Leviticus 18:5

5 Keep my decrees and laws, for the person who obeys them will live by them. I am the LORD.

Leviticus 18:5 in Other Translations

KJV
5 Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the LORD.
ESV
5 You shall therefore keep my statutes and my rules; if a person does them, he shall live by them: I am the LORD.
NLT
5 If you obey my decrees and my regulations, you will find life through them. I am the LORD .
MSG
5 Keep my decrees and laws: The person who obeys them lives by them. I am God.
CSB
5 Keep My statutes and ordinances; a person will live if he does 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 must not do as they do in Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. Do not follow their practices.
4 You must obey my laws and be careful to follow my decrees. I am the LORD your God.
5 Keep my decrees and laws, for the person who obeys them will live by them. I am the LORD.
6 “ ‘No one is to approach any close relative to have sexual relations. I am the LORD.
7 “ ‘Do not dishonor your father by having sexual relations with your mother. She is your mother; do not have relations with her.

Cross References 2

  • 1. S Genesis 26:5
  • 2. Deuteronomy 4:1; Nehemiah 9:29; Isaiah 55:3; Ezekiel 18:9; Ezekiel 20:11; Amos 5:4-6; Matthew 19:17; S Romans 10:5*; Galatians 3:12*
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