The Church Fathers on this verse

Leviticus 20:7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Sanctify yourselves, and be ye holy: because I am the Lord your God.

Douay-Rheims

וְהִ֨תְקַדִּשְׁתֶּ֔ם וִהְיִיתֶ֖ם קְדֹשִׁ֑ים כִּ֛י אֲנִ֥י יְהוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

Cyrill of Alexandria

5th centuryChurch Father

To begin with, the Lord prohibits the practice of following false prophecies derived from celestial bodies or the spirits of the deceased, indicating that such pursuits are far removed from a life befitting the faithful and are unworthy of those who dedicate themselves to God. Furthermore, He assigns death to the diviners themselves, declaring them guilty and instructing that we should not extend mercy toward individuals who have become so corrupted that they entrap the innocent, leading them to destruction and the depths of despair (Proverbs 9:18). They have transformed into a source of numerous evils.

Read more (138 words)

However, it would be prudent and just to believe that God has established such severe consequences not for those who possess the ability to foresee and share insights about the future, but rather for those who propagate falsehoods. It is not the bearer of truth who faces punishment, but those who spread lies that are condemned. Anyone found engaging in deceptive practices while claiming divine authority dishonors the very essence of truth. By misattributing falsehoods to the divine, they will face consequences commensurate with their guilt and will be led towards ruin. The Word (of God) does not rebuke those who genuinely receive prophetic gifts from Him; rather, it cautions against those who feign such abilities, as their predictions are marred by untruths. Since they lack true inspiration and speak their own ideas, they inevitably fall into error.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.