Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the LORD.

LEVITICUS 19:30KJV
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Leviticus 19:30 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 19:30 mean?

Leviticus 19:30 instructs the people to observe God’s sabbaths and to show deep respect for His sanctuary, because He is the LORD. The verse calls for honoring both the set-apart day of rest and the sacred place where God’s presence dwells.

In this verse, God is speaking to the Israelites through Moses as part of a larger section about holy living. The command connects two important practices: keeping the sabbath day and treating the sanctuary with reverence. Both are reminders of God’s authority and presence among His people, woven into their weekly routine and their worship life.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 19:30

  • keep (שָׁמַר, shamar): This word means to guard, watch over, or carefully observe. The idea is not just passive obedience but active attention and care in observing the sabbaths.
  • sabbaths (שַׁבָּתוֹת, shabbatot): This refers to the regular weekly day of rest, but can also include special days of rest in the Jewish calendar. The plural highlights that all sabbath observances are included.
  • reverence (יָרֵא, yare’): This word means to fear, stand in awe, or deeply respect. It suggests a sense of humility and seriousness when approaching God’s sanctuary.
  • sanctuary (מִקְדָּשׁ, miqdash): This is the holy place set apart for God’s presence, at this time the tabernacle, and later the temple. The word emphasizes the sacredness of the space.
  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is God’s personal name, reminding the people that these commands come from the one true God who is in relationship with them.

Why Leviticus 19:30 matters

  • Leviticus 19:30 links the sabbath and the sanctuary, showing that both time and space can be set apart for God, not just one or the other.
  • The verse clarifies that reverence is not just a feeling but is shown through concrete actions: keeping the sabbath and treating the sanctuary with respect.
  • In the context of Leviticus 19, which lists many practical instructions, this verse reminds the people that their daily routines and worship practices are both important ways of honoring God.

Where else these words appear

“sanctuary” Hebrew H4720 · used in 71 verses

  • Exodus 15:17 Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place, O LORD, which thou hast made for thee to dwell in, in the Sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established.
  • Psalms 68:35 O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God.
  • Ezekiel 28:18 Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee.

“sabbaths” Hebrew H7676 · used in 89 verses

  • Exodus 16:23 And he said unto them, This is that which the LORD hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.
  • Leviticus 26:43 The land also shall be left of them, and shall enjoy her sabbaths, while she lieth desolate without them: and they shall accept of the punishment of their iniquity: because, even because they despised my judgments, and because their soul abhorred my statutes.
  • Nehemiah 13:22 And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.