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Leviticus 18:30 - Avoid defiling ancient abominations.

Leviticus 18:30 - ויקרא 18:30

Hebrew Text

וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם אֶת־מִשְׁמַרְתִּי לְבִלְתִּי עֲשׂוֹת מֵחֻקּוֹת הַתּוֹעֵבֹת אֲשֶׁר נַעֲשׂוּ לִפְנֵיכֶם וְלֹא תִטַּמְּאוּ בָּהֶם אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם׃

English Translation

Therefore shall you keep my ordinance, that you commit not any one of these abominable customs, which were practised before you, and that you defile not yourselves in them: I am the Lord your God.

Transliteration

Ushmartem et-mishmarti levilti asot mechukot hato'evot asher na'asu lifneichem velo titam'u bahem ani Adonai Eloheichem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֣ם אֶת־מִשְׁמַרְתִּ֗י לְבִלְתִּ֨י עֲשׂ֜וֹת מֵחֻקּ֤וֹת הַתּֽוֹעֵבֹת֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר נַעֲשׂ֣וּ לִפְנֵיכֶ֔ם וְלֹ֥א תִֽטַּמְּא֖וּ בָּהֶ֑ם אֲנִ֖י יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֣ם אֶת־מִשְׁמַרְתִּ֗י לְבִלְתִּ֨י עֲשׂ֜וֹת מֵחֻקּ֤וֹת הַתּֽוֹעֵבֹת֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר נַעֲשׂ֣וּ לִפְנֵיכֶ֔ם וְלֹ֥א תִֽטַּמְּא֖וּ בָּהֶ֑ם אֲנִ֖י יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם׃ {פ}

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Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Prohibition

The verse (Vayikra 18:30) commands Bnei Yisrael to uphold Hashem's ordinances and avoid the abominable practices of the nations that preceded them in Eretz Canaan. Rashi explains that "מִשְׁמַרְתִּי" (My ordinance) refers to the mitzvot that serve as safeguards ("mishmeret") to prevent transgression, particularly in matters of forbidden relationships (arayot) which are the primary focus of this perek. The term "תּוֹעֵבֹת" (abominations) emphasizes the severe spiritual impurity associated with these acts.

The Severity of Imitating Former Nations

Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 11:1) derives from this verse that imitating the practices of the Canaanite nations is prohibited even when not explicitly mentioned in the Torah, as their customs were steeped in idolatry and immorality. The Sifra (Kedoshim 9:12) adds that the phrase "אֲשֶׁר נַעֲשׂוּ לִפְנֵיכֶם" (which were done before you) implies these practices were not merely historical but actively influenced those who encountered them, requiring extra vigilance.

The Concluding Declaration

The verse concludes with "אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם" (I am Hashem your God), which the Kli Yakar explains serves two purposes:

  • As a reminder that Hashem observes all actions and will hold individuals accountable for defiling themselves with these abominations.
  • As an assurance that adhering to these laws maintains the unique covenant relationship between Hashem and Klal Yisrael.

Practical Implications

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 188) elaborates that this mitzvah extends beyond the specific arayot listed earlier in the perek to include any immoral custom that resembles the ways of the ancient idolaters. The Chatam Sofer emphasizes that the phrase "וְלֹא תִטַּמְּאוּ בָּהֶם" (and that you defile not yourselves in them) teaches that even passive exposure to such environments can cause spiritual contamination, requiring physical and social distancing from corrupt influences.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yevamot 20a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the prohibition of following the abominable practices of the nations that preceded the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of maintaining distinct Jewish practices and avoiding assimilation.
📖 Sanhedrin 60b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the severity of adopting foreign customs and the importance of adhering to God's commandments to avoid spiritual defilement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 18:30 mean?
A: Leviticus 18:30 commands the Jewish people to follow Hashem's laws and avoid the immoral practices of the nations that lived in the land before them. Rashi explains that this verse emphasizes not adopting the corrupt behaviors of the previous inhabitants, as these actions defile a person spiritually. The conclusion 'I am the Lord your God' reinforces that these commandments come from divine authority.
Q: Why is Leviticus 18:30 important?
A: This verse is important because it establishes a key principle in Judaism: maintaining moral and spiritual purity by rejecting negative influences from surrounding cultures. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that distancing oneself from immoral practices helps preserve the sanctity of the Jewish people and their covenant with Hashem.
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 18:30 today?
A: We learn the importance of upholding Torah values and resisting societal pressures that contradict Jewish law. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 52b) discusses how avoiding 'abominable customs' protects the soul. Today, this teaches us to carefully evaluate modern trends and ensure they align with halacha (Jewish law) and ethical conduct.
Q: How does 'I am the Lord your God' relate to the commandments in this verse?
A: The phrase 'I am the Lord your God' reminds us that these laws are not arbitrary—they come from Hashem, who chose the Jewish people and gave them the Torah. Sforno explains that this declaration reinforces our obligation to follow these commandments out of loyalty to our divine relationship, not just as moral guidelines.
Q: What are examples of 'abominable customs' that this verse warns against?
A: The previous verses in Leviticus 18 list forbidden relationships and idolatrous practices common among ancient nations. Rashi and Ibn Ezra clarify that these include immoral acts like incest, adultery, and child sacrifice. The Torah prohibits them to maintain holiness and distinguish Jewish conduct from pagan behavior.