God’s people are to live separately from the surrounding nations’ sinful ways, embracing holiness out of devotion to Him.
In this passage, the LORD addresses His covenant people of Israel, stating, “Thus you are to be holy to Me, for I the LORD am holy; and I have set you apart from the peoples to be Mine” (v.26). The language of being “set apart” calls to mind the broader Holiness Code within Leviticus, where God details His righteous standards and commands His people to be distinct from immoral practices, including pagan idol worship, child sacrifice, and sexual sins. These instructions were delivered around 1445 BC, when the LORD (the Suzerain) had brought the Israelites out of Egypt and was guiding them through Moses at Mount Sinai.
By emphasizing, “for I the LORD am holy,” the text connects the character of God to the character of His people. In the ancient Near East, surrounding cultures worshiped multiple deities and often practiced extreme acts of immorality. God’s call here, however, places high value on purity—physically, spiritually, and morally. To be “holy” to Him means that every aspect of life is to reflect His righteousness and mercy. Israel, as His vassal nation, is thus to mirror its Suzerain’s holiness by refusing the corrupt customs of neighboring peoples, staying free from idolatry, and following God’s commands to treat one another justly.
At its core, Leviticus 20:26 highlights a deep belonging: “I have set you apart … to be Mine.” This covenant identity underscores God’s commitment to His people, expecting them to forsake all other allegiances. Their obedience would demonstrate His nature among the nations and invite blessing rather than judgment (Leviticus 18-20).
Set to dark mode
Leviticus 20:26 meaning
In this passage, the LORD addresses His covenant people of Israel, stating, “Thus you are to be holy to Me, for I the LORD am holy; and I have set you apart from the peoples to be Mine” (v.26). The language of being “set apart” calls to mind the broader Holiness Code within Leviticus, where God details His righteous standards and commands His people to be distinct from immoral practices, including pagan idol worship, child sacrifice, and sexual sins. These instructions were delivered around 1445 BC, when the LORD (the Suzerain) had brought the Israelites out of Egypt and was guiding them through Moses at Mount Sinai.
By emphasizing, “for I the LORD am holy,” the text connects the character of God to the character of His people. In the ancient Near East, surrounding cultures worshiped multiple deities and often practiced extreme acts of immorality. God’s call here, however, places high value on purity—physically, spiritually, and morally. To be “holy” to Him means that every aspect of life is to reflect His righteousness and mercy. Israel, as His vassal nation, is thus to mirror its Suzerain’s holiness by refusing the corrupt customs of neighboring peoples, staying free from idolatry, and following God’s commands to treat one another justly.
At its core, Leviticus 20:26 highlights a deep belonging: “I have set you apart … to be Mine.” This covenant identity underscores God’s commitment to His people, expecting them to forsake all other allegiances. Their obedience would demonstrate His nature among the nations and invite blessing rather than judgment (Leviticus 18-20).