Leviticus 20:23 Meaning and Explanation
“And ye shall not walk in the manners of the nation, which I cast out before you: for they committed all these things, and therefore I abhorred them.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Israel must not imitate the nations God dispossessed, who practiced these abominations and were abhorred.
The Context of Leviticus 20:23
God warns Israel not to repeat the practices of the nations He dispossessed.
What Does Leviticus 20:23 Mean?
The preceding laws define practices of the Canaanites and other nations that Israel displaced. These nations' conduct—idolatry, child sacrifice, sexual transgression—provoked God's hatred and resulted in their removal from the land.
Israel's obedience stands in conscious contrast: by keeping God's statutes, they distinguish themselves from practices that defiled the land. The abhorrence (hatred/rejection) experienced by prior nations is the warning and consequence for Israel's own possible failure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 20:23
What does Leviticus 20:23 mean?
Israel must not imitate the nations God dispossessed, who practiced these abominations and were abhorred.
What is the context of Leviticus 20:23?
God warns Israel not to repeat the practices of the nations He dispossessed.