Leviticus 22:31 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 22:31 mean?

Leviticus 22:31 is a direct instruction from God, telling the Israelites to carefully obey His commandments because He is the LORD. The verse emphasizes both keeping and actively doing what God has commanded, grounding this obedience in God's own authority.

In this verse, God is speaking to the people of Israel through Moses, during a section where He is giving detailed laws about worship and holiness, especially for priests. The instruction comes after a series of specific rules, serving as a summary reminder that these commands are not optional—they are to be respected and followed because they come from the LORD Himself.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 22:31

• "keep" (שָׁמַר, shamar): This word often means to guard, watch over, or pay careful attention to. Here, it suggests not just casual obedience but an active, attentive approach to God's commandments.
• "commandments" (מִצְוָה, mitsvah): This term refers to specific instructions or orders given by God. It highlights that these are not general suggestions but concrete rules to live by.
• "do" (עָשָׂה, asah): This verb means to do, make, or carry out. It stresses that God's commands are meant to be put into practice, not just remembered or respected in theory.
• "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, often translated as "the LORD." Its use here underlines the authority and relationship behind the commandments.

Why Leviticus 22:31 matters

• Leviticus 22:31 clarifies that God's commandments are meant to be both guarded and actively carried out, not just known or respected from a distance.
• The verse connects the act of obedience directly to God's identity as the LORD, showing that the reason for following these laws is rooted in who God is.
• This verse serves as a transition and summary in the passage, reminding the Israelites that all the detailed instructions given are unified by a single purpose: honoring God through faithful obedience.