Leviticus

The laws of holiness

Leviticus gathers Israel’s laws on sacrifice, priesthood, purity and festivals. Its central theme is holiness: “ye shall be holy; for I am holy”.

Historical context

Jewish and Christian tradition attributes the first five books of the Bible to Moses. Many scholars think they gathered older traditions and reached their final form around the exile and after it (6th–5th centuries BC).

Explanation

Best-known passages

The sacrifices (ch. 1–7)
The Day of Atonement (ch. 16)
“Love thy neighbour as thyself” (ch. 19)
The feasts of Israel (ch. 23)