Then the LORD said to Moses,This phrase introduces a direct communication from God to Moses, a common occurrence in the Pentateuch, highlighting Moses' role as a mediator between God and the Israelites. The use of "LORD" in all caps signifies the translation of the Tetragrammaton, YHWH, the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. This divine communication underscores the authority and sacredness of the instructions that follow. Moses, as a central figure in the Exodus narrative, is often seen as a type of Christ, serving as a deliverer and lawgiver. This connection is reinforced in the New Testament, where Jesus is portrayed as the ultimate fulfillment of the law and the prophets (
Matthew 5:17). The historical context of this communication is during the Israelites' journey in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt, a period marked by the establishment of laws and guidelines to shape the identity and holiness of the nation.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who is holy and calls His people to holiness. He is the ultimate authority and source of the laws given to Israel.
2.
MosesThe prophet and leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His laws and commandments to the people. Moses acts as a mediator between God and Israel.
3.
IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who are the recipients of the laws and commandments given through Moses. They are called to live in a way that reflects God's holiness.
4.
Mount SinaiAlthough not mentioned directly in this verse, it is the place where God gave the Law to Moses. It represents the divine-human encounter and the giving of the covenant.
5.
Holiness CodeLeviticus 19 is part of what is often referred to as the Holiness Code, a section of Leviticus that emphasizes the need for Israel to be holy as God is holy.
Teaching Points
God's AuthorityRecognize that the laws and commandments come from God Himself, who has the ultimate authority over our lives. We are called to submit to His will.
Call to HolinessUnderstand that holiness is not just a set of rules but a way of life that reflects God's character. We are to be set apart for His purposes.
Mediation and LeadershipAppreciate the role of leaders like Moses who communicate God's will to His people. In the New Testament, Jesus is our ultimate mediator.
Continuity of ScriptureSee the connection between the Old and New Testaments in the call to holiness. God's standards remain consistent throughout the Bible.
Practical HolinessConsider how the principles of holiness apply to our daily lives, influencing our actions, thoughts, and relationships.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Leviticus 19:1?
2.How does Leviticus 19:1 emphasize God's holiness in our daily lives?
3.What does "Be holy, because I am holy" mean for personal conduct today?
4.How can we apply Leviticus 19:1 in our interactions with others?
5.How does Leviticus 19:1 connect with 1 Peter 1:16 on holiness?
6.In what ways can we reflect God's holiness in our community involvement?
7.What is the significance of God speaking directly to Moses in Leviticus 19:1?
8.How does Leviticus 19:1 establish the authority of the laws that follow?
9.Why is holiness emphasized in the context of Leviticus 19:1?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 19?
11.What is the Bible's view on poverty?
12.What does the Bible instruct about obeying parents?
13.Who is the author of Leviticus?
14.What are the main themes of the Bible's books?What Does Leviticus 19:1 Mean
Then- The word opens a fresh instruction that flows directly from the holiness themes inLeviticus 18. God is not changing subjects; He is deepening the call.
•Leviticus 18:30 had just warned, “Therefore you are to keep My charge… I am the LORD your God”. The “Then” shows continuity: the moral purity just commanded now expands into every corner of daily life.
• Throughout Scripture, “then” often marks God’s timely intervention—Exodus 19:1–3 shows Israel arriving at Sinai, “Then Moses went up to God,” signaling a pivotal moment of revelation.
- Practical takeaway: God’s word is never random. He speaks into real history and real circumstances, guiding His people step by step.
the LORD- The covenant name (YHWH) reminds Israel who is speaking—the self-existent, unchanging God.
•Exodus 3:14–15: “I AM WHO I AM… This is My name forever”. The same voice that burned in the bush now shapes everyday ethics.
•Malachi 3:6: “For I, the LORD, do not change,” anchoring every command in His constant character.
- Because the LORD is holy (Leviticus 19:2) and truthful (Numbers 23:19), His authority gives weight to every instruction that follows.
said- God communicates. He is not silent or vague; He speaks clearly so His people can obey.
•Genesis 1:3: “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” Creation itself began with His spoken word.
•Deuteronomy 8:3 stresses that “man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD”.
•Isaiah 55:11 promises, “So My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty,” underscoring its power and certainty.
- For believers today,Hebrews 1:1–2 notes that God “spoke to our fathers through the prophets” and now speaks “through His Son,” showing a consistent pattern of divine revelation.
to Moses- Moses stands as the appointed mediator, receiving words meant for the entire community.
•Numbers 12:7–8 affirms, “With him I speak face to face, clearly and not in riddles,” highlighting Moses’ unique role.
•Exodus 34:29 records that Moses’ face shone after meeting the LORD, a visible sign that the message truly came from God.
•Deuteronomy 34:10 concludes, “No prophet has arisen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face,” confirming his authority.
- Moses’ mediation foreshadows the greater Mediator, Jesus Christ (John 1:17), through whom grace and truth ultimately come.
summaryLeviticus 19:1 may seem like a simple narrative bridge, yet every word carries depth:
• “Then” roots the coming commands in a continuing story of holiness.
• “the LORD” asserts the unchanging, covenant-keeping God as the speaker.
• “said” highlights God’s deliberate, life-giving communication.
• “to Moses” spotlights the ordained channel through whom the divine will reaches the people.
Together, the verse sets a solemn stage: what follows is not human opinion but the direct, authoritative, and caring instruction of the living God, calling His people to reflect His own character in every aspect of life.
XIX.
(1)And the Lord spake unto Moses.--The prohibitions in the preceding chapter, which are designed to regulate the moral conduct of relations and connections towards each other in their family circles, are now followed by precepts which affect the Israelite's life in all its bearings, both towards God and man. Hence the authorities during the second Temple regarded it as "embodying the Decalogue," for which reason, as well as for the fact that "it contains the sum and substance of the precepts of the Law, it is read in public." The precepts in this chapter are divided into sixteen groups, eight of which end with the emphatic reiteration, "I am the Lord your God" (Leviticus 19:2-4;Leviticus 19:10;Leviticus 19:25;Leviticus 19:31;Leviticus 19:34;Leviticus 19:36), and eight with the shorter formula, "I am the Lord" (Leviticus 19:12;Leviticus 19:14;Leviticus 19:16;Leviticus 19:18;Leviticus 19:28;Leviticus 19:30;Leviticus 19:32;Leviticus 19:37). . . . From the prohibition of moral uncleanness exhibiting itself in the form of incest and licentiousness, the legislator proceeds to a series of laws and commandments against other kinds of immorality, inculcating piety, righteousness, and kindness. Chapter 19 may be regarded as an extension of the previous chapter in this direction, after which the subject of chapter 18, is again taken up in chapter 20. The precepts now given are not arranged systematically, though, as Keil has remarked, "while grouped together rather according to a loose association of ideas than according to any logical arrangement, they are all linked together by the common purpose expressed in the words,Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy.' " They begin by inculcating (in verses 3, 4) duties which fall under the heads of
(1) the fifth commandment of the Decalogue,
(2) the fourth,
(3) the first, . . .
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Then the LORDיְהוָ֖ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelsaidוַיְדַבֵּ֥ר(way·ḏab·bêr)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1696:To arrange, to speak, to subduetoאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, toMoses,מֹשֶׁ֥ה(mō·šeh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872:Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver
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OT Law: Leviticus 19:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses saying (Le Lv Lev.) 
