexual intercourse with any of your relatives.
7 Do not disgrace your father by having intercourse with your mother. You must not disgrace your own mother.

Cross References 1

  • 1. 18.5Nehemiah 9.29;Ezekiel 18.9; 20.11-13;Luke 10.28;Romans 10.5;Galatians 3.12.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.