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Leviticus 18:5

Hebrew Key Terms:

  • H2708 חֻקָּה (chuqqah) - statute, ordinance
  • H4941 מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat) - judgment, ordinance
  • H6213 עָשָׂה (asah) - do, make, perform
  • H2425 חָיָה (chayah) - live, have life

Context: In the midst of laws forbidding pagan sexual practices, God states the principle underlying the Mosaic covenant: "You shall therefore keep my statutes and my rules; if a person does them, he shall live by them." This verse crystallizes the works-principle of the law.

OT-to-OT Development:

  • This principle is foundational to the Mosaic covenant's structure (Deut 30:15-20: obedience = life, disobedience = death)
  • Ezekiel quotes this verse repeatedly (Ezek 20:11, 13, 21) to indict Israel for covenant failure
  • Nehemiah 9:29 uses this verse to summarize Israel's rejection of life through disobedience
  • The "do this and live" principle contrasts with the faith-principle of Gen 15:6 and Hab 2:4

Connections:

Christological Connection: Christ is the only person who perfectly "did" all the law's demands and thus "lived" by them (Matt 5:17; John 8:46; Heb 4:15). His active obedience fulfills the "do this and live" principle on behalf of all who believe. Paul contrasts the law's "do and live" with the gospel's "believe and live" (Rom 10:5-13; Gal 3:11-12). The righteousness of the law, impossible for sinners, is imputed to believers through faith in Christ (Rom 8:3-4; Phil 3:9).

Connection Method(s): Contrast, Redemptive-Historical Progression — The law's "do this and live" principle exposes human inability and stands in contrast with the gospel's "believe and live," while Christ alone fulfilled the law's demands through perfect active obedience on behalf of His people.

Trajectory Table: 164 - Two Covenants (Law and Promise)

Linked Mentions 1
Trajectory Tables 1