Leviticus 22:17 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 22:17 mean?

Leviticus 22:17 states that the LORD spoke to Moses, introducing a new message or instruction from God to Moses. This verse marks the beginning of a section where God communicates specific guidance to Moses for the people of Israel.

In this setting, the book of Leviticus records God’s instructions to Moses while the Israelites are in the wilderness, focusing on worship and holiness. This verse signals a shift or new topic, preparing the reader for the detailed commands that follow. The verse emphasizes that what comes next is not Moses’ own ideas, but a direct message from God.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 22:17

• LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, highlighting that the instructions come from the covenant God of Israel, not a generic deity.
• spake (דָּבַר, dabar): This word means “to speak” or “to declare,” and often introduces important or formal communication from God, underlining the authority of what follows.
• Moses (מֹשֶׁה, Mosheh): Naming Moses shows that he is the chosen intermediary between God and the people, reminding the reader of his unique role.
• saying (אָמַר, amar): This word is used to introduce the actual content of God’s message, signaling that a direct quotation or instruction is about to begin.

Why Leviticus 22:17 matters

• This verse clarifies that the instructions in the following verses are not human traditions but are presented as direct words from God to Moses.
• It connects this passage to the larger pattern in Leviticus, where God regularly speaks to Moses to guide the people, reinforcing Moses’ role as mediator.
• The verse sets the tone for the seriousness and authority of the commands that follow, helping the reader understand the weight and source of the laws in this section.