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Leviticus 18:26 - Strangers must follow Torah too

Leviticus 18:26 - ויקרא 18:26

Hebrew Text

וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם אַתֶּם אֶת־חֻקֹּתַי וְאֶת־מִשְׁפָּטַי וְלֹא תַעֲשׂוּ מִכֹּל הַתּוֹעֵבֹת הָאֵלֶּה הָאֶזְרָח וְהַגֵּר הַגָּר בְּתוֹכְכֶם׃

English Translation

You shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations; neither any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourns among you:

Transliteration

Ushmartem atem et-chukotai ve'et-mishpatai ve'lo ta'asu mikol hato'evot ha'eleh ha'ezrach ve'hager haggar betochchem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֣ם אַתֶּ֗ם אֶת־חֻקֹּתַי֙ וְאֶת־מִשְׁפָּטַ֔י וְלֹ֣א תַעֲשׂ֔וּ מִכֹּ֥ל הַתּוֹעֵבֹ֖ת הָאֵ֑לֶּה הָֽאֶזְרָ֔ח וְהַגֵּ֖ר הַגָּ֥ר בְּתוֹכְכֶֽם׃
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֣ם אַתֶּ֗ם אֶת־חֻקֹּתַי֙ וְאֶת־מִשְׁפָּטַ֔י וְלֹ֣א תַעֲשׂ֔וּ מִכֹּ֥ל הַתּוֹעֵבֹ֖ת הָאֵ֑לֶּה הָֽאֶזְרָ֔ח וְהַגֵּ֖ר הַגָּ֥ר בְּתוֹכְכֶֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context and Source

The verse (Vayikra 18:26) appears in the section of the Torah detailing forbidden relationships and immoral practices. It emphasizes the universal application of these laws—binding both native Israelites (ezrach) and converts/sojourners (ger) living among them. This reflects the Torah's moral framework as absolute, transcending national or cultural boundaries.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "ושמרתם אתם את חקתי" ("you shall keep My statutes") underscores personal responsibility: the mitzvot are not abstract ideals but require active vigilance (shmirah). He notes that the repetition of "אתם" ("you") stresses that even if others transgress, individuals must uphold the commandments. Regarding "האזרח והגר", Rashi clarifies that the ger here refers to a ger toshav (resident alien) who accepts the Noahide laws, highlighting that basic moral standards apply universally.

Rambam's Perspective

In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Issurei Biah 14:7–8), Rambam derives from this verse that all humanity is prohibited from immoral relationships. He rules that a ger toshav must formally accept these laws before dwelling in Israel, demonstrating that ethical monotheism is a precondition for communal coexistence. The phrase "ולא תעשו מכל התועבות" ("do not commit any abominations") reinforces that these acts are inherently corrupt, not merely culturally forbidden.

Midrashic Insight

The Sifra (Kedoshim 9:3) links this verse to the broader principle of kedushah (holiness): by avoiding these abominations, the Jewish people and those among them sanctify themselves and the land. The Midrash emphasizes that moral boundaries are foundational to Israel's covenant with Hashem, and their violation (to’eivot) jeopardizes the entire community's spiritual integrity.

Halachic Implications

  • Universal Morality: The inclusion of ger teaches that certain Torah laws (e.g., sexual ethics) apply to all humanity, as codified in the Noahide laws (Sanhedrin 56a).
  • Communal Responsibility: The plural language ("ושמרתם אתם") implies collective accountability to uphold standards, as later discussed in tractate Shavuot (39a) regarding arevut (mutual responsibility).
  • Land and Morality: The Kli Yakar notes that the verse’s placement in Kedoshim ties moral purity to the land’s holiness—transgressions risk exile (Vayikra 18:28).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yevamot 47b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the laws concerning converts and the obligations they must undertake, emphasizing the universal application of certain commandments to both native Israelites and strangers living among them.
📖 Sanhedrin 56b
This verse is cited in the context of the Noahide laws, discussing the obligations of non-Jews and the broader ethical and legal framework that applies to all humanity, including the prohibition of abominations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 18:26 mean?
A: Leviticus 18:26 commands the Jewish people to observe G-d's statutes (חוקים) and judgments (משפטים) and to avoid committing the forbidden acts listed earlier in the chapter. This applies both to native-born Jews and to converts or strangers living among them. Rashi explains that this verse emphasizes that these laws are binding on all who join the Jewish community.
Q: Why is Leviticus 18:26 important?
A: This verse is important because it establishes that Torah laws are universal obligations for all members of the Jewish community, whether born Jewish or converted. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches in Mishneh Torah that these commandments help maintain moral boundaries and sanctity within the nation.
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 18:26 today?
A: We learn that Torah observance is required of all Jews equally, and that we must create inclusive communities where both native-born Jews and converts are equally obligated in mitzvot. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 58b) derives from this verse the importance of treating converts with respect and care.
Q: What are 'statutes and judgments' in Leviticus 18:26?
A: The 'statutes' (חוקים) refer to mitzvot whose reasons aren't easily understood, while 'judgments' (משפטים) are logical laws like ethical behavior and civil justice. Rashi explains that both types of commandments must be observed equally, even when we don't understand their reasons.
Q: How does Leviticus 18:26 apply to converts?
A: The verse explicitly includes 'the stranger that sojourns among you,' teaching that converts (גרים) are fully bound by Torah law. The Midrash (Sifra) states that this shows converts are beloved by G-d and equal in obligations. The Talmud (Yevamot 47b) discusses how this principle guides conversion procedures.