Old Testament
Leviticus 18:28
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Leviticus 18:28, God warns the Israelites about the consequences of immoral behavior and practices that defile the land.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
If you defile the land, it will vomit you out just as it vomited out the nations that came before you.
That the land spue not you out also, when ye defile it, as it spued out the nations that were before you.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 18:28, God warns the Israelites about the consequences of immoral behavior and practices that defile the land. The verse uses the metaphor of the land 'vomiting' out its inhabitants to illustrate how serious the consequences can be. Just as the land expelled previous nations for their sinful actions, the Israelites are reminded that they too will face similar repercussions if they engage in the same immoral acts. This serves as a strong warning to maintain holiness and righteousness, emphasizing that the land is sacred and should not be polluted by sinful behavior. The verse highlights the connection between the moral conduct of a people and the health of their land, suggesting that ethical living is essential for both spiritual and physical well-being.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Leviticus 18:28 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our actions and their impact on our environment and community. Just as the Israelites were warned, we should strive to live righteously and avoid behaviors that could harm our surroundings or lead to negative consequences. Maintaining integrity is vital.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Leviticus 18:28 mean in simple terms?
Leviticus 18:28 warns the Israelites that if they engage in immoral behaviors that defile the land, they will face severe consequences, similar to those experienced by previous nations. The metaphor of the land 'vomiting' its inhabitants illustrates the seriousness of their actions and emphasizes the need for holiness and righteousness to maintain a healthy relationship with God and the land.
How does this verse relate to modern life?
This verse serves as a reminder for us to consider how our actions affect our environment and community. Just as the Israelites were cautioned against immoral behavior, we too should strive to live ethically and responsibly. By maintaining integrity and making choices that promote the well-being of our surroundings, we can avoid negative consequences and contribute positively to our communities.
What are the consequences mentioned in Leviticus 18:28?
The consequences mentioned in Leviticus 18:28 refer to the land expelling its inhabitants due to their sinful actions. This serves as a warning that engaging in immoral behavior can lead to divine judgment and the loss of one's place in the land. It highlights the importance of living righteously to avoid such repercussions, both spiritually and physically.
Why is the land described as sacred in this verse?
In Leviticus 18:28, the land is described as sacred because it is a gift from God to the Israelites, meant to be a place of holiness and divine presence. The verse emphasizes that the moral conduct of the people directly affects the sanctity of the land. By defiling the land through sinful actions, they risk losing this sacred space, reinforcing the idea that ethical living is essential for both spiritual and physical well-being.

The Book of Leviticus
Leviticus 1: The Burnt Offering
The LORD calls to Moses from the tabernacle and gives instructions for the burnt offering. A man who brings a burnt offering from the herd presents a male without blemish at the door of the tabernacle. He lays his hand on the head of the offering, kills it, and Aaron's sons the priests sprinkle the blood around the altar. The animal is flayed and cut into pieces, and the whole is burned on the altar as a sweet savor to the LORD.
Unlock the full Leviticus summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Leviticus — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 27 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Leviticus summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.