Literally, “separated.” The same Hebrew word appears in Gen. 1:4, 6, 7,14; Ex. 26:33; Isa. 59:2; etc. It is translated in Lev. 20:24 as “separated,” and in v. 25 as “put difference.” Israel was to be distinct from all other nations, not only in their form of worship, but in their ideals, objectives, social and recreational life, diet, and dress. God “severed” His people from all others, not simply to make them different from all others, but that they might represent in their every habit of life His own perfection of character. Thus even the heathen nations would come to recognize the superiority of the laws of God (Deut. 4:6-9).