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Leviticus 18:3

After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you, shall ye not do: neither shall ye walk in their ordinances.

Leviticus 18:3 · King James Version

Meaning

This verse from Leviticus 18:3 serves as a reminder to the Israelites to remain faithful to God and His commandments as they journey through the wilderness towards the Promised Land. The Israelites are instructed not to follow the practices of the Egyptians, where they used to live, nor the Canaanites, to whom they are going. The customs and traditions of these nations were morally corrupt and displeasing to God. The Israelites are called to be set apart, holy, and obedient to God's laws. By following the ways of the land they are leaving and the land they are entering, they would be at risk of falling into sin and idolatry. Instead, they are urged to walk in God's ordinances and remain faithful to Him alone. This verse emphasizes the importance of living according to God's standards, even when surrounded by a culture that promotes immorality and idol worship.

Theological Overview

When examining the theological interpretation of this verse, it is essential to understand the context in which it was written. The Israelites were being given specific instructions by God to not follow the practices of the Egyptians, whom they had just left behind, nor the practices of the Canaanites, to whom they were being brought. The verse emphasizes the importance of following God's commandments and not being swayed by the ways of the surrounding cultures.

By studying the words used in this verse, we can delve deeper into its meaning. The word "doings" implies actions or behaviors, suggesting that God is cautioning against adopting the customs and traditions of these foreign lands. The term "ordinances" refers to established laws or rules, indicating that God wants His people to adhere to His own laws and statutes instead of the practices of others. This verse serves as a reminder for believers to uphold their faith and remain faithful to God even amidst the influence of different cultures.

Leviticus 18:3 in other translations

American Standard Version

After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you, shall ye not do; neither shall ye walk in their statutes.

World English Bible

You shall not do as they do in the land of Egypt, where you lived: and you shall not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you; neither shall you walk in their statutes.

Douay-Rheims

You shall not do according to the custom of the land of Egypt, in which you dwelt: neither shall you act according to the manner of the country of Chanaan, into which I will bring you. Nor shall you walk in their ordinances.

Geneva Bible (1599)

After ye doings of the land of Egypt, wherin ye dwelt, shall ye not doe: and after the maner of the land of Canaan, whither I will bring you, shall ye not do, neither walke in their ordinances,