Leviticus 20:24 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 20:24 mean?

Leviticus 20:24 records God’s promise to the Israelites that they will inherit and possess a special land, described as “flowing with milk and honey,” because God has set them apart from other nations. This verse highlights both the gift of the land and their unique relationship with God, who distinguishes them from other peoples.

In this verse, God is speaking to the people of Israel through Moses as they journey toward the land of Canaan. The promise of a “land that floweth with milk and honey” paints a picture of abundance and goodness. The statement that God has “separated” Israel from other nations underlines their distinct calling and identity, which is a central theme in Leviticus.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 20:24

• “Inherit” (יָרַשׁ, yarash) and “possess” (יָרַשׁ, yarash): The same Hebrew word is used for both “inherit” and “possess,” emphasizing that Israel’s right to the land is both a gift and a responsibility to take hold of.
• “Land” (אֶרֶץ, erets and אֲדָמָה, adamah): Two Hebrew words for “land” appear in the verse, highlighting both the general territory (erets) and the physical ground or soil (adamah), which can suggest both the promise of territory and the tangible, productive earth.
• “Separated” (בָּדַל, badal): This word means to divide or set apart, stressing that God has intentionally made Israel distinct from other peoples, not just geographically but in purpose and identity.

Why Leviticus 20:24 matters

• This verse clarifies that Israel’s possession of the land is not just about geography but about a special relationship with God, marked by separation from other nations.
• The repeated use of “inherit” and “possess” shows that the land is both a gift from God and something the people must actively receive and live in.
• The description of the land as “flowing with milk and honey” connects this promise to earlier passages in the Torah, reinforcing God’s faithfulness and the goodness of what He provides.