Leviticus 19:16
What does Leviticus 19:16 mean?
A plain-English look at Leviticus 19:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Leviticus 19:16 means
This verse strongly condemns slander, likening it to a restless, pervasive movement (“go up and down”) that damages another's reputation and standing. The prohibition against “standing against the life of your neighbor” extends beyond mere verbal assault to actions that could threaten or undermine their very existence or well-being. It implies that destructive speech and adversarial actions are not merely social infractions but offenses against the sanctity of life and community, ultimately rooted in a disregard for God's authority.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbor: I am Jehovah.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the Lord.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbor: I am Jehovah.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Do not go about saying untrue things among your people, or take away the life of your neighbour by false witness: I am the Lord.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Thou dost not go slandering among thy people; thou dost not stand against the blood of thy neighbour; I <FI>am<Fi> Jehovah.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Thou shalt not be a detractor nor a whisperer among the people. Thou shalt not stand against the blood of thy neighbour. I am the Lord.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Thou shalt not go about as a talebearer among thy people; thou shalt not stand up against the life of thy neighbour: I am Jehovah.
Context
Leviticus 19 is a foundational chapter in the Holiness Code, where Yahweh (the Lord) is speaking directly to Moses, who then relays these commands to the Israelites. This verse is nestled between laws concerning fair treatment, honesty, and justice within the community. It immediately follows injunctions against theft, deceit, and false witness, and is followed by commands regarding love for one's neighbor and impartiality in judgment. This placement emphasizes the interconnectedness of truthfulness, respectful speech, and the overall pursuit of holiness in all social interactions.
v.15Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty; but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbor.
v.16This passage
v.17Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart: thou shalt surely rebuke thy neighbor, and not bear sin because of him.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Jeremiah 9:4
Take ye heed every one of his neighbor, and trust ye not in any brother; for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbor will go about with slanders.
- Exodus 23:1
Thou shalt not take up a false report: put not thy hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.
- Proverbs 11:13
He that goeth about as a tale-bearer revealeth secrets; But he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth a matter.
- Ezekiel 22:9
Slanderous men have been in thee to shed blood; and in thee they have eaten upon the mountains: in the midst of thee they have committed lewdness.
- Psalms 15:3
He that slandereth not with his tongue, Nor doeth evil to his friend, Nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor;
- Exodus 23:7
Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.
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