Leviticus 18:5

5 1You shall therefore keep my statutes and my rules; 2if a person does them, he shall live by them: I am the LORD.

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 You shall not do as they do in the land of Egypt, where you lived, and you shall not do as they do in the land of Canaan, to which I am bringing you. You shall not walk in their statutes.
4 You shall follow my rules and keep my statutes and walk in them. I am the LORD your God.
5 You shall therefore keep my statutes and my rules; if a person does them, he shall live by them: I am the LORD.
6 "None of you shall approach any one of his close relatives to uncover nakedness. I am the LORD.
7 You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father, which is the nakedness of your mother; she is your mother, you shall not uncover her nakedness.

Cross References 2

  • 1. [See ver. 4 above]
  • 2. Ezek. 20:11, 13, 21; Cited Romans 10:5; Galatians 3:12; [Luke 10:28]
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.