Leviticus 20:7
Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the Lord your God.
Leviticus 20:7 (KJV)
Context
Leviticus records the laws God gave to Israel after they left Egypt. Leviticus 20 gathers commands against idolatry and sexual immorality, with severe consequences for those who break them. This verse stands as a summary call within that chapter. The surrounding nations worshipped many gods and followed impure practices. Israel was to live differently because they belonged to the Lord.
Meaning
The word “sanctify” means to set apart or consecrate for a sacred purpose. Here God commands His people to sanctify themselves, so the action is active. They were to cleanse themselves spiritually and morally, purifying their hearts, minds, and bodies. The command to be holy comes from God’s own character. He is holy, meaning set apart and morally perfect. By calling Israel to be holy, God invited them to reflect His nature and obey His standards.
The verse ends with the reason: “for I am the LORD your God.” This points to the covenant relationship. God is their divine King, and they are His chosen people. His authority over their lives makes obedience and devotion necessary. The immediate next verse, Leviticus 20:8, adds that the Lord is the one who sanctifies His people. This shows both human responsibility and divine enablement working together.
Sanctification is a process of purification and dedication, not a single moment.
Holiness means living in a way that is distinct from the world and pleasing to God.
God’s ownership of His people reinforces the call to obey Him completely.
Biblical connections
This call to holiness echoes Leviticus 19:2, where God says, “Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.” The same principle continues in the New Testament. In 1 Peter 1:15-16, the apostle Peter writes, “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” This shows that the command is not only for ancient Israel but also for all who follow God through Christ.
Application
For believers today, this verse is a call to pursue holiness actively. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we are set apart from the values and practices of the world. This does not mean withdrawing from daily life, but rather living in a way that honors God in every area. Holiness is both a status and a practice. God declares His people holy, and they are to grow in that holiness by relying on His work in them.
Reflection
Consider what areas of life need to be set apart for God. The command to sanctify ourselves reminds us that we have a part to play, yet we depend on God’s power. Because He is the Lord our God, we can trust that He will help us become more like Him. This verse calls us to a life of reverence, purity, and joyful obedience.
