Leviticus 18:5

5 You shall keep my statutes and my ordinances; by doing so one shall live: I am the Lord.

Leviticus 18:5 Meaning and Commentary

Leviticus 18:5

Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments
The same as before; these they were to keep in their minds and memories, and to observe them and do them: which if a man do he shall live in them;
live a long life in the land of Canaan, in great happiness and prosperity, see ( Deuteronomy 30:20 ) ( Isaiah 1:19 ) ; for as for eternal life, that was never intended to be had, nor was it possible it could be had and enjoyed by obedience to the law, which fallen man is unable to keep; but is what was graciously promised and provided the covenant of grace, before the world was, to come through Christ, as a free gift to all that believe in him, see ( Galatians 3:11 Galatians 3:12 Galatians 3:21 ) ; though some Jewish writers interpret this of eternal life, as Jarchi, Aben Ezra, and Ben Gersom: I [am] the Lord;
that has enjoined these statutes and judgments, and promised life to the doers of them, able and faithful to perform what is promised.

Leviticus 18:5 In-Context

3 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, to which I am bringing you. You shall not follow their statutes.
4 My ordinances you shall observe and my statutes you shall keep, following them: I am the Lord your God.
5 You shall keep my statutes and my ordinances; by doing so one shall live: I am the Lord.
6 None of you shall approach anyone near of kin to uncover nakedness: I am the Lord.
7 You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father, which is the nakedness of your mother; she is your mother, you shall not uncover her nakedness.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.