What is the meaning of Leviticus 18:29? Therefore “Therefore” ties this verse to the whole chapter that precedes it. God’s standards for sexual purity in Leviticus 18 are not suggestions; they are divine mandates grounded in His holiness (Leviticus 18:1–5). Because Israel is called to be distinct from the nations (Leviticus 20:26), the Lord concludes, “Therefore…”—a logical outcome of who He is and who they are. Paul echoes this kind of moral logic when he says, “Therefore, come out from among them and be separate” (2 Corinthians 6:17). anyone who commits • The warning applies universally—male or female, leader or layperson (Deuteronomy 17:2–5). • Personal accountability is emphasized; no one can claim ignorance (Romans 2:1–2). • God’s law exposes sin in every heart, demonstrating the need for obedience and, ultimately, redemption (Galatians 3:22–24). any of these abominations • “Abominations” refers to the specific sexual sins listed in Leviticus 18:6–23. • The same word describes idolatry and injustice elsewhere (Deuteronomy 12:31; Proverbs 6:16–19), underscoring how seriously God views all rebellion. • These practices defiled Canaan; Israel is warned not to imitate them (Leviticus 18:24–25; Ephesians 5:3). • In the New Testament, believers are told to “abstain from sexual immorality” (1 Thessalonians 4:3–5), showing continuity of God’s moral expectations. must be cut off • “Cut off” signals severe covenant discipline. At minimum it includes exclusion from community life (Numbers 15:30–31). In some cases it culminates in capital punishment (Leviticus 20:11–13). • The penalty reflects God’s justice and His desire to protect the covenant community from contagion of sin (1 Corinthians 5:6–7). • Church discipline in the New Testament mirrors this principle, aiming for restoration but maintaining purity (Matthew 18:15–17; 1 Corinthians 5:11–13). from among his people • Holiness is communal. Sin affects the entire body (Joshua 7:1; 1 Corinthians 12:26). • Israel’s identity as God’s people demanded clear boundaries (Exodus 19:5–6). • Believers today are likewise called “a chosen people” and must “be holy in all your conduct” (1 Peter 1:15–16; 2:9). • The ultimate separation is eternal: the unrepentant are excluded from the kingdom, while the redeemed enjoy unbroken fellowship with God (Revelation 21:7–8, 27). summary Leviticus 18:29 plainly states that anyone in Israel who practiced the forbidden sexual sins had to be removed from the covenant community. The verse roots this judgment in God’s holiness, applies it to every individual, labels the acts as abominations, prescribes cutting off as the penalty, and safeguards the purity of God’s people. Scripture consistently affirms that God’s moral standards do not change; therefore, His people must pursue holiness, practicing obedience and, where necessary, godly discipline, so that the community reflects His character to the world. |
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