Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.

LEVITICUS 19:2KJV
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Leviticus 19:2 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 19:2 mean?

Leviticus 19:2 commands the people of Israel to be holy because God Himself is holy. God tells Moses to speak to the entire community, making it clear that this call to holiness is for everyone, not just leaders or priests.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses, instructing him to address all the Israelites gathered together. The setting is the giving of laws that shape the daily life and identity of Israel as God’s people. The verse sets the tone for the whole chapter, grounding every command that follows in God’s own character—His holiness is the reason for their distinct way of living.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 19:2

  • The word “holy” is קָדוֹשׁ (qadosh), which means set apart or distinct. God’s holiness is the standard for the people’s behavior, not just ritual purity but a way of life that reflects God’s own character.
  • The word “congregation” is עֵדָה (edah), which refers to the whole assembly or community. This shows that the command is not limited to a select group but is meant for every member of Israel.
  • The word “LORD” is יְהוָה (YHWH, often pronounced Yahweh), the personal name of God. This emphasizes that the command comes directly from the God who has a unique relationship with Israel.

Why Leviticus 19:2 matters

  • Leviticus 19:2 makes it clear that holiness is not just for priests or religious leaders but for every person in the community, setting a high standard for all.
  • The verse connects every law in the chapter to God’s own nature, showing that the way Israel lives is meant to reflect who God is, not just follow arbitrary rules.
  • By grounding the call to holiness in God’s character, Leviticus 19:2 explains why the following commands matter and why Israel is called to be different from the surrounding nations.

Where else these words appear

“holy” Hebrew H6918 · used in 106 verses

  • Exodus 19:6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
  • 2 Chronicles 35:3 And said unto the Levites that taught all Israel, which were holy unto the LORD, Put the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David king of Israel did build; it shall not be a burden upon your shoulders: serve now the LORD your God, and his people Israel,
  • Isaiah 29:19 The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.

“congregation” Hebrew H5712 · used in 140 verses

  • Exodus 12:3 Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house:
  • Numbers 15:25 And the priest shall make an atonement for all the congregation of the children of Israel, and it shall be forgiven them; for it is ignorance: and they shall bring their offering, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD, and their sin offering before the LORD, for their ignorance:
  • Numbers 31:16 Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.