You are to keep My commandments
This phrase emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's laws, which were given to the Israelites through Moses. The commandments refer to the entire body of laws and instructions found in the Torah, particularly those in Leviticus, which focus on holiness and purity. The call to keep the commandments is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, highlighting the covenant relationship between God and His people. In Deuteronomy 6:17, the Israelites are similarly instructed to diligently keep the commandments. This obedience is not merely external but involves a heart commitment, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:5, which commands love for God with all one's heart, soul, and strength.

and practice them.
The phrase "practice them" underscores the necessity of not just knowing God's commandments but actively living them out. This involves a daily commitment to align one's actions with God's will. The Hebrew concept of "practice" implies a continuous, habitual action, suggesting that obedience is a lifestyle rather than a one-time event. James 1:22 in the New Testament echoes this sentiment, urging believers to be doers of the word and not hearers only. The practice of God's commandments was meant to set Israel apart from other nations, serving as a witness to God's holiness and righteousness.

I am the LORD.
This declaration serves as a divine signature, affirming God's authority and the reason for obedience. The use of "LORD" in all capitals indicates the translation of the Hebrew name Yahweh, the covenant name of God. This phrase is a reminder of God's identity and His relationship with Israel, as seen in Exodus 3:14-15, where God reveals Himself to Moses as "I AM WHO I AM." The statement "I am the LORD" is frequently used in Leviticus to reinforce the divine origin of the laws and to remind the Israelites of their unique relationship with God. It also points to God's unchanging nature and His faithfulness to His promises, which is a foundation for trust and obedience.

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who commands His people to live according to His statutes.

2. Moses
The prophet and leader through whom God delivered the laws to the Israelites.

3. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are called to live in holiness and obedience to God's commandments.

4. The Tabernacle
The place of worship where the Israelites were to bring their offerings and where the priests served.

5. Priests
The descendants of Aaron, responsible for maintaining the holiness of the Tabernacle and the proper conduct of worship.Obedience as Worship
Obedience to God's commandments is an act of worship. Just as the Israelites were called to keep and practice God's laws, Christians today are called to live out their faith through obedience to God's Word.

Holiness in Daily Life
The call to holiness is not limited to religious rituals but extends to every aspect of life. Believers are to reflect God's holiness in their actions, decisions, and interactions with others.

The Authority of God
Recognizing God as the LORD emphasizes His authority over our lives. Our obedience is a response to His sovereignty and lordship.

Consistency in Faith
Practicing God's commandments requires consistency and intentionality. It is not enough to know God's laws; we must actively live them out.

The Role of Community
Just as the Israelites were a community called to uphold God's laws together, the church today is a community that supports and encourages one another in obedience and holiness.1. What is the meaning of Leviticus 22:31?

2. How does Leviticus 22:31 emphasize the importance of obeying God's commandments today?

3. What does "keep My commandments and practice them" reveal about God's expectations for us?

4. How can we apply the principles of Leviticus 22:31 in our daily lives?

5. In what ways does Leviticus 22:31 connect with Jesus' teachings on obedience?

6. How does Leviticus 22:31 encourage us to honor God's holiness in our actions?

7. What does Leviticus 22:31 reveal about the nature of divine commandments?

8. How does Leviticus 22:31 emphasize the importance of obedience in faith?

9. Why is the phrase "keep My commandments" significant in Leviticus 22:31?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 22?

11. How should we live according to God's commandments?

12. Did God command human sacrifice? (Genesis 22:2 vs. Deuteronomy 12:31)

13. How does Genesis 22 align with later scriptures condemning human sacrifice (e.g., Deuteronomy 12:31)?

14. What is loving your neighbor as yourself?You are to keep My commandments

• The verse opens with personal responsibility: “You are to keep.” God addresses each person directly, signaling that obedience is never optional or delegated (cf. Deuteronomy 30:16, “If you obey the commandments of the LORD your God… then you will live and multiply”).

• “My commandments” reminds us that the standards come from the Lord Himself, not culture or tradition (see Matthew 15:9).

• Jesus echoes the same heartbeat: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Obedience is love expressed in action.

• John later affirms, “For this is the love of God: to keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). The call is doable because God also supplies grace.

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and practice them

• Keeping commandments involves more than intellectual assent; it requires day-to-day application. James 1:22 counsels, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.”

• Jesus’ parable of the wise builder (Matthew 7:24) underscores that the blessing lies in doing: hearing plus acting.

• The phrase recalls Ezekiel 20:19, “Walk in My statutes, keep My judgments, and practice them.” The Lord desires consistent obedience woven into ordinary routines—home, work, worship, relationships.

• Practical outworking looks like:

– speaking truth instead of falsehood (Ephesians 4:25)

– showing mercy and justice (Micah 6:8)

– cultivating holiness in body and spirit (1 Peter 1:15–16).

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I am the LORD

• God supplies the ultimate reason for obedience: who He is. “I am the LORD” (YHWH) grounds every command in His unchanging character (Malachi 3:6).

• The declaration recalls the preface to the Ten Commandments: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt” (Exodus 20:2). Redemption precedes requirement; grace motivates obedience.

• His unique authority means His word is final (Revelation 1:8). We obey not merely for blessing but because the Sovereign, covenant-keeping God has spoken.

• Knowing the Lord personally transforms duty into devotion: “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart” (Deuteronomy 6:5).

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summary

Leviticus 22:31 calls every believer to a life of heartfelt, active obedience grounded in God’s own character. We cherish His commands, put them into daily practice, and do so because He alone is the LORD—our Redeemer, Authority, and ever-faithful God.

(31) Therefore shall ye keep my commandments.--Better, and ye shall keep my commandments. The law about the priests and sacrifices now concludes with an appeal to both the priests and the people to faithfully observe these commandments.

Neither shall ye profane my holy name.--Better, and ye shall not profane. The rendering of the conjunctives, both in the former verse and in this, by "therefore" and "neither," as is done in the Authorised version, is not only unnecessary, but mars the simple and dignified style of the original. For the manner in which God's name is profaned when His commandments are violated, see Leviticus 18:21.

Verses 31-33. - These verses form the conclusion of the Section and of the Part, enjoining obedience to God's commandments, reverence for his Name, and consequent holiness.

Parallel Commentaries ...

You are to keep
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם֙ (ū·šə·mar·tem)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to

My commandments
מִצְוֺתַ֔י (miṣ·wō·ṯay)
Noun - feminine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 4687: Commandment

and practice
וַעֲשִׂיתֶ֖ם (wa·‘ă·śî·ṯem)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 6213: To do, make

them.
אֹתָ֑ם (’ō·ṯām)
Direct object marker | third person masculine plural
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

I
אֲנִ֖י (’ă·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

am the LORD.
יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel


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OT Law: Leviticus 22:31 Therefore you shall keep my commandments (Le Lv Lev.)